Selling a Business in Atlantic City

Owners in the Atlantic City area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 10,008 employer businesses, and 88% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.

LOCAL SNAPSHOT

Atlantic City by the numbers

10,008

10,008

EMPLOYER BUSINESSES

88%

88%

SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE

31,069

31,069

BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES

134,825

134,825

EMPLOYMENT

$7.0 billion

$7.0 billion

ANNUAL PAYROLL

3,859

3,859

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 Atlantic City compares

  • The Atlantic City area ranks 1st of 3 New Jersey metro areas for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses fell 0.1% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Accommodation and food service makes up 17% of employer businesses in Atlantic City, compared with 10% in New Jersey.

  • 3,859 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

  • The Atlantic City area ranks 1st of 3 New Jersey metro areas for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses fell 0.1% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Accommodation and food service makes up 17% of employer businesses in Atlantic City, compared with 10% in New Jersey.

  • 3,859 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

Industry mix

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Accommodation and food service: 1,738 employer businesses

  • Retail: 1,600 employer businesses

  • Construction: 1,241 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 1,100 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 1,041 employer businesses

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Accommodation and food service: 1,738 employer businesses

  • Retail: 1,600 employer businesses

  • Construction: 1,241 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 1,100 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 1,041 employer businesses

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

Every kind of business we sell in Atlantic City

We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Atlantic City. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Restaurants & Food

1,462 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Construction & Engineering

1,404 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

  • General Contracting: 400 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Landscaping: 256 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Electrical: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Civil Engineering: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Roofing & Siding: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Masonry: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Retail Stores

787 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Medical Practices

612 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Financial & Professional Services

427 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Hospitality & Travel

376 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

  • Hotels: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Campgrounds & RV Parks: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Transportation Services: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

Automotive & Boat

325 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

  • Auto Repair: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Car Dealerships: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Marinas: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Collision Repair: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Auto Parts: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Car Washes: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Boat Dealerships: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

Beauty & Personal Care

315 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

  • Hair Salons: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

  • Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.

Home Services

235 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Manufacturing

171 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Entertainment & Recreation

155 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Bars & Pubs: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Arcades & FECs: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.

  • Golf Courses: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x 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.

Gas Stations & Convenience

142 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Wholesale & Distribution

134 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Logistics & Transportation

121 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

109 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Health & Fitness

102 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Education & Childcare

76 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

  • Daycare Centers: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

  • Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.

Technology & Media

70 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Energy & Utilities

58 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Senior Care & Living

54 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Pet Services

46 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

E-commerce & Online Businesses

Land & Agriculture

We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Atlantic City. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Restaurants & Food

1,462 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Construction & Engineering

1,404 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

  • General Contracting: 400 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Landscaping: 256 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Electrical: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Civil Engineering: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Roofing & Siding: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Masonry: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Retail Stores

787 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Medical Practices

612 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Financial & Professional Services

427 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Hospitality & Travel

376 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

  • Hotels: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Campgrounds & RV Parks: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Transportation Services: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

Automotive & Boat

325 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

  • Auto Repair: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Car Dealerships: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Marinas: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Collision Repair: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Auto Parts: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Car Washes: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Boat Dealerships: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

Beauty & Personal Care

315 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

  • Hair Salons: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

  • Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.

Home Services

235 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Manufacturing

171 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Entertainment & Recreation

155 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Bars & Pubs: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Arcades & FECs: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.

  • Golf Courses: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x 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.

Gas Stations & Convenience

142 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Wholesale & Distribution

134 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Logistics & Transportation

121 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

109 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Health & Fitness

102 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Education & Childcare

76 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

  • Daycare Centers: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

  • Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.

Technology & Media

70 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Energy & Utilities

58 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Senior Care & Living

54 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

Pet Services

46 related employer businesses in Atlantic City.

E-commerce & Online Businesses

Land & Agriculture

Counties in this metro area

Working with owners in Atlantic City

Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Atlantic City. Contact us to talk about a sale.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions owners in Atlantic City ask

How long does it take to sell a business in Atlantic City?

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 Atlantic City?

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 Atlantic City

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