Selling a Business in New York
Selling a business in New York means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. New York has 541,313 employer businesses and about 2,097,883 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
New York by the numbers
541,313
541,313
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
88%
88%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
2,097,883
2,097,883
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
8,767,091
8,767,091
EMPLOYMENT
$751.6 billion
$751.6 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
187,326
187,326
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 New York compares
New York ranks 4th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 1.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 6% of employer businesses in New York, compared with 6% nationwide.
187,326 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
New York ranks 4th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 1.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 6% of employer businesses in New York, compared with 6% nationwide.
187,326 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in New York
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 New York
Notice when assets are sold
New York's Department of Taxation and Finance says the buyer in a bulk sale, meaning a sale of business assets outside the ordinary course of business by a seller required to collect sales tax, must notify the Department on Form AU-196.10 at least 10 days before paying for or taking possession of any assets, whichever comes first. Within five business days the Department issues either a release or a notice of claim to the buyer. Source: Department of Taxation and Finance Tax Bulletin ST-70 on bulk sales
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
New York's Department of Taxation and Finance says a buyer who pays the seller without following the bulk sale procedure may be held liable for the seller's unpaid sales and use taxes. A buyer who receives the Department's release, Form AU-197.1, will not be held liable for the seller's unpaid sales tax. A buyer who receives a notice of claim should place the full purchase price in escrow, and the Department states the tax due within 90 days of the notice. Source: Department of Taxation and Finance Tax Bulletin ST-70 on bulk sales
Permits and registrations
New York's Department of Taxation and Finance says the seller's Certificate of Authority, the state's sales tax registration, is not transferable. A buyer who will start or continue a business that makes taxable sales must register and obtain its own Certificate of Authority at least 20 days before beginning business. Source: Department of Taxation and Finance Tax Bulletin ST-70 on bulk sales
Unemployment insurance account
New York's Department of Labor says a buyer who acquires all or part of an existing business also acquires all or part of the seller's unemployment insurance experience rating account. The transfer applies when the buyer assumes any of the seller's obligations, acquires goodwill, continues the business or keeps substantially the same employees. If the buyer acquires the entire business, the seller's account is closed and its experience moves into the buyer's account. Source: Department of Labor page on transfers of business
These points come from official New York 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 New York
Notice when assets are sold
New York's Department of Taxation and Finance says the buyer in a bulk sale, meaning a sale of business assets outside the ordinary course of business by a seller required to collect sales tax, must notify the Department on Form AU-196.10 at least 10 days before paying for or taking possession of any assets, whichever comes first. Within five business days the Department issues either a release or a notice of claim to the buyer. Source: Department of Taxation and Finance Tax Bulletin ST-70 on bulk sales
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
New York's Department of Taxation and Finance says a buyer who pays the seller without following the bulk sale procedure may be held liable for the seller's unpaid sales and use taxes. A buyer who receives the Department's release, Form AU-197.1, will not be held liable for the seller's unpaid sales tax. A buyer who receives a notice of claim should place the full purchase price in escrow, and the Department states the tax due within 90 days of the notice. Source: Department of Taxation and Finance Tax Bulletin ST-70 on bulk sales
Permits and registrations
New York's Department of Taxation and Finance says the seller's Certificate of Authority, the state's sales tax registration, is not transferable. A buyer who will start or continue a business that makes taxable sales must register and obtain its own Certificate of Authority at least 20 days before beginning business. Source: Department of Taxation and Finance Tax Bulletin ST-70 on bulk sales
Unemployment insurance account
New York's Department of Labor says a buyer who acquires all or part of an existing business also acquires all or part of the seller's unemployment insurance experience rating account. The transfer applies when the buyer assumes any of the seller's obligations, acquires goodwill, continues the business or keeps substantially the same employees. If the buyer acquires the entire business, the seller's account is closed and its experience moves into the buyer's account. Source: Department of Labor page on transfers of business
These points come from official New York 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 New York
Retail, professional and technical services, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in New York
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in New York. 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.
Restaurants & Food
57,241 related employer businesses in New York.
Full-Service Restaurants: 19,661 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 17,791 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 8,320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 7,169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 3,403 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 897 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
56,826 related employer businesses in New York.
General Contracting: 19,308 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 8,542 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 7,725 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 7,061 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 7,061 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 5,232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 2,677 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 2,486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 1,535 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Roofing & Siding: 1,311 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 573 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 376 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Practices
34,415 related employer businesses in New York.
Primary & Family Care: 12,412 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 8,001 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 4,013 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 3,555 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 1,484 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 1,360 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 1,254 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 974 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 941 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 421 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
28,410 related employer businesses in New York.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 9,450 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 7,687 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 4,194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 2,777 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 1,757 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 1,605 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 940 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
27,050 related employer businesses in New York.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 9,056 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 6,584 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 6,336 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 4,051 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 619 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 404 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
15,109 related employer businesses in New York.
