Acquisition Guides

Business Acquisition Resources

Practical guides on buying, selling, and financing small businesses — written for acquisition entrepreneurs, search funders, and business owners planning an exit.

Strategy 8 min read

Buy vs Build — When to Acquire Instead of Starting From Scratch

Starting a business and buying one both work. But the economics, timelines, and risk profiles are radically different. Here is the framework for deciding which path is right for your situation.

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Buying 10 min read

The Complete Due Diligence Checklist for Buying a Small Business

A systematic due diligence process protects buyers from overpaying and uncovers the risks that kill deals post-close. Here is the complete checklist, organized by category.

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Selling 10 min read

Exit Readiness — How to Prepare Your Business for Sale in 12 Months

The owners who get the highest valuations spend 12–24 months preparing before they go to market. Here is the complete 12-month exit readiness roadmap.

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Financing 9 min read

How to Buy a Business with SBA Financing in 2026

The SBA 7(a) loan lets you acquire a profitable $1M–$5M business with as little as 10% down. Here is the complete process, timeline, and qualification checklist for 2026.

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Buying 9 min read

How to Value a Small Business — EBITDA Multiples Explained

EBITDA multiples are the primary valuation language in lower middle market M&A. Here is how to calculate adjusted EBITDA, apply the right multiple for your industry, and build a defensible valuation case.

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Deal Structure 8 min read

How to Write a Letter of Intent (LOI) That Gets Accepted

An LOI sets the terms, tone, and timeline for your acquisition. Here is how to write one that protects you, signals seriousness, and gets sellers to sign.

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Buying 9 min read

Off-Market Deal Flow — How to Find Businesses Before They Hit the Market

The best acquisitions never appear on BizBuySell. They are found through direct outreach, referral networks, and systematic owner prospecting. Here is how to build a real deal pipeline.

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Strategy 10 min read

The Roll-Up Strategy — How to Build a $10M Business by Acquiring Small Ones

Roll-up acquisitions let you build a large, PE-attractable business by systematically acquiring and integrating small companies in the same industry. Here is the playbook.

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Financing 8 min read

SBA 7(a) vs Seller Financing — Which Is Right for Your Acquisition?

SBA loans and seller financing both reduce the capital you need to close a deal — but they work differently, cost differently, and suit different deal types. Here is how to choose.

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Financing 9 min read

Seller Financing Explained — How to Structure a Deal Without a Bank

Seller financing lets buyers acquire businesses with less upfront capital and gives sellers a higher effective price through installment income. Here is how to structure, negotiate, and close seller-financed deals.

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