Report Highlights Significant Business Seller’s Market

The “Service Business” category led the business-for-sale market “in a dynamic market environment,” according to the second quarter of the 2021 Market Pulse Report published by the International Business Brokers Association. “This is a notable change from the restaurant industry, which previously had a prominent share of market activity,” William Bruce, Accredited Business Intermediary, a Southeastern-based national business broker with offices in Fairhope, commented. “The spotlight is on service businesses this quarter, totally knocking restaurants—the previous leader pre-COVID—off the board. “Part of that’s due to the COVID impact. Restaurant owners are adjusting their businesses to new realities before they sell,” the intermediary continued. The report also found that sellers have the advantage in all market sectors, as business brokers across the country report that there are many more buyers currently in the market than sellers. First-time buyers are seen as active in the market. Final sale prices ranged 87-97% of the preset asking price, which, according to William Bruce, is more evidence of a significant seller’s market.