Selling a Business in Kentucky
Selling a business in Kentucky means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. Kentucky has 94,402 employer businesses and about 346,066 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Kentucky by the numbers
94,402
94,402
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
84%
84%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
346,066
346,066
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
1,708,602
1,708,602
EMPLOYMENT
$93.6 billion
$93.6 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
41,758
41,758
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 Kentucky compares
Kentucky ranks 29th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Retail makes up 16% of employer businesses in Kentucky, compared with 12% nationwide.
41,758 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Kentucky ranks 29th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Retail makes up 16% of employer businesses in Kentucky, compared with 12% nationwide.
41,758 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in Kentucky
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 Kentucky
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Kentucky law says that when a retailer who owes sales tax sells its business or stock of goods, the buyer shall hold back enough of the purchase price to cover the amount owed until the seller produces a Department of Revenue receipt or a certificate that no amount is due. A related section says a buyer who does not hold back the money becomes personally liable for that amount, up to the purchase price. This is called successor liability, which means the buyer becomes responsible for the seller's unpaid taxes. Source: Kentucky Revised Statutes section 139.670
Permits and registrations
Kentucky law says a sales and use tax permit shall not be assignable and is valid only for the person named on it and the place of business it lists. Source: Kentucky Revised Statutes section 139.250
Unemployment insurance account
Kentucky law says a successor to the trade or business of an employer shall assume the resources and liabilities of the seller's unemployment reserve account, including interest. The buyer is not required to assume the seller's overdue contributions unless the state notifies the buyer within six months after it learns of the sale. A buyer that was not already an employer files an application with the Office of Unemployment Insurance within forty-five days of hiring staff. Source: Kentucky Revised Statutes section 341.540
These points come from official Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Kentucky law says that when a retailer who owes sales tax sells its business or stock of goods, the buyer shall hold back enough of the purchase price to cover the amount owed until the seller produces a Department of Revenue receipt or a certificate that no amount is due. A related section says a buyer who does not hold back the money becomes personally liable for that amount, up to the purchase price. This is called successor liability, which means the buyer becomes responsible for the seller's unpaid taxes. Source: Kentucky Revised Statutes section 139.670
Permits and registrations
Kentucky law says a sales and use tax permit shall not be assignable and is valid only for the person named on it and the place of business it lists. Source: Kentucky Revised Statutes section 139.250
Unemployment insurance account
Kentucky law says a successor to the trade or business of an employer shall assume the resources and liabilities of the seller's unemployment reserve account, including interest. The buyer is not required to assume the seller's overdue contributions unless the state notifies the buyer within six months after it learns of the sale. A buyer that was not already an employer files an application with the Office of Unemployment Insurance within forty-five days of hiring staff. Source: Kentucky Revised Statutes section 341.540
These points come from official Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Retail, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Kentucky
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Kentucky. 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
8,763 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
General Contracting: 2,233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Plumbing: 1,379 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,379 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 1,130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,016 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 898 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 836 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 564 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 346 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
8,387 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 3,499 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 2,808 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 721 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 681 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 609 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Bakeries: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
7,515 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Primary & Family Care: 2,710 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,440 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 966 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 683 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 550 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 316 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 152 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
5,847 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Insurance Agencies: 1,771 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,450 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,393 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 652 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 496 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
5,363 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 1,223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 586 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 317 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 235 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
3,572 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Auto Repair: 1,208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 826 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 716 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 386 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
2,901 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
General Freight Trucking: 1,881 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 342 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
2,804 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Metal Fabrication: 667 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 492 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 488 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 267 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 246 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
2,319 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Gas Stations: 1,990 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 329 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,942 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 980 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 326 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 310 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
1,495 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Compounding Pharmacies: 831 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 831 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 316 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
1,470 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Residential Cleaning: 659 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 659 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 560 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 78 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
1,148 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Hair Salons: 680 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
1,035 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 645 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
1,017 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Hotels: 771 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 771 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
984 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Daycare Centers: 925 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Technology & Media
977 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 347 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
784 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Non-Medical Home Care: 591 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
761 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Bars & Pubs: 337 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 337 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 41 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
665 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 231 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 231 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
397 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 279 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 279 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 118 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.
Land & Agriculture
5 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
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.
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.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Kentucky. 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
8,763 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
General Contracting: 2,233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Plumbing: 1,379 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,379 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 1,130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,016 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 898 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 836 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 564 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 346 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
8,387 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 3,499 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 2,808 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 721 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 681 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 609 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Bakeries: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
7,515 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Primary & Family Care: 2,710 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,440 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 966 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 683 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 550 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 316 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 152 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
5,847 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Insurance Agencies: 1,771 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,450 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,393 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 652 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 496 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
5,363 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 1,223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 586 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 317 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 235 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
3,572 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Auto Repair: 1,208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 826 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 716 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 386 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
2,901 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
General Freight Trucking: 1,881 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 342 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
2,804 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Metal Fabrication: 667 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 492 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 488 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 267 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 246 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
2,319 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Gas Stations: 1,990 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 329 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,942 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 980 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 326 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 310 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
1,495 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Compounding Pharmacies: 831 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 831 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 316 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
1,470 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Residential Cleaning: 659 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 659 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 560 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 78 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
1,148 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Hair Salons: 680 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
1,035 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 645 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
1,017 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Hotels: 771 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 771 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
984 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Daycare Centers: 925 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Technology & Media
977 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 347 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
784 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Non-Medical Home Care: 591 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
761 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Bars & Pubs: 337 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 337 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 41 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
665 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 231 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 231 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
397 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 279 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 279 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 118 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.
Land & Agriculture
5 related employer businesses in Kentucky.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
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.
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.
Metro areas in this state
Counties
Working with owners in Kentucky
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Kentucky. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Kentucky ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky
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