Selling a Business in Detroit
Owners in the Detroit area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 102,430 employer businesses, and 84% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Detroit by the numbers
102,430
102,430
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
84%
84%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
423,346
423,346
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
1,846,717
1,846,717
EMPLOYMENT
$126.0 billion
$126.0 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
41,336
41,336
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 Detroit compares
The Detroit area ranks 1st of 15 Michigan metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 4% of employer businesses in Detroit, compared with 4% in Michigan.
41,336 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Detroit area ranks 1st of 15 Michigan metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 4% of employer businesses in Detroit, compared with 4% in Michigan.
41,336 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 14,016 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 13,890 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 11,783 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 9,607 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 9,409 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 14,016 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 13,890 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 11,783 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 9,607 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 9,409 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 Detroit
Retail, health care and social assistance, professional and technical services, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Detroit
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Detroit. 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
10,036 related employer businesses in Detroit.
General Contracting: 2,689 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 1,711 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,465 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 1,107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 942 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 798 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 594 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 255 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
9,430 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 3,764 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 3,191 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 856 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 725 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Bakeries: 165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
9,191 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Primary & Family Care: 3,622 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,921 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 881 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 820 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 740 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 368 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 283 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 187 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 175 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
5,608 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,777 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 1,520 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,080 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 785 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Mortgage Brokerages: 254 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
5,576 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,705 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,640 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 822 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 451 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 254 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
4,321 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Auto Repair: 1,691 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 949 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 650 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 442 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 333 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
4,115 related employer businesses in Detroit.
General Freight Trucking: 3,041 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 327 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 280 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
3,320 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Metal Fabrication: 1,320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 497 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 465 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 195 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
2,238 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 1,098 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 441 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
2,127 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Compounding Pharmacies: 924 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 924 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 881 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,846 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Gas Stations: 1,494 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Beauty & Personal Care
1,795 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Hair Salons: 1,112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 396 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 396 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 396 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
1,678 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Residential Cleaning: 763 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 763 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 722 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
1,407 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 478 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 369 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 231 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
979 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Daycare Centers: 887 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
954 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Bars & Pubs: 458 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 458 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
782 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Hotels: 446 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 446 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
763 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Non-Medical Home Care: 433 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 286 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.
Health & Fitness
726 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 463 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 463 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 463 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 463 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
458 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Waste Management & Recycling: 226 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
414 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 278 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 278 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 136 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 Detroit. 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
10,036 related employer businesses in Detroit.
General Contracting: 2,689 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 1,711 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,465 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 1,107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 942 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 798 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 594 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 255 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
9,430 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 3,764 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 3,191 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 856 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 725 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Bakeries: 165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
9,191 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Primary & Family Care: 3,622 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,921 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 881 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 820 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 740 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 368 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 283 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 187 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 175 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
5,608 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,777 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 1,520 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,080 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 785 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Mortgage Brokerages: 254 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
5,576 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,705 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,640 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 822 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 451 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 254 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
4,321 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Auto Repair: 1,691 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 949 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 650 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 442 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 333 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
4,115 related employer businesses in Detroit.
General Freight Trucking: 3,041 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 327 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 280 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
3,320 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Metal Fabrication: 1,320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 497 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 465 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 195 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
2,238 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 1,098 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 441 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
2,127 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Compounding Pharmacies: 924 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 924 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 881 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,846 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Gas Stations: 1,494 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Beauty & Personal Care
1,795 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Hair Salons: 1,112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 396 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 396 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 396 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
1,678 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Residential Cleaning: 763 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 763 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 722 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
1,407 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 478 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 369 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 231 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
979 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Daycare Centers: 887 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
954 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Bars & Pubs: 458 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 458 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
782 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Hotels: 446 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 446 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
763 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Non-Medical Home Care: 433 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 286 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.
Health & Fitness
726 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 463 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 463 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 463 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 463 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
458 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Waste Management & Recycling: 226 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
414 related employer businesses in Detroit.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 278 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 278 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 136 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 Detroit
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Detroit. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Detroit ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Detroit?
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 Detroit?
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 Detroit
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