Selling a Business in Nashville
Owners in the Nashville area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 50,910 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
Nashville by the numbers
50,910
50,910
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
82%
82%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
245,584
245,584
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
1,012,689
1,012,689
EMPLOYMENT
$68.0 billion
$68.0 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
22,044
22,044
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 Nashville compares
The Nashville area ranks 1st of 10 Tennessee metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 14.5% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 10% of employer businesses in Nashville, compared with 8% in Tennessee.
22,044 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Nashville area ranks 1st of 10 Tennessee metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 14.5% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 10% of employer businesses in Nashville, compared with 8% in Tennessee.
22,044 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 6,634 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 5,732 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 5,218 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 5,151 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 4,825 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 6,634 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 5,732 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 5,218 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 5,151 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 4,825 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 Nashville
Retail, health care and social assistance, professional and technical services, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Nashville
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Nashville. 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
5,027 related employer businesses in Nashville.
General Contracting: 1,429 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 690 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 649 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 589 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 589 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 476 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 472 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 309 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 226 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
4,681 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,863 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,681 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 559 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
3,703 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Primary & Family Care: 1,554 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 787 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 268 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
2,927 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Insurance Agencies: 895 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 655 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 655 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 384 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,576 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 886 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 516 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 429 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,692 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Auto Repair: 560 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 415 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 309 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
1,430 related employer businesses in Nashville.
General Freight Trucking: 840 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Technology & Media
1,231 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 447 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
1,209 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Metal Fabrication: 250 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
1,100 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Property Management: 526 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 420 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 420 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 45 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
1,027 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 443 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
968 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Gas Stations: 783 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 185 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
828 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Hair Salons: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
596 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Hotels: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
547 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Compounding Pharmacies: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
485 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
394 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Daycare Centers: 346 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
391 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Bars & Pubs: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 15 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.
Senior Care & Living
289 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Non-Medical Home Care: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 91 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.
Energy & Utilities
279 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Waste Management & Recycling: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
238 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 64 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 Nashville. 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
5,027 related employer businesses in Nashville.
General Contracting: 1,429 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 690 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 649 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 589 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 589 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 476 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 472 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 309 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 226 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
4,681 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,863 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,681 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 559 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
3,703 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Primary & Family Care: 1,554 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 787 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 268 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
2,927 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Insurance Agencies: 895 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 655 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 655 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 384 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,576 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 886 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 516 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 429 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,692 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Auto Repair: 560 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 415 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 309 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
1,430 related employer businesses in Nashville.
General Freight Trucking: 840 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Technology & Media
1,231 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 447 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
1,209 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Metal Fabrication: 250 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
1,100 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Property Management: 526 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 420 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 420 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 45 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
1,027 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 443 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
968 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Gas Stations: 783 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 185 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
828 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Hair Salons: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
596 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Hotels: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
547 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Compounding Pharmacies: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
485 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
394 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Daycare Centers: 346 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
391 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Bars & Pubs: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 15 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.
Senior Care & Living
289 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Non-Medical Home Care: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 91 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.
Energy & Utilities
279 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Waste Management & Recycling: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
238 related employer businesses in Nashville.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 64 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 Nashville
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Nashville. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Nashville ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Nashville?
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 Nashville?
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 Nashville
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