Selling a Business in Columbus
Owners in the Columbus area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 6,158 employer businesses, and 85% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Columbus by the numbers
6,158
6,158
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
85%
85%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
25,596
25,596
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
98,314
98,314
EMPLOYMENT
$5.0 billion
$5.0 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
2,729
2,729
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 Columbus compares
The Columbus area ranks 4th of 14 Georgia metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 6.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Retail makes up 18% of employer businesses in Columbus, compared with 14% in Georgia.
2,729 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Columbus area ranks 4th of 14 Georgia metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 6.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Retail makes up 18% of employer businesses in Columbus, compared with 14% in Georgia.
2,729 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 1,091 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 833 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 703 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 694 employer businesses
Construction: 460 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 1,091 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 833 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 703 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 694 employer businesses
Construction: 460 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 Columbus
Retail, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Columbus
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Columbus. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Restaurants & Food
695 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 328 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 205 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Bakeries: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
522 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Primary & Family Care: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Construction & Engineering
488 related employer businesses in Columbus.
General Contracting: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Financial & Professional Services
404 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Real Estate Brokerages: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Wealth Management: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Mortgage Brokerages: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
376 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
230 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Gas Stations: 151 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 79 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.
Automotive & Boat
224 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Auto Repair: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Logistics & Transportation
147 related employer businesses in Columbus.
General Freight Trucking: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Services
143 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Property Management: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 8 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.
Manufacturing
125 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Metal Fabrication: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
114 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Hair Salons: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
98 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
87 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Home Infusion: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
83 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Daycare Centers: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
80 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Hotels: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Technology & Media
44 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
43 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Bars & Pubs: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Arcades & FECs: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Golf Courses: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
38 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Non-Medical Home Care: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
37 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
26 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 5 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
23 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Waste Management & Recycling: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
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 Columbus. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Restaurants & Food
695 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 328 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 205 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Bakeries: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
522 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Primary & Family Care: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Construction & Engineering
488 related employer businesses in Columbus.
General Contracting: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Financial & Professional Services
404 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Real Estate Brokerages: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Wealth Management: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Mortgage Brokerages: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
376 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
230 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Gas Stations: 151 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 79 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.
Automotive & Boat
224 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Auto Repair: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Logistics & Transportation
147 related employer businesses in Columbus.
General Freight Trucking: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Services
143 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Property Management: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 8 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.
Manufacturing
125 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Metal Fabrication: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
114 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Hair Salons: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
98 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
87 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Home Infusion: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
83 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Daycare Centers: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
80 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Hotels: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Technology & Media
44 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
43 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Bars & Pubs: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Arcades & FECs: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Golf Courses: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
38 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Non-Medical Home Care: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
37 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
26 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 5 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
23 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Waste Management & Recycling: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
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 Columbus
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Columbus. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Columbus ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Columbus?
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 Columbus?
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 Columbus
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