Selling a Business in Durham
Owners in the Durham area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 14,217 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
Durham by the numbers
14,217
14,217
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
84%
84%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
58,249
58,249
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
307,194
307,194
EMPLOYMENT
$25.7 billion
$25.7 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
5,581
5,581
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 Durham compares
The Durham area ranks 5th of 15 North Carolina metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 8.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 16% of employer businesses in Durham, compared with 11% in North Carolina.
5,581 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Durham area ranks 5th of 15 North Carolina metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 8.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 16% of employer businesses in Durham, compared with 11% in North Carolina.
5,581 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 2,246 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 1,755 employer businesses
Retail: 1,561 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 1,398 employer businesses
Construction: 1,363 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 2,246 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 1,755 employer businesses
Retail: 1,561 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 1,398 employer businesses
Construction: 1,363 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 Durham
Professional and technical services, health care and social assistance, retail, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Durham
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Durham. 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
1,517 related employer businesses in Durham.
General Contracting: 436 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 221 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 205 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 179 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 179 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
1,173 related employer businesses in Durham.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 464 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 432 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 50 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
1,035 related employer businesses in Durham.
Dental Practices: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
901 related employer businesses in Durham.
Real Estate Brokerages: 344 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Private Lending: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
595 related employer businesses in Durham.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Automotive & Boat
357 related employer businesses in Durham.
Auto Repair: 158 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Car Washes: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
312 related employer businesses in Durham.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Metal Fabrication: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
309 related employer businesses in Durham.
Property Management: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 7 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
278 related employer businesses in Durham.
Software Companies (SaaS): 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Logistics & Transportation
260 related employer businesses in Durham.
General Freight Trucking: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
260 related employer businesses in Durham.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
240 related employer businesses in Durham.
Gas Stations: 191 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 49 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
221 related employer businesses in Durham.
Daycare Centers: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
207 related employer businesses in Durham.
Hair Salons: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
191 related employer businesses in Durham.
Compounding Pharmacies: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
140 related employer businesses in Durham.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
130 related employer businesses in Durham.
Bars & Pubs: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 3 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.
Hospitality & Travel
125 related employer businesses in Durham.
Hotels: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
107 related employer businesses in Durham.
Non-Medical Home Care: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Pet Services
76 related employer businesses in Durham.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
Energy & Utilities
58 related employer businesses in Durham.
Waste Management & Recycling: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Land & Agriculture
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Durham. 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
1,517 related employer businesses in Durham.
General Contracting: 436 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 221 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 205 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 179 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 179 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
1,173 related employer businesses in Durham.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 464 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 432 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 50 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
1,035 related employer businesses in Durham.
Dental Practices: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
901 related employer businesses in Durham.
Real Estate Brokerages: 344 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Private Lending: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
595 related employer businesses in Durham.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Automotive & Boat
357 related employer businesses in Durham.
Auto Repair: 158 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Car Washes: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
312 related employer businesses in Durham.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Metal Fabrication: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
309 related employer businesses in Durham.
Property Management: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 7 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
278 related employer businesses in Durham.
Software Companies (SaaS): 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Logistics & Transportation
260 related employer businesses in Durham.
General Freight Trucking: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
260 related employer businesses in Durham.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
240 related employer businesses in Durham.
Gas Stations: 191 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 49 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
221 related employer businesses in Durham.
Daycare Centers: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
207 related employer businesses in Durham.
Hair Salons: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
191 related employer businesses in Durham.
Compounding Pharmacies: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
140 related employer businesses in Durham.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
130 related employer businesses in Durham.
Bars & Pubs: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 3 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.
Hospitality & Travel
125 related employer businesses in Durham.
Hotels: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
107 related employer businesses in Durham.
Non-Medical Home Care: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Pet Services
76 related employer businesses in Durham.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
Energy & Utilities
58 related employer businesses in Durham.
Waste Management & Recycling: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Land & Agriculture
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
Counties in this metro area
Working with owners in Durham
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Durham. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Durham ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Durham?
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 Durham?
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 Durham
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