Selling a Business in Charlotte
Owners in the Charlotte area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 71,411 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
Charlotte by the numbers
71,411
71,411
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
84%
84%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
279,050
279,050
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
1,238,884
1,238,884
EMPLOYMENT
$85.0 billion
$85.0 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
27,600
27,600
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 Charlotte compares
The Charlotte area ranks 1st of 15 North Carolina metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 13.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Wholesale makes up 5% of employer businesses in Charlotte, compared with 4% in North Carolina.
27,600 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Charlotte area ranks 1st of 15 North Carolina metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 13.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Wholesale makes up 5% of employer businesses in Charlotte, compared with 4% in North Carolina.
27,600 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 8,569 employer businesses
Retail: 8,197 employer businesses
Construction: 7,500 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 7,235 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 6,948 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 8,569 employer businesses
Retail: 8,197 employer businesses
Construction: 7,500 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 7,235 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 6,948 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 Charlotte
Professional and technical services, retail, construction, health care and social assistance
Every kind of business we sell in Charlotte
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Charlotte. 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
8,176 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
General Contracting: 2,314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,180 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 1,103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 960 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 960 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 768 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 611 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 578 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
5,707 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Real Estate Brokerages: 2,400 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 1,129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,067 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 731 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 300 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
5,591 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Full-Service Restaurants: 2,176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 2,134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 596 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 467 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
4,532 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Primary & Family Care: 1,460 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 452 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 370 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 354 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
3,269 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,016 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 741 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 540 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 428 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 196 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
2,505 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
General Freight Trucking: 1,721 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
2,385 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Auto Repair: 899 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 441 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 433 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,897 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 951 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 153 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
1,855 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Metal Fabrication: 480 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 196 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
1,526 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Residential Cleaning: 685 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 685 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 642 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 56 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
1,340 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Hair Salons: 735 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
1,227 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Creative Agencies: 388 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 374 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,106 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Gas Stations: 889 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 217 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
930 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Home Infusion: 354 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 347 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 347 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
723 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Daycare Centers: 633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
613 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
602 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Hotels: 434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
539 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Bars & Pubs: 232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 18 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.
Senior Care & Living
441 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Non-Medical Home Care: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
394 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Waste Management & Recycling: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 19 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
368 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 97 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 Charlotte. 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
8,176 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
General Contracting: 2,314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,180 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 1,103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 960 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 960 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 768 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 611 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 578 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
5,707 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Real Estate Brokerages: 2,400 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 1,129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,067 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 731 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 300 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
5,591 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Full-Service Restaurants: 2,176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 2,134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 596 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 467 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
4,532 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Primary & Family Care: 1,460 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 452 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 370 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 354 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
3,269 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,016 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 741 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 540 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 428 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 196 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
2,505 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
General Freight Trucking: 1,721 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
2,385 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Auto Repair: 899 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 441 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 433 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,897 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 951 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 153 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
1,855 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Metal Fabrication: 480 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 196 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
1,526 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Residential Cleaning: 685 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 685 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 642 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 56 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
1,340 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Hair Salons: 735 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
1,227 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Creative Agencies: 388 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 374 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,106 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Gas Stations: 889 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 217 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
930 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Home Infusion: 354 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 347 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 347 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
723 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Daycare Centers: 633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
613 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
602 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Hotels: 434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
539 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Bars & Pubs: 232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 18 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.
Senior Care & Living
441 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Non-Medical Home Care: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
394 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Waste Management & Recycling: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 19 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
368 related employer businesses in Charlotte.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 97 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 Charlotte
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Charlotte. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Charlotte ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Charlotte?
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 Charlotte?
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 Charlotte
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