Selling a Business in Mercer County
Mercer County has 1,050 employer businesses, and 84% 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
Mercer County by the numbers
1,050
1,050
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
84%
84%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,106
3,106
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
17,679
17,679
EMPLOYMENT
$843 million
$843 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
470
470
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 Mercer County compares
Mercer County ranks 47th of 88 Ohio counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 7% of employer businesses in Mercer County, compared with 4% in Ohio.
470 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Mercer County ranks 47th of 88 Ohio counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 7% of employer businesses in Mercer County, compared with 4% in Ohio.
470 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 161 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 137 employer businesses
Construction: 130 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 98 employer businesses
Manufacturing: 87 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 161 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 137 employer businesses
Construction: 130 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 98 employer businesses
Manufacturing: 87 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Mercer County
Retail, repair, personal care and other services, construction, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Mercer County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Mercer 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
121 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
General Contracting: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
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.
Interior Finishing: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Roofing & Siding: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
87 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Logistics & Transportation
70 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
General Freight Trucking: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
61 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Auto Repair: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
61 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Metal Fabrication: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
57 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Medical Practices
51 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Primary & Family Care: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Dental Practices: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
39 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Insurance Agencies: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 5 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
27 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Gas Stations: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
25 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
11 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Hair Salons: 8 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.
Energy & Utilities
10 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Water & Wastewater Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 3 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.
Entertainment & Recreation
10 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Bars & Pubs: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
8 related employer businesses in Mercer 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.
Home Infusion: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
6 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Daycare Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Home Services
6 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Residential Cleaning: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
6 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
4 related employer businesses in Mercer 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.
Senior Care & Living
4 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
3 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Hotels: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Mercer 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 Mercer 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
121 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
General Contracting: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
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.
Interior Finishing: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Roofing & Siding: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
87 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Logistics & Transportation
70 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
General Freight Trucking: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
61 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Auto Repair: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
61 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Metal Fabrication: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
57 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Medical Practices
51 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Primary & Family Care: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Dental Practices: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
39 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Insurance Agencies: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 5 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
27 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Gas Stations: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
25 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
11 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Hair Salons: 8 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.
Energy & Utilities
10 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Water & Wastewater Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 3 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.
Entertainment & Recreation
10 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Bars & Pubs: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
8 related employer businesses in Mercer 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.
Home Infusion: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
6 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Daycare Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Home Services
6 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Residential Cleaning: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
6 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
4 related employer businesses in Mercer 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.
Senior Care & Living
4 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
3 related employer businesses in Mercer County.
Hotels: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Mercer 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 Mercer County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Mercer County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Mercer County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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