Selling a Business in Memphis
Owners in the Memphis area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 26,131 employer businesses, and 80% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Memphis by the numbers
26,131
26,131
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
80%
80%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
144,989
144,989
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
561,551
561,551
EMPLOYMENT
$34.0 billion
$34.0 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
12,236
12,236
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 Memphis compares
The Memphis area ranks 2nd of 10 Tennessee metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 6% of employer businesses in Memphis, compared with 4% in Tennessee.
12,236 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Memphis area ranks 2nd of 10 Tennessee metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 6% of employer businesses in Memphis, compared with 4% in Tennessee.
12,236 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 4,218 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 2,992 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 2,788 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 2,597 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 1,950 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 4,218 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 2,992 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 2,788 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 2,597 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 1,950 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 Memphis
Retail, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food service, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Memphis
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Memphis. 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.
Restaurants & Food
2,581 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 849 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
1,873 related employer businesses in Memphis.
General Contracting: 438 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Plumbing: 349 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 349 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,824 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Primary & Family Care: 677 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 394 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
1,520 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 549 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 374 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
1,506 related employer businesses in Memphis.
General Freight Trucking: 686 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 337 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 260 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
1,356 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Insurance Agencies: 443 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 378 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 250 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 155 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
928 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Auto Repair: 308 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 158 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
856 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Gas Stations: 690 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 166 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Wholesale & Distribution
712 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 339 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
651 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Metal Fabrication: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
553 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Residential Cleaning: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
417 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Hair Salons: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
349 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Hotels: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
348 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Daycare Centers: 311 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
343 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Compounding Pharmacies: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Technology & Media
243 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
217 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
167 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Non-Medical Home Care: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 17 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
149 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Outdoor Recreation: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Bars & Pubs: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 5 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.
Energy & Utilities
126 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Waste Management & Recycling: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Pet Services
85 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
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 Memphis. 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.
Restaurants & Food
2,581 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 849 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
1,873 related employer businesses in Memphis.
General Contracting: 438 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Plumbing: 349 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 349 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,824 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Primary & Family Care: 677 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 394 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
1,520 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 549 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 374 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
1,506 related employer businesses in Memphis.
General Freight Trucking: 686 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 337 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 260 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
1,356 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Insurance Agencies: 443 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 378 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 250 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 155 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
928 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Auto Repair: 308 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 158 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
856 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Gas Stations: 690 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 166 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Wholesale & Distribution
712 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 339 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
651 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Metal Fabrication: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
553 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Residential Cleaning: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
417 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Hair Salons: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
349 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Hotels: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
348 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Daycare Centers: 311 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
343 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Compounding Pharmacies: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Technology & Media
243 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
217 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
167 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Non-Medical Home Care: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 17 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
149 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Outdoor Recreation: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Bars & Pubs: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 5 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.
Energy & Utilities
126 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Waste Management & Recycling: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Pet Services
85 related employer businesses in Memphis.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
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 Memphis
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Memphis. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Memphis ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Memphis?
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 Memphis?
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 Memphis
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