Selling a Business in Laclede County
Laclede County has 729 employer businesses, and 86% 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 retail and repair, personal care and other services.
Areas in Missouri
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Laclede County by the numbers
729
729
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
86%
86%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,043
3,043
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
12,972
12,972
EMPLOYMENT
$551 million
$551 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
301
301
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 Laclede County compares
Laclede County ranks 34th of 115 Missouri counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 4.0% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 7% of employer businesses in Laclede County, compared with 4% in Missouri.
301 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Laclede County ranks 34th of 115 Missouri counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 4.0% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 7% of employer businesses in Laclede County, compared with 4% in Missouri.
301 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 152 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 88 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 76 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 66 employer businesses
Construction: 56 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 152 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 88 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 76 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 66 employer businesses
Construction: 56 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Laclede County
Retail, repair, personal care and other services, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Laclede County
These are the industries in Laclede 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
57 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
49 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Insurance Agencies: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Retail Stores
46 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
44 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Plumbing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
General Contracting: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
39 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Auto Repair: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
34 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
General Freight Trucking: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
32 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Primary & Family Care: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
29 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
27 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Gas Stations: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
11 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
9 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Home Infusion: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
6 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Daycare Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
6 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Hotels: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
5 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Wholesale & Distribution
5 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
4 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Hair Salons: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Health & Fitness
3 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
These are the industries in Laclede 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
57 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
49 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Insurance Agencies: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Retail Stores
46 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
44 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Plumbing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
General Contracting: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
39 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Auto Repair: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
34 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
General Freight Trucking: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
32 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Primary & Family Care: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
29 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
27 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Gas Stations: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
11 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
9 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Home Infusion: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
6 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Daycare Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
6 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Hotels: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
5 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Wholesale & Distribution
5 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
4 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Hair Salons: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Health & Fitness
3 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Laclede County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Working with owners in Laclede County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Laclede County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Laclede County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Laclede County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in Laclede 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 Laclede 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