Selling a Business in Missouri
Selling a business in Missouri means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. Missouri has 151,475 employer businesses and about 498,312 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Missouri by the numbers
151,475
151,475
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
85%
85%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
498,312
498,312
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
2,631,543
2,631,543
EMPLOYMENT
$160.7 billion
$160.7 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
62,554
62,554
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 Missouri compares
Missouri ranks 19th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 1.5% between 2018 and 2023.
Finance and insurance makes up 7% of employer businesses in Missouri, compared with 6% nationwide.
62,554 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Missouri ranks 19th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 1.5% between 2018 and 2023.
Finance and insurance makes up 7% of employer businesses in Missouri, compared with 6% nationwide.
62,554 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in Missouri
A sale follows the same sequence in every market. The business is valued from its earnings, assets, size and industry. The records a buyer will ask for are prepared. The business is marketed without naming it, and buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name or the financial statements. Each buyer is checked for money and fit, the letter of intent is negotiated, the buyer's review of the books is managed, and the sale is carried to closing.
State rules on tax clearance, bulk sale notices and the transfer of permits and licenses differ from state to state.
Rules that apply in Missouri
Notice when assets are sold
Missouri repealed Article 6 of its Uniform Commercial Code, the old bulk transfer law that required notice to a seller's creditors when most of a business's assets were sold. The Revisor of Statutes lists Section 400.6-101 as repealed in 2004. Source: Revised Statutes of Missouri, Section 400.6-101
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
The Missouri Department of Revenue says a buyer of a business must withhold enough of the purchase price to cover the seller's unpaid taxes until the seller produces a Certificate of No Tax Due or a Tax Clearance from the Department. This is successor liability, which means the buyer becomes responsible for the seller's unpaid taxes. The Department says a buyer's lack of knowledge about successorship does not relieve it of that liability. Source: Department of Revenue business registration FAQ
Permits and registrations
The Missouri Department of Revenue's tax registration application has a separate option for the purchase of an existing business and asks for the previous owner's name, address, tax identification number and purchase price. The same form tells every buyer of a business or stock of goods to notify the Director of Revenue of the purchase. Source: Department of Revenue Form 2643, Missouri Tax Registration Application
Unemployment insurance account
The Missouri Division of Employment Security says an employer must notify the Division in writing within 30 days when it acquires all or part of another business. A buyer found to be a successor takes over the seller's experience rating account, the record used to set the unemployment tax rate, along with liability for unpaid contributions, interest and penalties. Source: Division of Employment Security page on business changes and successorship
These points come from official Missouri agency pages checked on 2026-10-24. Rules change, so check the linked agency page for the current version. This is general information and not legal or tax advice.
A sale follows the same sequence in every market. The business is valued from its earnings, assets, size and industry. The records a buyer will ask for are prepared. The business is marketed without naming it, and buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name or the financial statements. Each buyer is checked for money and fit, the letter of intent is negotiated, the buyer's review of the books is managed, and the sale is carried to closing.
State rules on tax clearance, bulk sale notices and the transfer of permits and licenses differ from state to state.
Rules that apply in Missouri
Notice when assets are sold
Missouri repealed Article 6 of its Uniform Commercial Code, the old bulk transfer law that required notice to a seller's creditors when most of a business's assets were sold. The Revisor of Statutes lists Section 400.6-101 as repealed in 2004. Source: Revised Statutes of Missouri, Section 400.6-101
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
The Missouri Department of Revenue says a buyer of a business must withhold enough of the purchase price to cover the seller's unpaid taxes until the seller produces a Certificate of No Tax Due or a Tax Clearance from the Department. This is successor liability, which means the buyer becomes responsible for the seller's unpaid taxes. The Department says a buyer's lack of knowledge about successorship does not relieve it of that liability. Source: Department of Revenue business registration FAQ
Permits and registrations
The Missouri Department of Revenue's tax registration application has a separate option for the purchase of an existing business and asks for the previous owner's name, address, tax identification number and purchase price. The same form tells every buyer of a business or stock of goods to notify the Director of Revenue of the purchase. Source: Department of Revenue Form 2643, Missouri Tax Registration Application
Unemployment insurance account
The Missouri Division of Employment Security says an employer must notify the Division in writing within 30 days when it acquires all or part of another business. A buyer found to be a successor takes over the seller's experience rating account, the record used to set the unemployment tax rate, along with liability for unpaid contributions, interest and penalties. Source: Division of Employment Security page on business changes and successorship
These points come from official Missouri agency pages checked on 2026-10-24. Rules change, so check the linked agency page for the current version. This is general information and not legal or tax advice.
