Selling a Business in West Virginia
Selling a business in West Virginia means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. West Virginia has 35,839 employer businesses and about 97,448 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
West Virginia by the numbers
35,839
35,839
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
85%
85%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
97,448
97,448
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
551,240
551,240
EMPLOYMENT
$28.4 billion
$28.4 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
16,849
16,849
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 West Virginia compares
West Virginia ranks 42nd among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 0.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Retail makes up 16% of employer businesses in West Virginia, compared with 12% nationwide.
16,849 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
West Virginia ranks 42nd among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 0.3% between 2018 and 2023.
Retail makes up 16% of employer businesses in West Virginia, compared with 12% nationwide.
16,849 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in West Virginia
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 West Virginia
Notice when assets are sold
West Virginia law says that when a person owing taxes the Tax Commissioner administers sells out a business or its stock of goods, or stops doing business, those taxes become due immediately. The seller must file a final return and pay the taxes within 30 days, and any unpaid tax is a lien on the seller's property, meaning a legal claim against it until paid (West Virginia Code section 11-10-11).
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
West Virginia law says the successor in business of a seller is personally liable for the seller's taxes, additions to tax, penalties and interest left unpaid after the 30 day period, a rule called successor liability. The statute says a buyer in an arm's length purchase who withholds enough of the price to cover those taxes, until the seller produces a receipt from the Tax Commissioner, is not personally liable for the former owner's taxes (West Virginia Code section 11-10-11).
Permits and registrations
West Virginia law says a business registration certificate is a personal privilege and is not assignable to any other person. A change in ownership of the business is treated as a cessation of the business, and a new certificate is required (West Virginia Code section 11-12-6).
Unemployment insurance account
West Virginia law says that when an employer transfers its entire organization, trade or business, or substantially all its assets, to another employer, the commissioner combines the contribution and benefit experience records of the two, which are the records used to set an unemployment tax rate. If the buyer was not already an employer, the seller's rate carries over to the buyer until the next effective rate date (West Virginia Code section 21A-5-10b).
These points come from official West Virginia 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 West Virginia
Notice when assets are sold
West Virginia law says that when a person owing taxes the Tax Commissioner administers sells out a business or its stock of goods, or stops doing business, those taxes become due immediately. The seller must file a final return and pay the taxes within 30 days, and any unpaid tax is a lien on the seller's property, meaning a legal claim against it until paid (West Virginia Code section 11-10-11).
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
West Virginia law says the successor in business of a seller is personally liable for the seller's taxes, additions to tax, penalties and interest left unpaid after the 30 day period, a rule called successor liability. The statute says a buyer in an arm's length purchase who withholds enough of the price to cover those taxes, until the seller produces a receipt from the Tax Commissioner, is not personally liable for the former owner's taxes (West Virginia Code section 11-10-11).
Permits and registrations
West Virginia law says a business registration certificate is a personal privilege and is not assignable to any other person. A change in ownership of the business is treated as a cessation of the business, and a new certificate is required (West Virginia Code section 11-12-6).
Unemployment insurance account
West Virginia law says that when an employer transfers its entire organization, trade or business, or substantially all its assets, to another employer, the commissioner combines the contribution and benefit experience records of the two, which are the records used to set an unemployment tax rate. If the buyer was not already an employer, the seller's rate carries over to the buyer until the next effective rate date (West Virginia Code section 21A-5-10b).
These points come from official West Virginia 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 West Virginia
Retail, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in West Virginia
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in West Virginia. 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
3,384 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
General Contracting: 1,160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 432 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Plumbing: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 234 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
3,129 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,234 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 260 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
2,487 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Primary & Family Care: 916 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 473 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 256 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
1,975 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 583 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 453 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 421 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
1,647 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Insurance Agencies: 637 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 484 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 276 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,506 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Auto Repair: 552 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 344 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,005 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Gas Stations: 879 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 126 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.
Logistics & Transportation
926 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
General Freight Trucking: 711 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
876 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Metal Fabrication: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
726 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 399 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
635 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Compounding Pharmacies: 384 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 384 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
462 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Oil & Gas Services: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Waste Management & Recycling: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
450 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Residential Cleaning: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 28 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.
Entertainment & Recreation
447 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Bars & Pubs: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 11 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
428 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Hair Salons: 277 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
421 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Daycare Centers: 407 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
391 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Hotels: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Transportation Services: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Health & Fitness
348 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
307 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Non-Medical Home Care: 236 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Technology & Media
225 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pet Services
123 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 25 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 West Virginia. 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
3,384 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
General Contracting: 1,160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 432 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Plumbing: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 402 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 234 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
3,129 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,234 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 260 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
2,487 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Primary & Family Care: 916 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 473 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 256 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
1,975 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 583 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 453 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 421 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
1,647 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Insurance Agencies: 637 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 484 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 276 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,506 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Auto Repair: 552 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 344 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,005 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Gas Stations: 879 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 126 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.
Logistics & Transportation
926 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
General Freight Trucking: 711 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
876 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Metal Fabrication: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
726 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 399 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
635 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Compounding Pharmacies: 384 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 384 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
462 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Oil & Gas Services: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Waste Management & Recycling: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
450 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Residential Cleaning: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 28 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.
Entertainment & Recreation
447 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Bars & Pubs: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 11 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
428 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Hair Salons: 277 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
421 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Daycare Centers: 407 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
391 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Hotels: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Transportation Services: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Health & Fitness
348 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
307 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Non-Medical Home Care: 236 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Technology & Media
225 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pet Services
123 related employer businesses in West Virginia.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 25 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 West Virginia
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in West Virginia. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in West Virginia ask
How long does it take to sell a business in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia?
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 West Virginia
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