Selling a Business in Indianapolis
Owners in the Indianapolis area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 51,076 employer businesses, and 82% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Indianapolis by the numbers
51,076
51,076
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
82%
82%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
190,472
190,472
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
982,448
982,448
EMPLOYMENT
$63.0 billion
$63.0 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
20,818
20,818
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 Indianapolis compares
The Indianapolis area ranks 1st of 12 Indiana metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 8.5% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 11% of employer businesses in Indianapolis, compared with 9% in Indiana.
20,818 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Indianapolis area ranks 1st of 12 Indiana metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 8.5% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 11% of employer businesses in Indianapolis, compared with 9% in Indiana.
20,818 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Health care and social assistance: 6,448 employer businesses
Retail: 5,880 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 5,803 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 5,072 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 4,751 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Health care and social assistance: 6,448 employer businesses
Retail: 5,880 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 5,803 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 5,072 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 4,751 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 Indianapolis
Health care and social assistance, retail, professional and technical services, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Indianapolis
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Indianapolis. 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
5,252 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
General Contracting: 1,395 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 798 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 745 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 598 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 598 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 407 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 235 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
4,408 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,779 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,613 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 414 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 278 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
3,846 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Primary & Family Care: 1,136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 824 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 487 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 372 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
3,749 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,308 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 994 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 714 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 510 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 175 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,204 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 646 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 491 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 369 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 149 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
2,074 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
General Freight Trucking: 1,371 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 149 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,657 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Auto Repair: 617 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 350 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
1,221 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Metal Fabrication: 343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,174 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 574 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 244 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Home Services
1,012 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Residential Cleaning: 461 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 461 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 61 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
825 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Hair Salons: 508 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
799 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Creative Agencies: 242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 235 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
775 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Gas Stations: 702 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 73 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
743 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Home Infusion: 372 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
565 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Daycare Centers: 520 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
481 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Non-Medical Home Care: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
451 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Hotels: 309 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 309 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
437 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
431 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Bars & Pubs: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 69 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.
Arcades & FECs: 19 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.
Energy & Utilities
254 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Waste Management & Recycling: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Pet Services
238 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 65 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 Indianapolis. 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
5,252 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
General Contracting: 1,395 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 798 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 745 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 598 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 598 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 407 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 235 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
4,408 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,779 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,613 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 414 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 278 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
3,846 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Primary & Family Care: 1,136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 824 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 487 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 372 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
3,749 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,308 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 994 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 714 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 510 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 175 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,204 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 646 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 491 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 369 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 149 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
2,074 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
General Freight Trucking: 1,371 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 149 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,657 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Auto Repair: 617 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 350 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
1,221 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Metal Fabrication: 343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,174 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 574 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 244 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Home Services
1,012 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Residential Cleaning: 461 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 461 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 61 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
825 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Hair Salons: 508 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
799 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Creative Agencies: 242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 235 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
775 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Gas Stations: 702 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 73 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
743 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Home Infusion: 372 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
565 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Daycare Centers: 520 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
481 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Non-Medical Home Care: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
451 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Hotels: 309 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 309 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
437 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
431 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Bars & Pubs: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 69 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.
Arcades & FECs: 19 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.
Energy & Utilities
254 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Waste Management & Recycling: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Pet Services
238 related employer businesses in Indianapolis.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 65 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 Indianapolis
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Indianapolis. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Indianapolis ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Indianapolis?
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 Indianapolis?
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 Indianapolis
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