Selling a Business in Reading
Owners in the Reading area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 8,521 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
Reading by the numbers
8,521
8,521
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
82%
82%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
30,812
30,812
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
172,167
172,167
EMPLOYMENT
$9.9 billion
$9.9 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
3,732
3,732
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 Reading compares
The Reading area ranks 8th of 16 Pennsylvania metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Administrative and support services makes up 7% of employer businesses in Reading, compared with 5% in Pennsylvania.
3,732 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Reading area ranks 8th of 16 Pennsylvania metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Administrative and support services makes up 7% of employer businesses in Reading, compared with 5% in Pennsylvania.
3,732 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Repair, personal care and other services: 1,127 employer businesses
Retail: 1,099 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 941 employer businesses
Construction: 877 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 779 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Repair, personal care and other services: 1,127 employer businesses
Retail: 1,099 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 941 employer businesses
Construction: 877 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 779 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 Reading
Repair, personal care and other services, retail, health care and social assistance, construction
Every kind of business we sell in Reading
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Reading. 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
1,057 related employer businesses in Reading.
General Contracting: 257 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
733 related employer businesses in Reading.
Full-Service Restaurants: 274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 266 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
511 related employer businesses in Reading.
Primary & Family Care: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
410 related employer businesses in Reading.
Auto Repair: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
401 related employer businesses in Reading.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
364 related employer businesses in Reading.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Manufacturing
356 related employer businesses in Reading.
Metal Fabrication: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
312 related employer businesses in Reading.
General Freight Trucking: 200 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
235 related employer businesses in Reading.
Hair Salons: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
181 related employer businesses in Reading.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Services
179 related employer businesses in Reading.
Residential Cleaning: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Property Management: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Security Systems: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
148 related employer businesses in Reading.
Gas Stations: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 31 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
95 related employer businesses in Reading.
Compounding Pharmacies: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
93 related employer businesses in Reading.
Bars & Pubs: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 3 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.
Technology & Media
89 related employer businesses in Reading.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
88 related employer businesses in Reading.
Non-Medical Home Care: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 10 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
81 related employer businesses in Reading.
Daycare Centers: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
81 related employer businesses in Reading.
Waste Management & Recycling: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Hospitality & Travel
80 related employer businesses in Reading.
Hotels: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 6 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.
Health & Fitness
77 related employer businesses in Reading.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
44 related employer businesses in Reading.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 17 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 Reading. 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
1,057 related employer businesses in Reading.
General Contracting: 257 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
733 related employer businesses in Reading.
Full-Service Restaurants: 274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 266 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
511 related employer businesses in Reading.
Primary & Family Care: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
410 related employer businesses in Reading.
Auto Repair: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
401 related employer businesses in Reading.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
364 related employer businesses in Reading.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Manufacturing
356 related employer businesses in Reading.
Metal Fabrication: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
312 related employer businesses in Reading.
General Freight Trucking: 200 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
235 related employer businesses in Reading.
Hair Salons: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
181 related employer businesses in Reading.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Services
179 related employer businesses in Reading.
Residential Cleaning: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Property Management: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Security Systems: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
148 related employer businesses in Reading.
Gas Stations: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 31 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
95 related employer businesses in Reading.
Compounding Pharmacies: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
93 related employer businesses in Reading.
Bars & Pubs: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 3 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.
Technology & Media
89 related employer businesses in Reading.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
88 related employer businesses in Reading.
Non-Medical Home Care: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 10 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
81 related employer businesses in Reading.
Daycare Centers: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
81 related employer businesses in Reading.
Waste Management & Recycling: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Hospitality & Travel
80 related employer businesses in Reading.
Hotels: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 6 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.
Health & Fitness
77 related employer businesses in Reading.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
44 related employer businesses in Reading.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 17 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 Reading
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Reading. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Reading ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Reading?
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 Reading?
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 Reading
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