Selling a Business in Cincinnati
Owners in the Cincinnati area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 48,255 employer businesses, and 81% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Cincinnati by the numbers
48,255
48,255
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
81%
81%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
177,605
177,605
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
1,030,698
1,030,698
EMPLOYMENT
$66.0 billion
$66.0 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
21,524
21,524
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 Cincinnati compares
The Cincinnati area ranks 2nd of 12 Ohio metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 5% of employer businesses in Cincinnati, compared with 5% in Ohio.
21,524 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Cincinnati area ranks 2nd of 12 Ohio metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 5% of employer businesses in Cincinnati, compared with 5% in Ohio.
21,524 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 6,169 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 5,605 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 4,958 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 4,913 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 4,833 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 6,169 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 5,605 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 4,958 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 4,913 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 4,833 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 Cincinnati
Retail, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food service, professional and technical services
Every kind of business we sell in Cincinnati
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Cincinnati. 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
4,794 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
General Contracting: 1,217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 797 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 631 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 631 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 405 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
4,504 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,896 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,601 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 462 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 332 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
3,152 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Primary & Family Care: 1,003 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 745 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 333 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
2,963 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Real Estate Brokerages: 801 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 782 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 727 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 460 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 152 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,310 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 695 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 476 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 441 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 260 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,670 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Auto Repair: 627 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 344 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 252 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 225 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
1,593 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Metal Fabrication: 440 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 258 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
1,480 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
General Freight Trucking: 870 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,322 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 639 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 239 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
920 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Gas Stations: 668 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 252 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
888 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Hair Salons: 545 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
861 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Residential Cleaning: 382 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 382 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 360 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 35 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.
Technology & Media
691 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 227 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
673 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Daycare Centers: 611 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
655 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Home Infusion: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
635 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Bars & Pubs: 386 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 386 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
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.
Health & Fitness
470 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
438 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Hotels: 268 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 268 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 9 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.
Senior Care & Living
374 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Non-Medical Home Care: 282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 41 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
252 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Waste Management & Recycling: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
237 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 70 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 Cincinnati. 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
4,794 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
General Contracting: 1,217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 797 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 631 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 631 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 405 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
4,504 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,896 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,601 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 462 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 332 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
3,152 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Primary & Family Care: 1,003 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 745 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 333 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
2,963 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Real Estate Brokerages: 801 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 782 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 727 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 460 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 152 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,310 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 695 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 476 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 441 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 260 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,670 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Auto Repair: 627 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 344 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 252 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 225 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
1,593 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Metal Fabrication: 440 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 258 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
1,480 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
General Freight Trucking: 870 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,322 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 639 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 239 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
920 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Gas Stations: 668 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 252 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
888 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Hair Salons: 545 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
861 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Residential Cleaning: 382 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 382 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 360 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 35 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.
Technology & Media
691 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 227 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
673 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Daycare Centers: 611 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
655 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Home Infusion: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
635 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Bars & Pubs: 386 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 386 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
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.
Health & Fitness
470 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
438 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Hotels: 268 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 268 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 9 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.
Senior Care & Living
374 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Non-Medical Home Care: 282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 41 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
252 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Waste Management & Recycling: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
237 related employer businesses in Cincinnati.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 70 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 Cincinnati
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Cincinnati. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Cincinnati ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Cincinnati?
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 Cincinnati?
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 Cincinnati
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