Selling a Business in St. Louis
Owners in the St. Louis area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 69,470 employer businesses, and 84% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
St. Louis by the numbers
69,470
69,470
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
84%
84%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
223,577
223,577
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
1,263,674
1,263,674
EMPLOYMENT
$83.2 billion
$83.2 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
28,844
28,844
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 St. Louis compares
The St. Louis area ranks 1st of 8 Missouri metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 4.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 10% of employer businesses in St. Louis, compared with 9% in Missouri.
28,844 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The St. Louis area ranks 1st of 8 Missouri metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 4.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 10% of employer businesses in St. Louis, compared with 9% in Missouri.
28,844 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Health care and social assistance: 10,427 employer businesses
Retail: 8,095 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 7,057 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 7,027 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 6,384 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Health care and social assistance: 10,427 employer businesses
Retail: 8,095 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 7,057 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 7,027 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 6,384 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 St. Louis
Health care and social assistance, retail, professional and technical services, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in St. Louis
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in St. Louis. 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
6,986 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
General Contracting: 1,920 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 1,092 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 980 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 523 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 511 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
5,599 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 2,334 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 2,019 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 507 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 447 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
5,467 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Primary & Family Care: 1,785 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,017 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 549 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 385 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 278 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 240 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 229 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
4,866 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Insurance Agencies: 1,509 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,099 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 971 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 966 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
3,217 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 954 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 720 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 609 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 204 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
2,473 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Auto Repair: 1,001 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 430 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 347 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
2,109 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Non-Medical Home Care: 1,898 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
2,022 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
General Freight Trucking: 1,330 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 205 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 179 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
1,754 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Metal Fabrication: 442 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 322 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,538 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 693 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
1,338 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Home Infusion: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Home Services
1,237 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Residential Cleaning: 593 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 593 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 475 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 43 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
1,130 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Hair Salons: 654 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 189 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,078 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Gas Stations: 923 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 155 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.
Technology & Media
950 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 155 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
923 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Bars & Pubs: 544 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 544 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 204 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
714 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Daycare Centers: 660 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
567 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Hotels: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
549 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
382 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Waste Management & Recycling: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Pet Services
345 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 248 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 248 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 97 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 St. Louis. 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
6,986 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
General Contracting: 1,920 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 1,092 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 980 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 523 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 511 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
5,599 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 2,334 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 2,019 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 507 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 447 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
5,467 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Primary & Family Care: 1,785 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,017 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 549 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 385 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 278 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 240 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 229 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
4,866 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Insurance Agencies: 1,509 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,099 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 971 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 966 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
3,217 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 954 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 720 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 609 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 204 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
2,473 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Auto Repair: 1,001 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 430 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 347 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 87 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
2,109 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Non-Medical Home Care: 1,898 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
2,022 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
General Freight Trucking: 1,330 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 205 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 179 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
1,754 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Metal Fabrication: 442 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 322 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,538 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 693 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
1,338 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Home Infusion: 806 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Home Services
1,237 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Residential Cleaning: 593 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 593 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 475 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 43 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
1,130 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Hair Salons: 654 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 189 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,078 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Gas Stations: 923 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 155 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.
Technology & Media
950 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 155 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
923 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Bars & Pubs: 544 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 544 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 204 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
714 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Daycare Centers: 660 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
567 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Hotels: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
549 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
382 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Waste Management & Recycling: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Pet Services
345 related employer businesses in St. Louis.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 248 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 248 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 97 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 St. Louis
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in St. Louis. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in St. Louis ask
How long does it take to sell a business in St. Louis?
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 St. Louis?
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 St. Louis
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