Selling a Business in Knoxville
Owners in the Knoxville area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 19,652 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
Knoxville by the numbers
19,652
19,652
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
82%
82%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
79,224
79,224
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
385,052
385,052
EMPLOYMENT
$22.7 billion
$22.7 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
9,153
9,153
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 Knoxville compares
The Knoxville area ranks 3rd of 10 Tennessee metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 7.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 10% of employer businesses in Knoxville, compared with 8% in Tennessee.
9,153 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Knoxville area ranks 3rd of 10 Tennessee metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 7.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 10% of employer businesses in Knoxville, compared with 8% in Tennessee.
9,153 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 2,994 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 2,352 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 2,154 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 1,870 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 1,869 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 2,994 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 2,352 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 2,154 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 1,870 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 1,869 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 Knoxville
Retail, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services, professional and technical services
Every kind of business we sell in Knoxville
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Knoxville. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
2,115 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
General Contracting: 554 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 255 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
1,723 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 728 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 578 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,499 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Primary & Family Care: 590 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
1,116 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Insurance Agencies: 340 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 283 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 225 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
1,089 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 245 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
780 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Auto Repair: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 189 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
569 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Metal Fabrication: 148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
502 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Gas Stations: 412 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 90 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
464 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
455 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
General Freight Trucking: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Services
421 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Residential Cleaning: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 20 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
300 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Hair Salons: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
283 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Compounding Pharmacies: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
257 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Hotels: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Travel Agencies: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Technology & Media
214 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
184 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
157 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Daycare Centers: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
150 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Non-Medical Home Care: 83 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: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
142 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Bars & Pubs: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 6 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.
Pet Services
125 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 32 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
115 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Waste Management & Recycling: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Land & Agriculture
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Knoxville. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
2,115 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
General Contracting: 554 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 255 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
1,723 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 728 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 578 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,499 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Primary & Family Care: 590 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
1,116 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Insurance Agencies: 340 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 283 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 225 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
1,089 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 245 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
780 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Auto Repair: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 189 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
569 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Metal Fabrication: 148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
502 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Gas Stations: 412 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 90 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
464 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
455 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
General Freight Trucking: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Services
421 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Residential Cleaning: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 20 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
300 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Hair Salons: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
283 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Compounding Pharmacies: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
257 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Hotels: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Travel Agencies: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Technology & Media
214 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
184 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
157 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Daycare Centers: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
150 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Non-Medical Home Care: 83 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: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
142 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Bars & Pubs: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 6 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.
Pet Services
125 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 32 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
115 related employer businesses in Knoxville.
Waste Management & Recycling: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Land & Agriculture
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
Counties in this metro area
Working with owners in Knoxville
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Knoxville. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Knoxville ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Knoxville?
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 Knoxville?
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 Knoxville
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