Selling a Business in Ohio
Selling a business in Ohio means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. Ohio has 255,049 employer businesses and about 943,892 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Ohio by the numbers
255,049
255,049
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
82%
82%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
943,892
943,892
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
5,081,279
5,081,279
EMPLOYMENT
$302.5 billion
$302.5 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
115,088
115,088
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 Ohio compares
Ohio ranks 9th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 5% of employer businesses in Ohio, compared with 3% nationwide.
115,088 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Ohio ranks 9th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 5% of employer businesses in Ohio, compared with 3% nationwide.
115,088 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in Ohio
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 Ohio
Notice when assets are sold
Ohio law says that when a vendor sells the business, the vendor's sales tax becomes due and the vendor files a final return within fifteen days after the sale. Source: Ohio Revised Code section 5739.14
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Ohio law says the buyer of a business shall hold back enough of the purchase price to cover the seller's unpaid sales tax until the seller shows a receipt from the tax commissioner or a certificate that no tax is due. A buyer who does not hold back the money becomes personally liable for the seller's unpaid sales tax, interest and penalties. This is called successor liability, which means the buyer becomes responsible for the seller's unpaid taxes. Source: Ohio Revised Code section 5739.14
Permits and registrations
Ohio law says that if a vendor's identity changes, the vendor shall apply for a new vendor's license, which is the state permit to make taxable sales. The same section says a vendor's license does not transfer when a business moves to another county. Source: Ohio Revised Code section 5739.17
Unemployment insurance account
Ohio's unemployment rules say a buyer of all of a seller's trade or business in Ohio becomes a successor in interest by operation of law, which means automatically, when the seller was a liable employer at the time of the transfer. The buyer then takes on all of the resources and liabilities of the seller's unemployment account. Source: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services rule 4141-17-02
These points come from official Ohio 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 Ohio
Notice when assets are sold
Ohio law says that when a vendor sells the business, the vendor's sales tax becomes due and the vendor files a final return within fifteen days after the sale. Source: Ohio Revised Code section 5739.14
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Ohio law says the buyer of a business shall hold back enough of the purchase price to cover the seller's unpaid sales tax until the seller shows a receipt from the tax commissioner or a certificate that no tax is due. A buyer who does not hold back the money becomes personally liable for the seller's unpaid sales tax, interest and penalties. This is called successor liability, which means the buyer becomes responsible for the seller's unpaid taxes. Source: Ohio Revised Code section 5739.14
Permits and registrations
Ohio law says that if a vendor's identity changes, the vendor shall apply for a new vendor's license, which is the state permit to make taxable sales. The same section says a vendor's license does not transfer when a business moves to another county. Source: Ohio Revised Code section 5739.17
Unemployment insurance account
Ohio's unemployment rules say a buyer of all of a seller's trade or business in Ohio becomes a successor in interest by operation of law, which means automatically, when the seller was a liable employer at the time of the transfer. The buyer then takes on all of the resources and liabilities of the seller's unemployment account. Source: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services rule 4141-17-02
These points come from official Ohio 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 Ohio
Retail, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Ohio
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Ohio. 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
24,493 related employer businesses in Ohio.
General Contracting: 5,950 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 4,228 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 3,094 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 2,970 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 2,970 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 2,302 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 1,978 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 1,641 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 1,178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 684 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
23,348 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 10,404 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 7,698 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 2,437 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 1,893 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 649 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 267 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
17,259 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Primary & Family Care: 5,551 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 3,814 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 1,729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 1,654 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 1,199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 1,151 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 877 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 646 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 351 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
14,614 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Insurance Agencies: 4,382 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 3,750 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 3,312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 2,408 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 616 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
12,508 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 3,471 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 2,708 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 2,624 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 1,397 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 850 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 817 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 641 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Manufacturing
10,021 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Metal Fabrication: 3,224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 1,737 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 1,372 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 1,175 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 956 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 651 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 644 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
9,667 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Auto Repair: 3,559 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 1,970 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 1,823 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 1,068 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 716 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 334 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
8,247 related employer businesses in Ohio.
General Freight Trucking: 5,444 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 950 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 590 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 473 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 203 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
6,127 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 3,146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 1,003 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 870 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 492 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 288 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
5,400 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Gas Stations: 3,873 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 1,527 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
4,458 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Hair Salons: 2,718 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 829 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 829 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 829 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 757 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
4,431 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Residential Cleaning: 1,960 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,960 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 1,883 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 378 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 210 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
3,798 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Home Infusion: 1,729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 1,285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 1,285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 422 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 362 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
3,220 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Bars & Pubs: 1,804 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 1,804 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 634 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 446 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
3,051 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Daycare Centers: 2,813 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Technology & Media
3,028 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 1,041 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 785 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 436 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 398 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 368 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
2,356 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 1,294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 1,294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 1,294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 1,294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 1,062 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
2,351 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Non-Medical Home Care: 1,703 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 379 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 269 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
2,312 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Hotels: 1,442 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 1,442 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 500 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
1,729 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Waste Management & Recycling: 707 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 404 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 356 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 236 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
1,197 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 844 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 844 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 353 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Land & Agriculture
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Ohio. 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
24,493 related employer businesses in Ohio.
General Contracting: 5,950 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 4,228 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 3,094 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 2,970 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 2,970 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 2,302 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 1,978 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 1,641 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 1,178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 684 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
23,348 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 10,404 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 7,698 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 2,437 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 1,893 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 649 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 267 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
17,259 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Primary & Family Care: 5,551 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 3,814 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 1,729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 1,654 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 1,199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 1,151 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 877 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 646 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 351 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
14,614 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Insurance Agencies: 4,382 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 3,750 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 3,312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 2,408 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 616 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
12,508 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 3,471 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 2,708 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 2,624 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 1,397 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 850 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 817 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 641 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Manufacturing
10,021 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Metal Fabrication: 3,224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 1,737 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 1,372 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 1,175 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 956 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 651 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 644 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
9,667 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Auto Repair: 3,559 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 1,970 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 1,823 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 1,068 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 716 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 334 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
8,247 related employer businesses in Ohio.
General Freight Trucking: 5,444 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 950 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 590 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 473 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 203 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
6,127 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 3,146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 1,003 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 870 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 492 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 288 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
5,400 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Gas Stations: 3,873 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 1,527 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
4,458 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Hair Salons: 2,718 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 829 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 829 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 829 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 757 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
4,431 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Residential Cleaning: 1,960 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,960 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 1,883 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 378 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 210 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
3,798 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Home Infusion: 1,729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 1,285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 1,285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 422 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 362 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
3,220 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Bars & Pubs: 1,804 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 1,804 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 634 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 446 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
3,051 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Daycare Centers: 2,813 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Technology & Media
3,028 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 1,041 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 785 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 436 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 398 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 368 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
2,356 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 1,294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 1,294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 1,294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 1,294 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 1,062 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
2,351 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Non-Medical Home Care: 1,703 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 379 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 269 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
2,312 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Hotels: 1,442 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 1,442 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 500 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
1,729 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Waste Management & Recycling: 707 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 404 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 356 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 236 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
1,197 related employer businesses in Ohio.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 844 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 844 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 353 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Land & Agriculture
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
Metro areas in this state
Counties
Working with owners in Ohio
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Ohio. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Ohio ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Ohio?
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 Ohio?
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 Ohio
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