Selling a Business in Cook County
Cook County has 134,513 employer businesses, and 85% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here. The largest industries here are professional and technical services and health care and social assistance.
Part of the Chicagoland area.
Areas in Illinois
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Cook County by the numbers
134,513
134,513
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
85%
85%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
578,139
578,139
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
2,492,328
2,492,328
EMPLOYMENT
$207.1 billion
$207.1 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
46,276
46,276
BUSINESSES WITH 5 TO 49 EMPLOYEES
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 and Nonemployer Statistics 2024. Counts are employer establishments, meaning business locations with paid employees.
How Cook County compares
Cook County ranks 1st of 102 Illinois counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.5% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 14% of employer businesses in Cook County, compared with 12% in Illinois.
46,276 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Cook County ranks 1st of 102 Illinois counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.5% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 14% of employer businesses in Cook County, compared with 12% in Illinois.
46,276 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 19,166 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 16,621 employer businesses
Retail: 13,577 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 12,960 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 12,753 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 19,166 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 16,621 employer businesses
Retail: 13,577 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 12,960 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 12,753 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Cook County
Professional and technical services, health care and social assistance, retail, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Cook County
These are the industries in Cook County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Restaurants & Food
12,424 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 4,656 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 4,330 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 1,345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 1,245 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 215 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
11,567 related employer businesses in Cook County.
General Contracting: 4,132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,839 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 1,377 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,377 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 1,241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 1,007 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 624 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 496 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 378 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Foundation & Site Prep: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Carpentry & Framing: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Practices
10,576 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Primary & Family Care: 2,992 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 2,725 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 1,718 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 1,015 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 617 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 417 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 341 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 332 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
8,600 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 2,483 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 2,328 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 2,054 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 1,293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
8,406 related employer businesses in Cook County.
General Freight Trucking: 6,896 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 551 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 283 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Retail Stores
5,690 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 2,174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,356 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 608 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 605 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 420 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 318 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 209 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
3,876 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Auto Repair: 1,845 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 579 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 511 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 472 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 267 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 175 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
3,478 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Metal Fabrication: 901 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 742 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 606 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 381 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
3,366 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 1,028 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 1,027 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 529 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 392 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
2,978 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 999 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 871 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 496 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
2,755 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Hair Salons: 1,535 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 537 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 537 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 537 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 522 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Home Services
2,413 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Property Management: 1,193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 1,044 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,044 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
1,815 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Daycare Centers: 1,633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,473 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Gas Stations: 1,036 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 437 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
1,467 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Home Infusion: 617 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 576 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 576 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
1,288 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Transportation Services: 561 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Hotels: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 251 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,270 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Bars & Pubs: 901 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 901 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Arcades & FECs: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Golf Courses: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
1,049 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 632 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 632 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 632 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 632 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 417 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
646 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 435 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Pet Services
484 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 342 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 342 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Energy & Utilities
362 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Waste Management & Recycling: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
These are the industries in Cook County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Restaurants & Food
12,424 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 4,656 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 4,330 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 1,345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 1,245 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 215 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
11,567 related employer businesses in Cook County.
General Contracting: 4,132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,839 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 1,377 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,377 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 1,241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 1,007 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 624 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 496 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 378 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Foundation & Site Prep: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Carpentry & Framing: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Practices
10,576 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Primary & Family Care: 2,992 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 2,725 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 1,718 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 1,015 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 617 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 417 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 341 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 332 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
8,600 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 2,483 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 2,328 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 2,054 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 1,293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
8,406 related employer businesses in Cook County.
General Freight Trucking: 6,896 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 551 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 283 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Retail Stores
5,690 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 2,174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,356 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 608 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 605 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 420 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 318 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 209 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
3,876 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Auto Repair: 1,845 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 579 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 511 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 472 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 267 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 175 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
3,478 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Metal Fabrication: 901 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 742 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 606 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 381 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
3,366 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 1,028 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 1,027 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 529 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 392 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
2,978 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 999 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 871 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 496 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
2,755 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Hair Salons: 1,535 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 537 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 537 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 537 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 522 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Home Services
2,413 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Property Management: 1,193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 1,044 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,044 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
1,815 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Daycare Centers: 1,633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,473 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Gas Stations: 1,036 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 437 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
1,467 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Home Infusion: 617 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 576 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 576 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
1,288 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Transportation Services: 561 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Hotels: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 251 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,270 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Bars & Pubs: 901 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 901 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Arcades & FECs: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Golf Courses: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
1,049 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 632 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 632 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 632 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 632 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 417 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
646 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 435 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Pet Services
484 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 342 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 342 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Energy & Utilities
362 related employer businesses in Cook County.
Waste Management & Recycling: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Working with owners in Cook County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Cook County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Cook County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Cook County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in Cook County?
Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.
Is the sale confidential?
Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Cook County
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article