Selling a Business in Houston
Owners in the Houston area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 162,055 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
Houston Area by the numbers
162,055
162,055
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
84%
84%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
918,387
918,387
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
2,863,143
2,863,143
EMPLOYMENT
$215.3 billion
$215.3 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
62,820
62,820
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 Houston Area compares
The Houston area ranks 2nd of 26 Texas metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 12.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Wholesale makes up 6% of employer businesses in Houston, compared with 5% in Texas.
62,820 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Houston area ranks 2nd of 26 Texas metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 12.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Wholesale makes up 6% of employer businesses in Houston, compared with 5% in Texas.
62,820 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 22,233 employer businesses
Retail: 20,204 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 20,054 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 15,903 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 13,129 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 22,233 employer businesses
Retail: 20,204 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 20,054 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 15,903 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 13,129 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 Houston Area
Professional and technical services, retail, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Houston Area
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Houston. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Restaurants & Food
14,701 related employer businesses in Houston.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 5,768 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 5,201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,848 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 1,112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 588 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
14,412 related employer businesses in Houston.
Primary & Family Care: 5,628 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 3,400 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 1,113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 910 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 817 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 673 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 608 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 327 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Construction & Engineering
13,039 related employer businesses in Houston.
General Contracting: 3,700 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 2,002 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 1,909 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,909 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 1,310 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 1,282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 1,077 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 793 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 536 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 189 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
10,277 related employer businesses in Houston.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 2,857 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 2,805 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 2,582 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 1,236 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 643 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
7,455 related employer businesses in Houston.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 2,519 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,903 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 996 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 777 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 502 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 488 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
5,199 related employer businesses in Houston.
Auto Repair: 1,977 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 1,062 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 948 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 545 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 430 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 149 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
5,107 related employer businesses in Houston.
General Freight Trucking: 3,072 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 785 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 464 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 149 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
4,852 related employer businesses in Houston.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 2,482 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 749 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 607 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 506 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
4,573 related employer businesses in Houston.
Metal Fabrication: 1,588 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 614 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 609 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 591 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 325 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 297 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
4,100 related employer businesses in Houston.
Gas Stations: 2,898 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 1,202 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.
Home Services
3,032 related employer businesses in Houston.
Property Management: 1,692 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 860 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 860 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 161 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
2,802 related employer businesses in Houston.
Hair Salons: 1,516 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 663 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 663 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 663 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 504 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
2,344 related employer businesses in Houston.
Home Infusion: 1,113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 880 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 880 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Technology & Media
1,974 related employer businesses in Houston.
Creative Agencies: 607 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 542 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 277 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 267 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Energy & Utilities
1,961 related employer businesses in Houston.
Oil & Gas Services: 865 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Water & Wastewater Services: 382 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 377 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
1,857 related employer businesses in Houston.
Daycare Centers: 1,580 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 277 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
1,688 related employer businesses in Houston.
Hotels: 1,223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 1,223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,266 related employer businesses in Houston.
Bars & Pubs: 719 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 719 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 357 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Arcades & FECs: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Golf Courses: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
1,032 related employer businesses in Houston.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 226 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
821 related employer businesses in Houston.
Non-Medical Home Care: 548 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 50 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
647 related employer businesses in Houston.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 447 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 447 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 200 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 Houston. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Restaurants & Food
14,701 related employer businesses in Houston.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 5,768 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 5,201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,848 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 1,112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 588 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
14,412 related employer businesses in Houston.
Primary & Family Care: 5,628 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 3,400 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 1,113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 910 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 817 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 673 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 608 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 327 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Construction & Engineering
13,039 related employer businesses in Houston.
General Contracting: 3,700 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 2,002 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 1,909 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,909 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 1,310 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 1,282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 1,077 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 793 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 536 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 189 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
10,277 related employer businesses in Houston.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 2,857 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 2,805 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 2,582 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 1,236 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 643 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
7,455 related employer businesses in Houston.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 2,519 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,903 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 996 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 777 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 502 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 488 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
5,199 related employer businesses in Houston.
Auto Repair: 1,977 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 1,062 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 948 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 545 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 430 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 149 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
5,107 related employer businesses in Houston.
General Freight Trucking: 3,072 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 785 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 464 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 149 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
4,852 related employer businesses in Houston.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 2,482 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 749 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 607 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 506 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
4,573 related employer businesses in Houston.
Metal Fabrication: 1,588 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 614 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 609 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 591 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 325 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 297 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
4,100 related employer businesses in Houston.
Gas Stations: 2,898 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 1,202 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.
Home Services
3,032 related employer businesses in Houston.
Property Management: 1,692 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 860 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 860 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 161 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
2,802 related employer businesses in Houston.
Hair Salons: 1,516 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 663 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 663 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 663 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 504 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
2,344 related employer businesses in Houston.
Home Infusion: 1,113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 880 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 880 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Technology & Media
1,974 related employer businesses in Houston.
Creative Agencies: 607 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 542 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 277 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 267 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Energy & Utilities
1,961 related employer businesses in Houston.
Oil & Gas Services: 865 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Water & Wastewater Services: 382 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 377 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
1,857 related employer businesses in Houston.
Daycare Centers: 1,580 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 277 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
1,688 related employer businesses in Houston.
Hotels: 1,223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 1,223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,266 related employer businesses in Houston.
Bars & Pubs: 719 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 719 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 357 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Arcades & FECs: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Golf Courses: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Health & Fitness
1,032 related employer businesses in Houston.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 226 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
821 related employer businesses in Houston.
Non-Medical Home Care: 548 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 50 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
647 related employer businesses in Houston.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 447 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 447 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 200 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 Houston Area
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Houston. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Houston Area ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Houston?
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 Houston?
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 Houston Area
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