Selling a Business in Waterloo
Owners in the Waterloo area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 3,956 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
Waterloo by the numbers
3,956
3,956
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
82%
82%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
11,233
11,233
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
74,813
74,813
EMPLOYMENT
$4.2 billion
$4.2 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
1,877
1,877
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 Waterloo compares
The Waterloo area ranks 5th of 8 Iowa metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 3.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Health care and social assistance makes up 13% of employer businesses in Waterloo, compared with 11% in Iowa.
1,877 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Waterloo area ranks 5th of 8 Iowa metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 3.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Health care and social assistance makes up 13% of employer businesses in Waterloo, compared with 11% in Iowa.
1,877 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 567 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 499 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 443 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 374 employer businesses
Construction: 352 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 567 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 499 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 443 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 374 employer businesses
Construction: 352 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 Waterloo
Retail, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Waterloo
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Waterloo. 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
376 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
General Contracting: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Interior Finishing: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Restaurants & Food
313 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
231 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Insurance Agencies: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Real Estate Brokerages: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
229 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Primary & Family Care: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
210 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
171 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
General Freight Trucking: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
163 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Auto Repair: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Manufacturing
110 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Metal Fabrication: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
92 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Gas Stations: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Wholesale & Distribution
92 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
89 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Bars & Pubs: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 4 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.
Home Services
80 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Residential Cleaning: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
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.
Senior Care & Living
60 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Non-Medical Home Care: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Senior Living Communities: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Assisted Living Facilities: 6 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
50 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Daycare Centers: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
48 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Hair Salons: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
48 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Compounding Pharmacies: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Technology & Media
47 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
39 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Hotels: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Transportation Services: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Health & Fitness
20 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
18 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Waste Management & Recycling: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Pet Services
13 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 3 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 Waterloo. 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
376 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
General Contracting: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Interior Finishing: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Restaurants & Food
313 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
231 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Insurance Agencies: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Real Estate Brokerages: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
229 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Primary & Family Care: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
210 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
171 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
General Freight Trucking: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
163 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Auto Repair: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Manufacturing
110 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Metal Fabrication: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
92 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Gas Stations: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Wholesale & Distribution
92 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
89 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Bars & Pubs: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 4 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.
Home Services
80 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Residential Cleaning: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
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.
Senior Care & Living
60 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Non-Medical Home Care: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Senior Living Communities: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Assisted Living Facilities: 6 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
50 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Daycare Centers: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
48 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Hair Salons: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
48 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Compounding Pharmacies: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Technology & Media
47 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
39 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Hotels: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Transportation Services: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Health & Fitness
20 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
18 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Waste Management & Recycling: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Pet Services
13 related employer businesses in Waterloo.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 3 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 Waterloo
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Waterloo. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Waterloo ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Waterloo?
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 Waterloo?
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 Waterloo
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