Selling a Business in North Dakota
Selling a business in North Dakota means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. North Dakota has 25,402 employer businesses and about 62,042 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
North Dakota by the numbers
25,402
25,402
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
86%
86%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
62,042
62,042
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
352,108
352,108
EMPLOYMENT
$21.9 billion
$21.9 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
10,806
10,806
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 North Dakota compares
North Dakota ranks 47th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.4% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 6% of employer businesses in North Dakota, compared with 3% nationwide.
10,806 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
North Dakota ranks 47th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.4% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 6% of employer businesses in North Dakota, compared with 3% nationwide.
10,806 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in North Dakota
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 North Dakota
Notice when assets are sold
North Dakota repealed the bulk transfer chapter of its Uniform Commercial Code, the part that governed sales of most of a business's inventory at once, in 1993. Source: North Dakota Century Code chapter 41-06
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
A North Dakota tax rule says that when a sales tax permit holder sells the business, all sales tax the seller owes is due immediately. The seller must notify the Tax Commissioner at once, surrender the permit, and file a final return and pay all tax due within fifteen days. Source: North Dakota Administrative Code section 81-04.1-01-06
Permits and registrations
The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner says a buyer of an existing business must apply for a new sales tax permit, because permits are not transferable. Source: Office of State Tax Commissioner sales and use tax page
Unemployment insurance account
Job Service North Dakota says that when an employer acquires an entire business and continues essentially the same activity without interruption, it may have the option of taking over the former owner's experience rating history, the record of payroll, contributions and benefit charges used to set the tax rate, if a mandatory successorship does not apply. Benefits later paid on wages from the former owner may then be charged to the buyer's account. The agency says a seller may refuse to transfer its experience rating history. Source: Job Service North Dakota Employer's Handbook
These points come from official North Dakota 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 North Dakota
Notice when assets are sold
North Dakota repealed the bulk transfer chapter of its Uniform Commercial Code, the part that governed sales of most of a business's inventory at once, in 1993. Source: North Dakota Century Code chapter 41-06
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
A North Dakota tax rule says that when a sales tax permit holder sells the business, all sales tax the seller owes is due immediately. The seller must notify the Tax Commissioner at once, surrender the permit, and file a final return and pay all tax due within fifteen days. Source: North Dakota Administrative Code section 81-04.1-01-06
Permits and registrations
The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner says a buyer of an existing business must apply for a new sales tax permit, because permits are not transferable. Source: Office of State Tax Commissioner sales and use tax page
Unemployment insurance account
Job Service North Dakota says that when an employer acquires an entire business and continues essentially the same activity without interruption, it may have the option of taking over the former owner's experience rating history, the record of payroll, contributions and benefit charges used to set the tax rate, if a mandatory successorship does not apply. Benefits later paid on wages from the former owner may then be charged to the buyer's account. The agency says a seller may refuse to transfer its experience rating history. Source: Job Service North Dakota Employer's Handbook
These points come from official North Dakota 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 North Dakota
Retail, construction, repair, personal care and other services, health care and social assistance
Every kind of business we sell in North Dakota
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in North Dakota. 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
3,003 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
General Contracting: 750 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 398 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 381 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 371 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 336 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 336 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
1,604 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Full-Service Restaurants: 582 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 510 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 235 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
1,585 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Insurance Agencies: 647 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 373 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
1,504 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
General Freight Trucking: 1,065 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
1,244 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 350 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 289 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 260 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Medical Practices
994 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Dental Practices: 282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Primary & Family Care: 166 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
957 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Auto Repair: 358 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
768 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 480 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Energy & Utilities
710 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Oil & Gas Services: 433 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Water & Wastewater Services: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
579 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Bars & Pubs: 376 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 376 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 5 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.
Manufacturing
560 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
463 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Residential Cleaning: 250 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 250 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Security Systems: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 15 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
456 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Gas Stations: 441 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 15 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
404 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Hair Salons: 240 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
384 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Hotels: 289 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 289 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
378 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Daycare Centers: 374 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
251 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Compounding Pharmacies: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Technology & Media
219 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
213 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Non-Medical Home Care: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
173 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
94 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 23 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
5 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 5 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 North Dakota. 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
3,003 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
General Contracting: 750 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 398 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 381 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 371 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 336 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 336 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
1,604 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Full-Service Restaurants: 582 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 510 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 235 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
1,585 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Insurance Agencies: 647 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 373 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
1,504 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
General Freight Trucking: 1,065 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
1,244 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 350 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 289 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 260 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Medical Practices
994 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Dental Practices: 282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Primary & Family Care: 166 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
957 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Auto Repair: 358 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
768 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 480 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Energy & Utilities
710 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Oil & Gas Services: 433 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Water & Wastewater Services: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
579 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Bars & Pubs: 376 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 376 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 5 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.
Manufacturing
560 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
463 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Residential Cleaning: 250 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 250 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Security Systems: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 15 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
456 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Gas Stations: 441 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 15 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
404 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Hair Salons: 240 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
384 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Hotels: 289 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 289 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
378 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Daycare Centers: 374 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
251 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Compounding Pharmacies: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Technology & Media
219 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
213 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Non-Medical Home Care: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
173 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
94 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 23 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
5 related employer businesses in North Dakota.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 5 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 North Dakota
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in North Dakota. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in North Dakota ask
How long does it take to sell a business in North Dakota?
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 North Dakota?
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 North Dakota
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