Selling a Business in Defiance County
Defiance County has 813 employer businesses, and 83% 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
Defiance County by the numbers
813
813
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
83%
83%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
2,378
2,378
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
13,708
13,708
EMPLOYMENT
$665 million
$665 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
396
396
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 Defiance County compares
Defiance County ranks 57th of 88 Ohio counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 6% of employer businesses in Defiance County, compared with 4% in Ohio.
396 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Defiance County ranks 57th of 88 Ohio counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 6% of employer businesses in Defiance County, compared with 4% in Ohio.
396 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 136 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 122 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 86 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 81 employer businesses
Construction: 58 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 136 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 122 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 86 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 81 employer businesses
Construction: 58 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Defiance County
Retail, repair, personal care and other services, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Defiance County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Defiance 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.
Restaurants & Food
74 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
57 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Foundation & Site Prep: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
General Contracting: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
48 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Insurance Agencies: 20 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.
Real Estate Brokerages: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Retail Stores
46 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Automotive & Boat
41 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Auto Repair: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
37 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
General Freight Trucking: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 4 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.
Medical Practices
35 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Primary & Family Care: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x 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.
Veterinary Medicine: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
24 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Metal Fabrication: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
20 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Gas Stations: 17 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
11 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Hair Salons: 7 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
11 related employer businesses in Defiance 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.
Medical Supply Retail: 4 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
11 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
8 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Daycare Centers: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
6 related employer businesses in Defiance 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.
Senior Care & Living
6 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
4 related employer businesses in Defiance 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.
Pet Services
4 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
3 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Waste Management & Recycling: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Health & Fitness
3 related employer businesses in Defiance 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.
Home Services
3 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Residential Cleaning: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Defiance 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.
Restaurants & Food
74 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
57 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Foundation & Site Prep: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
General Contracting: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
48 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Insurance Agencies: 20 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.
Real Estate Brokerages: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Retail Stores
46 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Automotive & Boat
41 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Auto Repair: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
37 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
General Freight Trucking: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 4 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.
Medical Practices
35 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Primary & Family Care: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x 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.
Veterinary Medicine: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
24 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Metal Fabrication: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
20 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Gas Stations: 17 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
11 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Hair Salons: 7 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
11 related employer businesses in Defiance 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.
Medical Supply Retail: 4 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
11 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
8 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Daycare Centers: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
6 related employer businesses in Defiance 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.
Senior Care & Living
6 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
4 related employer businesses in Defiance 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.
Pet Services
4 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
3 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Waste Management & Recycling: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Health & Fitness
3 related employer businesses in Defiance 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.
Home Services
3 related employer businesses in Defiance County.
Residential Cleaning: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Working with owners in Defiance County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Defiance County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Defiance County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Defiance 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 Defiance 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 Defiance 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