Selling a Business in Delaware
Selling a business in Delaware means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. Delaware has 29,706 employer businesses and about 98,475 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Delaware by the numbers
29,706
29,706
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
86%
86%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
98,475
98,475
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
457,635
457,635
EMPLOYMENT
$33.2 billion
$33.2 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
11,122
11,122
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 Delaware compares
Delaware ranks 44th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 15.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 15% of employer businesses in Delaware, compared with 12% nationwide.
11,122 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Delaware ranks 44th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 15.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 15% of employer businesses in Delaware, compared with 12% nationwide.
11,122 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in Delaware
A sale follows the same sequence in every market. The business is valued from its earnings, assets, size and industry. The records a buyer will ask for are prepared. The business is marketed without naming it, and buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name or the financial statements. Each buyer is checked for money and fit, the letter of intent is negotiated, the buyer's review of the books is managed, and the sale is carried to closing.
State rules on tax clearance, bulk sale notices and the transfer of permits and licenses differ from state to state.
Rules that apply in Delaware
Notice when assets are sold
Delaware repealed Article 6 of its Uniform Commercial Code, the old bulk transfer law that required notice to a seller's creditors when most of a business's assets were sold. The Delaware Code lists the article as repealed effective July 3, 1996. Source: Delaware Code, Title 6, Article 6
Permits and registrations
Delaware law says each state business license is for the sole use of the licensee named on it and is not transferable. A buyer of a Delaware business therefore holds no rights under the seller's license. Source: Delaware Code, Title 30, Section 2106
Unemployment insurance account
Delaware law says a buyer that acquires substantially all of the business or assets of an employer must give the Department of Labor written notice within 7 days of the transfer. If the state reports an unpaid amount, the buyer must hold enough of the acquired assets in trust to pay it, or it becomes liable up to the value of those assets. Where the two employers share any common ownership, management or control, the seller's unemployment experience moves to the buyer. Source: Delaware Code, Title 19, Sections 3353 and 3362
These points come from official Delaware agency pages checked on 2026-10-24. Rules change, so check the linked agency page for the current version. This is general information and not legal or tax advice.
A sale follows the same sequence in every market. The business is valued from its earnings, assets, size and industry. The records a buyer will ask for are prepared. The business is marketed without naming it, and buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name or the financial statements. Each buyer is checked for money and fit, the letter of intent is negotiated, the buyer's review of the books is managed, and the sale is carried to closing.
State rules on tax clearance, bulk sale notices and the transfer of permits and licenses differ from state to state.
Rules that apply in Delaware
Notice when assets are sold
Delaware repealed Article 6 of its Uniform Commercial Code, the old bulk transfer law that required notice to a seller's creditors when most of a business's assets were sold. The Delaware Code lists the article as repealed effective July 3, 1996. Source: Delaware Code, Title 6, Article 6
Permits and registrations
Delaware law says each state business license is for the sole use of the licensee named on it and is not transferable. A buyer of a Delaware business therefore holds no rights under the seller's license. Source: Delaware Code, Title 30, Section 2106
Unemployment insurance account
Delaware law says a buyer that acquires substantially all of the business or assets of an employer must give the Department of Labor written notice within 7 days of the transfer. If the state reports an unpaid amount, the buyer must hold enough of the acquired assets in trust to pay it, or it becomes liable up to the value of those assets. Where the two employers share any common ownership, management or control, the seller's unemployment experience moves to the buyer. Source: Delaware Code, Title 19, Sections 3353 and 3362
These points come from official Delaware agency pages checked on 2026-10-24. Rules change, so check the linked agency page for the current version. This is general information and not legal or tax advice.
What buyers look for
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Delaware
Professional and technical services, retail, health care and social assistance, construction
Every kind of business we sell in Delaware
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Delaware. 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
2,920 related employer businesses in Delaware.
General Contracting: 770 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 442 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 344 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 344 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 283 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
2,439 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Full-Service Restaurants: 899 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 846 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 264 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,718 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Primary & Family Care: 572 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 212 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
1,604 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Real Estate Brokerages: 417 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 386 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 317 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Private Lending: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
1,501 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 497 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 302 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 250 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 195 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
792 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Auto Repair: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 153 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
744 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Software Companies (SaaS): 346 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
696 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 228 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
640 related employer businesses in Delaware.
General Freight Trucking: 356 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Services
602 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Residential Cleaning: 279 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 279 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
562 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Hair Salons: 277 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
556 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Metal Fabrication: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Education & Childcare
387 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Daycare Centers: 349 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
367 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Hotels: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
348 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Compounding Pharmacies: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
347 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Gas Stations: 239 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Health & Fitness
250 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
189 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Bars & Pubs: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
174 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
166 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Non-Medical Home Care: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Senior Living Communities: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Assisted Living Facilities: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Pet Services
114 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Land & Agriculture
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Delaware. 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
2,920 related employer businesses in Delaware.
General Contracting: 770 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 442 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 344 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 344 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 283 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
2,439 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Full-Service Restaurants: 899 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 846 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 264 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,718 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Primary & Family Care: 572 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 212 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
1,604 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Real Estate Brokerages: 417 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 386 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 317 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Private Lending: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
1,501 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 497 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 302 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 250 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 195 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
792 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Auto Repair: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 153 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
744 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Software Companies (SaaS): 346 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
696 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 228 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
640 related employer businesses in Delaware.
General Freight Trucking: 356 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Services
602 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Residential Cleaning: 279 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 279 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
562 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Hair Salons: 277 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
556 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Metal Fabrication: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Education & Childcare
387 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Daycare Centers: 349 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
367 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Hotels: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
348 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Compounding Pharmacies: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
347 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Gas Stations: 239 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Health & Fitness
250 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
189 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Bars & Pubs: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
174 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
166 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Non-Medical Home Care: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Senior Living Communities: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Assisted Living Facilities: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Pet Services
114 related employer businesses in Delaware.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Land & Agriculture
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
Metro areas in this state
Counties
Working with owners in Delaware
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Delaware. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Delaware ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Delaware?
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 Delaware?
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.
What should I prepare before listing?
Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements, a current balance sheet, the lease, a list of equipment and a summary of key contracts.
What is the difference between SDE and EBITDA?
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, and it is used for larger businesses that run without the owner.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Delaware
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