Selling a Business in Madison
Owners in the Madison area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 17,791 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
Madison by the numbers
17,791
17,791
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
82%
82%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
53,468
53,468
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
358,759
358,759
EMPLOYMENT
$24.7 billion
$24.7 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
7,643
7,643
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 Madison compares
The Madison area ranks 2nd of 13 Wisconsin metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 12% of employer businesses in Madison, compared with 8% in Wisconsin.
7,643 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Madison area ranks 2nd of 13 Wisconsin metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 12% of employer businesses in Madison, compared with 8% in Wisconsin.
7,643 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 2,203 employer businesses
Retail: 2,026 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 1,934 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 1,838 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 1,809 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 2,203 employer businesses
Retail: 2,026 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 1,934 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 1,838 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 1,809 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 Madison
Professional and technical services, retail, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Madison
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Madison. 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
2,004 related employer businesses in Madison.
General Contracting: 507 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 302 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 33 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
1,476 related employer businesses in Madison.
Full-Service Restaurants: 601 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 510 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
1,133 related employer businesses in Madison.
Real Estate Brokerages: 375 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 215 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 203 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
893 related employer businesses in Madison.
Dental Practices: 203 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Primary & Family Care: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
840 related employer businesses in Madison.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
609 related employer businesses in Madison.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
552 related employer businesses in Madison.
Auto Repair: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 35 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.
Boat Dealerships: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
466 related employer businesses in Madison.
General Freight Trucking: 325 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Services
409 related employer businesses in Madison.
Residential Cleaning: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 12 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
388 related employer businesses in Madison.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Beauty & Personal Care
372 related employer businesses in Madison.
Hair Salons: 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 39 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.
Entertainment & Recreation
358 related employer businesses in Madison.
Bars & Pubs: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 7 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.
Technology & Media
357 related employer businesses in Madison.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 55 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.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
275 related employer businesses in Madison.
Non-Medical Home Care: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
261 related employer businesses in Madison.
Daycare Centers: 242 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
241 related employer businesses in Madison.
Gas Stations: 229 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 12 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
223 related employer businesses in Madison.
Hotels: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Travel Agencies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
217 related employer businesses in Madison.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
164 related employer businesses in Madison.
Compounding Pharmacies: 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pet Services
114 related employer businesses in Madison.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 29 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
64 related employer businesses in Madison.
Waste Management & Recycling: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
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 Madison. 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
2,004 related employer businesses in Madison.
General Contracting: 507 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 302 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 33 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
1,476 related employer businesses in Madison.
Full-Service Restaurants: 601 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 510 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
1,133 related employer businesses in Madison.
Real Estate Brokerages: 375 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 215 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 203 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
893 related employer businesses in Madison.
Dental Practices: 203 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Primary & Family Care: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
840 related employer businesses in Madison.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
609 related employer businesses in Madison.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
552 related employer businesses in Madison.
Auto Repair: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 35 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.
Boat Dealerships: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
466 related employer businesses in Madison.
General Freight Trucking: 325 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Services
409 related employer businesses in Madison.
Residential Cleaning: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 186 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 12 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
388 related employer businesses in Madison.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Beauty & Personal Care
372 related employer businesses in Madison.
Hair Salons: 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 39 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.
Entertainment & Recreation
358 related employer businesses in Madison.
Bars & Pubs: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 7 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.
Technology & Media
357 related employer businesses in Madison.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 55 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.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
275 related employer businesses in Madison.
Non-Medical Home Care: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
261 related employer businesses in Madison.
Daycare Centers: 242 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
241 related employer businesses in Madison.
Gas Stations: 229 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 12 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
223 related employer businesses in Madison.
Hotels: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Travel Agencies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
217 related employer businesses in Madison.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
164 related employer businesses in Madison.
Compounding Pharmacies: 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pet Services
114 related employer businesses in Madison.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 29 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
64 related employer businesses in Madison.
Waste Management & Recycling: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
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 Madison
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Madison. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Madison ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Madison?
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 Madison?
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 Madison
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