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 Missouri
Health care and social assistance, retail, repair, personal care and other services, construction
Every kind of business we sell in Missouri
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Missouri. 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
15,476 related employer businesses in Missouri.
General Contracting: 4,213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 2,199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 2,060 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 1,915 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,915 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 1,487 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 1,282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 824 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 759 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 395 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 227 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
12,042 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 4,814 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 4,522 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 955 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 440 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
10,633 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Insurance Agencies: 3,330 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 2,550 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 2,333 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 1,540 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 778 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
10,293 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Primary & Family Care: 3,042 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,899 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 1,452 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 996 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 941 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 696 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 476 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 427 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 158 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
7,439 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,956 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 1,771 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,584 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 770 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 543 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 438 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 377 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
6,067 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Auto Repair: 2,249 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 1,130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 1,104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 835 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 374 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 212 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
5,173 related employer businesses in Missouri.
General Freight Trucking: 3,531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 433 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 364 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 346 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
4,290 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Metal Fabrication: 999 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 745 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 724 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 685 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 428 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 333 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 225 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 151 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
3,995 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Non-Medical Home Care: 3,454 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 405 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
3,154 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 1,531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 529 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 483 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 222 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
2,937 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Gas Stations: 2,635 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 302 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
2,657 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Home Infusion: 1,452 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 718 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 718 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 252 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 235 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
2,609 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Residential Cleaning: 1,194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 1,015 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 110 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
2,265 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Hair Salons: 1,236 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 503 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 503 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 503 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 399 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
1,852 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 601 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 194 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
1,651 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Hotels: 1,073 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 1,073 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 321 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
1,553 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Daycare Centers: 1,463 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,515 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Bars & Pubs: 698 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 698 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 417 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 229 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 78 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.
Health & Fitness
1,211 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 697 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 697 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 697 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 697 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 514 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
1,056 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Waste Management & Recycling: 397 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 329 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
672 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 186 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.
Land & Agriculture
6 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
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.
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.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Missouri. 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
15,476 related employer businesses in Missouri.
General Contracting: 4,213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 2,199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 2,060 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 1,915 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,915 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 1,487 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 1,282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 824 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 759 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 395 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 227 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
12,042 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 4,814 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 4,522 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 955 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 440 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
10,633 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Insurance Agencies: 3,330 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 2,550 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 2,333 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 1,540 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 778 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
10,293 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Primary & Family Care: 3,042 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,899 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 1,452 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 996 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 941 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 696 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 476 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 427 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 158 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
7,439 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,956 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 1,771 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,584 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 770 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 543 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 438 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 377 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
6,067 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Auto Repair: 2,249 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 1,130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 1,104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 835 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 374 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 212 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
5,173 related employer businesses in Missouri.
General Freight Trucking: 3,531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 433 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 364 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 346 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
4,290 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Metal Fabrication: 999 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 745 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 724 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 685 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 428 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 333 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 225 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 151 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
3,995 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Non-Medical Home Care: 3,454 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 405 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
3,154 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 1,531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 529 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 483 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 222 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
2,937 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Gas Stations: 2,635 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 302 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
2,657 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Home Infusion: 1,452 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 718 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 718 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 252 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 235 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
2,609 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Residential Cleaning: 1,194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 1,015 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 110 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
2,265 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Hair Salons: 1,236 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 503 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 503 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 503 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 399 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
1,852 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 601 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 194 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
1,651 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Hotels: 1,073 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 1,073 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 321 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
1,553 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Daycare Centers: 1,463 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,515 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Bars & Pubs: 698 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 698 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 417 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 229 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 78 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.
Health & Fitness
1,211 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 697 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 697 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 697 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 697 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 514 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
1,056 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Waste Management & Recycling: 397 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 329 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
672 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 186 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.
Land & Agriculture
6 related employer businesses in Missouri.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
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.
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.
Metro areas in this state
Counties
Working with owners in Missouri
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Missouri. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Missouri ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Missouri?
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 Missouri?
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.
What should I prepare before listing?
Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements, a current balance sheet, the lease, a list of equipment and a summary of key contracts.
What is the difference between SDE and EBITDA?
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, and it is used for larger businesses that run without the owner.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Missouri
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