Selling a Business in Columbus
Owners in the Columbus area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 46,419 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
Columbus by the numbers
46,419
46,419
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
81%
81%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
202,964
202,964
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
985,064
985,064
EMPLOYMENT
$60.3 billion
$60.3 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
20,238
20,238
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 3rd of 12 Ohio metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 7.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 6% of employer businesses in Columbus, compared with 5% in Ohio.
20,238 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Columbus area ranks 3rd of 12 Ohio metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 7.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 6% of employer businesses in Columbus, compared with 5% in Ohio.
20,238 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Health care and social assistance: 6,208 employer businesses
Retail: 5,594 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 5,419 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 4,869 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 4,486 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Health care and social assistance: 6,208 employer businesses
Retail: 5,594 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 5,419 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 4,869 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 4,486 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
Health care and social assistance, retail, professional and technical 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
4,231 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,932 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,399 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 424 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 327 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
4,098 related employer businesses in Columbus.
General Contracting: 1,064 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 622 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 590 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 321 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 299 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 212 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 48 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.
Medical Practices
3,634 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Primary & Family Care: 1,055 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 801 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 553 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 245 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
3,074 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Real Estate Brokerages: 932 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 776 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 713 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 499 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,117 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 648 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 478 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 252 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
1,636 related employer businesses in Columbus.
General Freight Trucking: 989 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,455 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Auto Repair: 513 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
1,106 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Metal Fabrication: 236 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 221 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
996 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Property Management: 494 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 393 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 393 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 50 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
940 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
887 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Home Infusion: 553 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
856 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Gas Stations: 591 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 265 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.
Education & Childcare
765 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Daycare Centers: 700 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
748 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Hair Salons: 434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
732 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 82 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
573 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Bars & Pubs: 340 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 340 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: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
445 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
443 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Non-Medical Home Care: 339 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 44 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
432 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Hotels: 294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 19 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.
Energy & Utilities
254 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Waste Management & Recycling: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 21 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
238 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 168 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 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
4,231 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,932 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,399 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 424 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 327 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
4,098 related employer businesses in Columbus.
General Contracting: 1,064 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 622 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 590 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 321 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 299 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 212 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 48 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.
Medical Practices
3,634 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Primary & Family Care: 1,055 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 801 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 553 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 245 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
3,074 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Real Estate Brokerages: 932 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 776 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 713 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 499 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,117 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 648 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 478 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 252 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
1,636 related employer businesses in Columbus.
General Freight Trucking: 989 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,455 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Auto Repair: 513 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
1,106 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Metal Fabrication: 236 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 221 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
996 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Property Management: 494 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 393 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 393 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 50 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
940 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
887 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Home Infusion: 553 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
856 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Gas Stations: 591 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 265 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.
Education & Childcare
765 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Daycare Centers: 700 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
748 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Hair Salons: 434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
732 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 82 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
573 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Bars & Pubs: 340 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 340 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: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
445 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
443 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Non-Medical Home Care: 339 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 44 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
432 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Hotels: 294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 19 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.
Energy & Utilities
254 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Waste Management & Recycling: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 21 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
238 related employer businesses in Columbus.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 168 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 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