Selling a Business in Cleveland
Owners in the Cleveland area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 51,450 employer businesses, and 83% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Cleveland by the numbers
51,450
51,450
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
83%
83%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
191,420
191,420
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
971,092
971,092
EMPLOYMENT
$63.6 billion
$63.6 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
21,896
21,896
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 Cleveland compares
The Cleveland area ranks 1st of 12 Ohio metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 1.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Wholesale makes up 6% of employer businesses in Cleveland, compared with 5% in Ohio.
21,896 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Cleveland area ranks 1st of 12 Ohio metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 1.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Wholesale makes up 6% of employer businesses in Cleveland, compared with 5% in Ohio.
21,896 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 6,468 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 5,962 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 5,538 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 5,218 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 5,040 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 6,468 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 5,962 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 5,538 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 5,218 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 5,040 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 Cleveland
Retail, health care and social assistance, professional and technical services, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Cleveland
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Cleveland. 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
5,123 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
General Contracting: 1,196 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 1,000 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 737 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 602 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 602 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 401 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 367 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 366 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
4,638 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,990 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,571 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 465 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 428 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
3,205 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Primary & Family Care: 1,017 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 833 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 327 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
3,088 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 868 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 865 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 652 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 524 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,488 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 718 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 560 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 452 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Manufacturing
2,219 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Metal Fabrication: 881 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 358 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 261 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 246 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,791 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Auto Repair: 678 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 341 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 332 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 204 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,477 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 768 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Logistics & Transportation
1,439 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
General Freight Trucking: 940 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
1,106 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Hair Salons: 664 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 180 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 180 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 180 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,003 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Gas Stations: 653 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 350 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.
Home Services
973 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Property Management: 437 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 424 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 424 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 45 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
730 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 240 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
702 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Home Infusion: 274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
624 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Daycare Centers: 584 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
608 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Bars & Pubs: 345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 30 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
443 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
415 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Non-Medical Home Care: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
408 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Hotels: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Pet Services
251 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 78 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.
Energy & Utilities
196 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Waste Management & Recycling: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
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 Cleveland. 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
5,123 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
General Contracting: 1,196 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 1,000 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 737 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 602 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 602 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 401 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 367 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 366 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
4,638 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,990 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,571 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 465 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 428 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
3,205 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Primary & Family Care: 1,017 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 833 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 327 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
3,088 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 868 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 865 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 652 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 524 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,488 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 718 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 560 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 452 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Manufacturing
2,219 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Metal Fabrication: 881 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 358 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 261 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 246 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,791 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Auto Repair: 678 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 341 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 332 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 204 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,477 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 768 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Logistics & Transportation
1,439 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
General Freight Trucking: 940 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
1,106 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Hair Salons: 664 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 180 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 180 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 180 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,003 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Gas Stations: 653 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 350 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.
Home Services
973 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Property Management: 437 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 424 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 424 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 45 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
730 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 240 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
702 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Home Infusion: 274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
624 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Daycare Centers: 584 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
608 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Bars & Pubs: 345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 30 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
443 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
415 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Non-Medical Home Care: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
408 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Hotels: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Pet Services
251 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 78 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.
Energy & Utilities
196 related employer businesses in Cleveland.
Waste Management & Recycling: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
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 Cleveland
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Cleveland. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Cleveland ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Cleveland?
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 Cleveland?
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 Cleveland
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