Selling a Business in Boston
Owners in the Boston area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 133,807 employer businesses, and 84% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Boston by the numbers
133,807
133,807
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
84%
84%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
479,852
479,852
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
2,681,704
2,681,704
EMPLOYMENT
$252.5 billion
$252.5 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
54,106
54,106
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 Boston compares
The Boston area ranks 1st of 6 Massachusetts metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 13% of employer businesses in Boston, compared with 12% in Massachusetts.
54,106 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Boston area ranks 1st of 6 Massachusetts metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 13% of employer businesses in Boston, compared with 12% in Massachusetts.
54,106 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 17,803 employer businesses
Retail: 15,568 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 15,127 employer businesses
Construction: 14,628 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 13,943 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 17,803 employer businesses
Retail: 15,568 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 15,127 employer businesses
Construction: 14,628 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 13,943 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
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Boston
Professional and technical services, retail, health care and social assistance, construction
Every kind of business we sell in Boston
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Boston. 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
17,319 related employer businesses in Boston.
General Contracting: 4,645 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 2,876 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 2,464 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 2,169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 2,169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 1,813 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 1,147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 1,022 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 444 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 397 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
12,599 related employer businesses in Boston.
Full-Service Restaurants: 4,652 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 3,920 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,961 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 929 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 920 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
8,042 related employer businesses in Boston.
Dental Practices: 2,419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 1,974 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 870 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 717 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 353 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 283 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
7,006 related employer businesses in Boston.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,863 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,704 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 1,547 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 1,502 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Private Lending: 268 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
6,159 related employer businesses in Boston.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 2,085 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 1,024 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 666 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 464 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 356 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
4,155 related employer businesses in Boston.
Auto Repair: 1,534 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 720 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 696 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 526 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
3,646 related employer businesses in Boston.
Hair Salons: 2,025 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 907 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 572 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 572 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 572 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
3,356 related employer businesses in Boston.
Metal Fabrication: 719 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 643 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 598 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 234 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
3,247 related employer businesses in Boston.
Property Management: 1,670 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 1,293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 98 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
2,511 related employer businesses in Boston.
Gas Stations: 1,263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 1,248 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.
Technology & Media
2,510 related employer businesses in Boston.
Software Companies (SaaS): 700 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 630 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 622 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 348 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 210 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
2,485 related employer businesses in Boston.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 779 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 627 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 615 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
2,340 related employer businesses in Boston.
General Freight Trucking: 1,324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 229 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 195 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
1,969 related employer businesses in Boston.
Daycare Centers: 1,766 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 203 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
1,554 related employer businesses in Boston.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 1,010 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 1,010 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 1,010 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 1,010 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 544 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
1,522 related employer businesses in Boston.
Home Infusion: 620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 591 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 591 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
1,390 related employer businesses in Boston.
Transportation Services: 626 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Hotels: 499 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 499 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,005 related employer businesses in Boston.
Outdoor Recreation: 421 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Bars & Pubs: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 36 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
854 related employer businesses in Boston.
Waste Management & Recycling: 314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 187 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Senior Care & Living
801 related employer businesses in Boston.
Non-Medical Home Care: 531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 80 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
749 related employer businesses in Boston.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 588 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 588 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 161 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 Boston. 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
17,319 related employer businesses in Boston.
General Contracting: 4,645 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 2,876 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 2,464 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 2,169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 2,169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 1,813 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 1,147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 1,022 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 444 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 397 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
12,599 related employer businesses in Boston.
Full-Service Restaurants: 4,652 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 3,920 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,961 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 929 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 920 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
8,042 related employer businesses in Boston.
Dental Practices: 2,419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 1,974 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 870 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 717 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 353 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 283 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
7,006 related employer businesses in Boston.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,863 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,704 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 1,547 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 1,502 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Private Lending: 268 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
6,159 related employer businesses in Boston.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 2,085 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 1,024 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 666 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 464 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 356 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
4,155 related employer businesses in Boston.
Auto Repair: 1,534 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 720 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 696 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 526 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
3,646 related employer businesses in Boston.
Hair Salons: 2,025 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 907 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 572 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 572 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 572 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
3,356 related employer businesses in Boston.
Metal Fabrication: 719 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 643 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 598 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 234 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
3,247 related employer businesses in Boston.
Property Management: 1,670 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 1,293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 98 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
2,511 related employer businesses in Boston.
Gas Stations: 1,263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 1,248 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.
Technology & Media
2,510 related employer businesses in Boston.
Software Companies (SaaS): 700 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 630 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 622 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 348 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 210 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
2,485 related employer businesses in Boston.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 779 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 627 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 615 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
2,340 related employer businesses in Boston.
General Freight Trucking: 1,324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 229 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 195 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
1,969 related employer businesses in Boston.
Daycare Centers: 1,766 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 203 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
1,554 related employer businesses in Boston.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 1,010 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 1,010 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 1,010 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 1,010 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 544 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
1,522 related employer businesses in Boston.
Home Infusion: 620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 591 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 591 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
1,390 related employer businesses in Boston.
Transportation Services: 626 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Hotels: 499 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 499 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,005 related employer businesses in Boston.
Outdoor Recreation: 421 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Bars & Pubs: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 36 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
854 related employer businesses in Boston.
Waste Management & Recycling: 314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 187 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Senior Care & Living
801 related employer businesses in Boston.
Non-Medical Home Care: 531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 80 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
749 related employer businesses in Boston.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 588 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 588 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 161 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.
Counties in this metro area
Working with owners in Boston
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Boston. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Boston ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Boston?
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 Boston?
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 Boston
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