Selling a Business in Darke County
Darke County has 1,117 employer businesses, and 89% 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
Darke County by the numbers
1,117
1,117
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
89%
89%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,831
3,831
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
15,805
15,805
EMPLOYMENT
$813 million
$813 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
476
476
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 Darke County compares
Darke County ranks 43rd of 88 Ohio counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 2.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 7% of employer businesses in Darke County, compared with 4% in Ohio.
476 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Darke County ranks 43rd of 88 Ohio counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 2.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 7% of employer businesses in Darke County, compared with 4% in Ohio.
476 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 166 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 164 employer businesses
Construction: 158 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 86 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 81 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 166 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 164 employer businesses
Construction: 158 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 86 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 81 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Darke County
Retail, repair, personal care and other services, construction, health care and social assistance
Every kind of business we sell in Darke County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Darke 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
159 related employer businesses in Darke County.
General Contracting: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
82 related employer businesses in Darke County.
General Freight Trucking: 68 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.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
78 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
57 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 16 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: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
55 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Auto Repair: 23 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: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
51 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Insurance Agencies: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Manufacturing
50 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Metal Fabrication: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical Practices
43 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Primary & Family Care: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
23 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Gas Stations: 20 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
21 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
16 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Hair Salons: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
11 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Bars & Pubs: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
10 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Waste Management & Recycling: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
7 related employer businesses in Darke 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.
Education & Childcare
6 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Daycare Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Pet Services
6 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
6 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
4 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
4 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Hotels: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
4 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Darke 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
159 related employer businesses in Darke County.
General Contracting: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
82 related employer businesses in Darke County.
General Freight Trucking: 68 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.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
78 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
57 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 16 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: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
55 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Auto Repair: 23 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: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
51 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Insurance Agencies: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Manufacturing
50 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Metal Fabrication: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical Practices
43 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Primary & Family Care: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
23 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Gas Stations: 20 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
21 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
16 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Hair Salons: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
11 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Bars & Pubs: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
10 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Waste Management & Recycling: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
7 related employer businesses in Darke 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.
Education & Childcare
6 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Daycare Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Pet Services
6 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
6 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
4 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
4 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Hotels: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
4 related employer businesses in Darke County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Working with owners in Darke County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Darke County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Darke County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Darke 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 Darke 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 Darke 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