Selling a Business in Louisville/Jefferson County
Owners in the Louisville/Jefferson County area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 31,628 employer businesses, and 83% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Louisville/Jefferson County by the numbers
31,628
31,628
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
83%
83%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
119,231
119,231
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
648,726
648,726
EMPLOYMENT
$39.2 billion
$39.2 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
13,454
13,454
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 Louisville/Jefferson County compares
The Louisville/Jefferson County area ranks 1st of 6 Kentucky metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 6% of employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County, compared with 5% in Kentucky.
13,454 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Louisville/Jefferson County area ranks 1st of 6 Kentucky metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 6% of employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County, compared with 5% in Kentucky.
13,454 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Health care and social assistance: 4,180 employer businesses
Retail: 4,154 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 3,251 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 3,081 employer businesses
Construction: 2,929 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Health care and social assistance: 4,180 employer businesses
Retail: 4,154 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 3,251 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 3,081 employer businesses
Construction: 2,929 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 Louisville/Jefferson County
Health care and social assistance, retail, professional and technical services, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Louisville/Jefferson County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Louisville/Jefferson County. 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
3,295 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
General Contracting: 847 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 480 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 471 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 229 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
2,699 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,062 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 920 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
2,597 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Primary & Family Care: 972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 502 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 255 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
2,286 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 695 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 676 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 475 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 266 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
1,589 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 453 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,119 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Auto Repair: 431 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 227 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 204 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
950 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Metal Fabrication: 223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
910 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
General Freight Trucking: 531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
703 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 337 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Home Services
579 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Residential Cleaning: 265 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 265 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 231 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 33 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
517 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Gas Stations: 434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 83 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
510 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Hair Salons: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
437 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
381 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 166 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 166 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
331 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Daycare Centers: 305 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
277 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Hotels: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
276 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
263 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Bars & Pubs: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 10 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.
Senior Care & Living
205 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 51 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.
Energy & Utilities
153 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Waste Management & Recycling: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 39 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.
Pet Services
144 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 41 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 Louisville/Jefferson County. 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
3,295 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
General Contracting: 847 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 480 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 471 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 229 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
2,699 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,062 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 920 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
2,597 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Primary & Family Care: 972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 502 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 255 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
2,286 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 695 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 676 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 475 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 266 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
1,589 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 453 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,119 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Auto Repair: 431 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 227 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 204 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
950 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Metal Fabrication: 223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
910 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
General Freight Trucking: 531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
703 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 337 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Home Services
579 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Residential Cleaning: 265 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 265 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 231 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 33 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
517 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Gas Stations: 434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 83 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
510 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Hair Salons: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
437 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
381 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 166 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 166 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
331 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Daycare Centers: 305 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
277 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Hotels: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
276 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
263 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Bars & Pubs: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 10 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.
Senior Care & Living
205 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 51 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.
Energy & Utilities
153 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Waste Management & Recycling: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 39 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.
Pet Services
144 related employer businesses in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 41 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 Louisville/Jefferson County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Louisville/Jefferson County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Louisville/Jefferson County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Louisville/Jefferson County?
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 Louisville/Jefferson County?
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 Louisville/Jefferson County
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