Selling a Business in Lancaster
Owners in the Lancaster area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 13,776 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
Lancaster by the numbers
13,776
13,776
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
82%
82%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
50,449
50,449
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
249,379
249,379
EMPLOYMENT
$13.8 billion
$13.8 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
6,349
6,349
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 Lancaster compares
The Lancaster area ranks 5th of 16 Pennsylvania metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 4.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 8% of employer businesses in Lancaster, compared with 4% in Pennsylvania.
6,349 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Lancaster area ranks 5th of 16 Pennsylvania metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 4.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 8% of employer businesses in Lancaster, compared with 4% in Pennsylvania.
6,349 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 1,919 employer businesses
Retail: 1,887 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 1,791 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 1,310 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 1,109 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 1,919 employer businesses
Retail: 1,887 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 1,791 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 1,310 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 1,109 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 Lancaster
Construction, retail, repair, personal care and other services, health care and social assistance
Every kind of business we sell in Lancaster
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Lancaster. 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
2,069 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
General Contracting: 638 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 246 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Civil Engineering: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
999 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 366 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
846 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 200 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 179 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical Practices
793 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Primary & Family Care: 227 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
751 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
647 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Auto Repair: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Financial & Professional Services
592 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 149 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
515 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
General Freight Trucking: 388 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
307 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 155 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Beauty & Personal Care
295 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Hair Salons: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
231 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Residential Cleaning: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
184 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 8 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
173 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Gas Stations: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 27 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.
Hospitality & Travel
173 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Hotels: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
171 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Home Infusion: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
106 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Daycare Centers: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
106 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
98 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Waste Management & Recycling: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
98 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Non-Medical Home Care: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 19 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
96 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Bars & Pubs: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 4 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
57 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 13 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 Lancaster. 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
2,069 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
General Contracting: 638 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 246 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Civil Engineering: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
999 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 366 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
846 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 200 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 179 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical Practices
793 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Primary & Family Care: 227 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
751 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
647 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Auto Repair: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Financial & Professional Services
592 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 149 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
515 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
General Freight Trucking: 388 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
307 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 155 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Beauty & Personal Care
295 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Hair Salons: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
231 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Residential Cleaning: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
184 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 8 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
173 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Gas Stations: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 27 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.
Hospitality & Travel
173 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Hotels: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
171 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Home Infusion: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
106 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Daycare Centers: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
106 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
98 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Waste Management & Recycling: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
98 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Non-Medical Home Care: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 19 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
96 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Bars & Pubs: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 4 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
57 related employer businesses in Lancaster.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 13 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 Lancaster
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Lancaster. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Lancaster ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Lancaster?
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 Lancaster?
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 Lancaster
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