Hair Salons: 7,124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 4,329 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 2,656 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 2,656 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 2,656 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 1,000 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
14,161 related employer businesses in New York.
Auto Repair: 6,098 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 2,046 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 2,004 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 1,973 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 964 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 492 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 396 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
13,523 related employer businesses in New York.
Creative Agencies: 3,730 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 3,633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 3,448 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 1,448 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 1,264 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
13,203 related employer businesses in New York.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 4,091 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 2,961 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 2,446 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 1,821 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 855 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 555 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
12,438 related employer businesses in New York.
Property Management: 7,357 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 3,762 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 3,762 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 788 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 531 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.
Manufacturing
11,289 related employer businesses in New York.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 2,822 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 2,064 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 1,679 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 1,268 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 1,064 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 952 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 847 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 593 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
10,611 related employer businesses in New York.
General Freight Trucking: 5,850 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 1,491 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 1,214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 707 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 643 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 257 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
8,683 related employer businesses in New York.
Gas Stations: 4,419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 4,264 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.
Education & Childcare
7,580 related employer businesses in New York.
Daycare Centers: 6,702 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 878 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
7,391 related employer businesses in New York.
Transportation Services: 3,610 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Hotels: 2,362 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 2,362 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 1,077 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
6,910 related employer businesses in New York.
Compounding Pharmacies: 4,253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 4,253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 1,360 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 692 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 605 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
5,717 related employer businesses in New York.
Bars & Pubs: 3,314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 3,314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 1,404 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 625 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 164 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
3,776 related employer businesses in New York.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 2,498 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 2,498 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 2,498 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 2,498 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 1,278 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
3,389 related employer businesses in New York.
Non-Medical Home Care: 2,729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 557 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
2,441 related employer businesses in New York.
Waste Management & Recycling: 927 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 914 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 476 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Pet Services
1,859 related employer businesses in New York.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 1,308 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 1,308 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 551 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
9 related employer businesses in New York.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 9 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 New York. 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.
Restaurants & Food
57,241 related employer businesses in New York.
Full-Service Restaurants: 19,661 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 17,791 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 8,320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 7,169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 3,403 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 897 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
56,826 related employer businesses in New York.
General Contracting: 19,308 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 8,542 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 7,725 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 7,061 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 7,061 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 5,232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 2,677 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 2,486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 1,535 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Roofing & Siding: 1,311 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 573 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 376 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Practices
34,415 related employer businesses in New York.
Primary & Family Care: 12,412 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 8,001 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 4,013 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 3,555 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 1,484 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 1,360 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 1,254 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 974 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 941 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 421 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
28,410 related employer businesses in New York.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 9,450 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 7,687 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 4,194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 2,777 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 1,757 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 1,605 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 940 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
27,050 related employer businesses in New York.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 9,056 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 6,584 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 6,336 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 4,051 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 619 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 404 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
15,109 related employer businesses in New York.
Hair Salons: 7,124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 4,329 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 2,656 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 2,656 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 2,656 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 1,000 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
14,161 related employer businesses in New York.
Auto Repair: 6,098 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 2,046 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 2,004 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 1,973 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 964 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 492 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 396 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
13,523 related employer businesses in New York.
Creative Agencies: 3,730 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 3,633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 3,448 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 1,448 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 1,264 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
13,203 related employer businesses in New York.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 4,091 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 2,961 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 2,446 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 1,821 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 855 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 555 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
12,438 related employer businesses in New York.
Property Management: 7,357 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 3,762 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 3,762 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 788 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 531 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.
Manufacturing
11,289 related employer businesses in New York.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 2,822 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 2,064 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 1,679 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 1,268 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 1,064 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 952 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 847 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 593 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
10,611 related employer businesses in New York.
General Freight Trucking: 5,850 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 1,491 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 1,214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 707 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 643 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 257 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
8,683 related employer businesses in New York.
Gas Stations: 4,419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 4,264 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.
Education & Childcare
7,580 related employer businesses in New York.
Daycare Centers: 6,702 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 878 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
7,391 related employer businesses in New York.
Transportation Services: 3,610 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Hotels: 2,362 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 2,362 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 1,077 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
6,910 related employer businesses in New York.
Compounding Pharmacies: 4,253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 4,253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 1,360 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 692 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 605 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
5,717 related employer businesses in New York.
Bars & Pubs: 3,314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 3,314 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 1,404 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 625 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 164 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
3,776 related employer businesses in New York.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 2,498 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 2,498 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 2,498 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 2,498 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 1,278 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
3,389 related employer businesses in New York.
Non-Medical Home Care: 2,729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 557 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
2,441 related employer businesses in New York.
Waste Management & Recycling: 927 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 914 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 476 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Pet Services
1,859 related employer businesses in New York.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 1,308 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 1,308 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 551 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
9 related employer businesses in New York.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 9 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 New York
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in New York. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in New York ask
How long does it take to sell a business in New York?
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 New York?
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 New York
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