Selling a Business in Bedford County
Bedford County has 1,080 employer businesses, and 88% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here.
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LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Bedford County by the numbers
1,080
1,080
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
88%
88%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,448
3,448
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
13,015
13,015
EMPLOYMENT
$593 million
$593 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
473
473
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 Bedford County compares
Bedford County ranks 45th of 67 Pennsylvania counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 7% of employer businesses in Bedford County, compared with 3% in Pennsylvania.
473 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Bedford County ranks 45th of 67 Pennsylvania counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 7% of employer businesses in Bedford County, compared with 3% in Pennsylvania.
473 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 179 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 161 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 120 employer businesses
Construction: 113 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 105 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 179 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 161 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 120 employer businesses
Construction: 113 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 105 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Bedford County
Retail, repair, personal care and other services, health care and social assistance, construction
Every kind of business we sell in Bedford County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Bedford County. 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.
Construction & Engineering
108 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
General Contracting: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
91 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Medical Practices
57 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Primary & Family Care: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
52 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
50 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
42 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Auto Repair: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Car Dealerships: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
41 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
General Freight Trucking: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
37 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Transportation Services: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Hotels: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
26 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Insurance Agencies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Gas Stations & Convenience
24 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Gas Stations: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Beauty & Personal Care
18 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Hair Salons: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
14 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Daycare Centers: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
12 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
9 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Bars & Pubs: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
9 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Energy & Utilities
8 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Home Services
7 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Residential Cleaning: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
7 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
3 related employer businesses in Bedford 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 Bedford 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.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Bedford County. 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.
Construction & Engineering
108 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
General Contracting: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
91 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Medical Practices
57 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Primary & Family Care: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
52 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
50 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
42 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Auto Repair: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Car Dealerships: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
41 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
General Freight Trucking: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
37 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Transportation Services: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Hotels: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
26 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Insurance Agencies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Gas Stations & Convenience
24 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Gas Stations: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Beauty & Personal Care
18 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Hair Salons: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
14 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Daycare Centers: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
12 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
9 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Bars & Pubs: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
9 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Energy & Utilities
8 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Home Services
7 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Residential Cleaning: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
7 related employer businesses in Bedford County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
3 related employer businesses in Bedford 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 Bedford 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 Bedford County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Bedford County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Bedford County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Bedford County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers. Many sales take six months or longer from the start of the process to closing.
How is a business valued in Bedford 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 Bedford 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