You’ve put in the hours.
The early mornings. The weekends. The risk.
Now your business is running strong. You’ve got booked-out weeks, loyal clients, and a team that knows how to get things done.
So let’s ask the question that most founders avoid until it’s too late:
If you sold today, who’s actually buying?
Because in this market, buyers aren’t one-size-fits-all.
And if you understand who’s out there—and what they care about—you can position your business for a deal that doesn’t just check boxes… it changes your life.
Let’s break it down.
1. Private Equity Roll-Ups
What they want: Systems. Scale. Recurring revenue.
Private equity firms don’t just want a business. They want the right piece of the puzzle.
They’re building platforms—bigger companies made from smaller, well-run ones. If you’ve got recurring maintenance contracts, organized books, and a team that runs without you breathing down their neck, you’re on their radar.
They want:
- $1M+ in EBITDA
- Processes, not just people
- Expansion potential
Good fit if: You’re ready to grow faster than you ever could alone—and maybe even roll equity into the bigger play.
2. Strategic Buyers (Your Local or Regional Competitors)
What they want: Market share. Talent. Territory.
These are the folks already in your industry—maybe even bidding on the same RFPs as you. They’re not looking to start fresh. They want to buy time, customers, and infrastructure.
They’re focused on:
- Contracts and routes
- Skilled technicians
- Geographic expansion
Good fit if: You want a quick close, and you’re cool with handing the business off to someone who speaks your language.
3. Family Offices
What they want: Long-term, low-drama cash flow.
Family offices manage wealth for ultra-high-net-worth families. They’re not here to flip and exit in 3 years. They’re playing the 30-year game—and they want businesses that are stable, boring (in a good way), and built to last.
They look for:
- Consistent profit
- Owner-absent operations
- Low customer churn
Good fit if: You want a smooth exit with a buyer who values what you’ve built—and won’t rip it apart.
4. Search Fund Operators
What they want: A single business to buy and run—full-time.
Think: ex-investment banker or MBA grad, backed by investors, on a mission to buy one great company and be the CEO. These folks are all-in, usually looking for a long runway and a founder willing to help during the transition.
They want:
- $750K–$3M in EBITDA
- A system they can learn and scale
- A seller willing to mentor for 6–12 months
Good fit if: You’re looking for a successor—not just a buyer.
5. Wealthy Entrepreneurs
What they want: Legacy. Lifestyle. Leverage.
These buyers are often former executives, tech founders, or local investors who want something real. They want to own a profitable, respected business—and they’re looking for something they can either operate or build a family legacy around.
They value:
- Simplicity
- Good brand reputation
- Strong staff in place
Good fit if: You want flexibility, a personal connection, and maybe even a future role (on your own terms).
So—Which Buyer Is Right for You?
The answer depends on what you want:
- Want to cash out and walk away? Look at strategic or PE.
- Want a thoughtful handoff? Think search fund.
- Want to stay involved or grow bigger? Family office or entrepreneur might be your path.
Here’s the takeaway:
The better you understand your buyer, the stronger your position—and the more leverage you bring to the table.
If your business is doing real numbers, has a real team, and runs off more than just your name… you have options.
Let’s map them out.
📩 DM us “buyer map” or visit theadvisoryib.com to start the conversation.
