Selling a Business in Des Moines
Owners in the Des Moines area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 18,946 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
Des Moines by the numbers
18,946
18,946
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
83%
83%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
58,206
58,206
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
364,757
364,757
EMPLOYMENT
$23.9 billion
$23.9 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
7,721
7,721
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 Des Moines compares
The Des Moines area ranks 1st of 8 Iowa metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 7.4% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 6% of employer businesses in Des Moines, compared with 4% in Iowa.
7,721 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Des Moines area ranks 1st of 8 Iowa metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 7.4% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 6% of employer businesses in Des Moines, compared with 4% in Iowa.
7,721 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 2,187 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 2,098 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 2,060 employer businesses
Construction: 2,012 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 1,973 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 2,187 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 2,098 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 2,060 employer businesses
Construction: 2,012 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 1,973 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 Des Moines
Retail, professional and technical services, health care and social assistance, construction
Every kind of business we sell in Des Moines
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Des Moines. 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
2,178 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
General Contracting: 563 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 358 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 180 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
1,562 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Real Estate Brokerages: 474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 425 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 305 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 280 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
1,409 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Full-Service Restaurants: 531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 524 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,134 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Primary & Family Care: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
849 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
623 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Auto Repair: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
561 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
General Freight Trucking: 369 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
459 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 222 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Beauty & Personal Care
422 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Hair Salons: 249 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
370 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
350 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Residential Cleaning: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 11 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
319 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Gas Stations: 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 16 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.
Technology & Media
310 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
279 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Bars & Pubs: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 9 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.
Education & Childcare
213 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Daycare Centers: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
202 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Hotels: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
175 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Compounding Pharmacies: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
168 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
109 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 28 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.
Senior Care & Living
105 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Non-Medical Home Care: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Senior Living Communities: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Assisted Living Facilities: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
94 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Waste Management & Recycling: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 3 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 Des Moines. 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
2,178 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
General Contracting: 563 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 358 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 180 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
1,562 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Real Estate Brokerages: 474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 425 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 305 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 280 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
1,409 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Full-Service Restaurants: 531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 524 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,134 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Primary & Family Care: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
849 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
623 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Auto Repair: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
561 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
General Freight Trucking: 369 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
459 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 222 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Beauty & Personal Care
422 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Hair Salons: 249 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
370 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
350 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Residential Cleaning: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 11 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
319 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Gas Stations: 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 16 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.
Technology & Media
310 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
279 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Bars & Pubs: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 9 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.
Education & Childcare
213 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Daycare Centers: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
202 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Hotels: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
175 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Compounding Pharmacies: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
168 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
109 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 28 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.
Senior Care & Living
105 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Non-Medical Home Care: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Senior Living Communities: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Assisted Living Facilities: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
94 related employer businesses in Des Moines.
Waste Management & Recycling: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 3 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 Des Moines
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Des Moines. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Des Moines ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Des Moines?
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 Des Moines?
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 Des Moines
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