How long does it take to sell a business in Texas?

Most confidential business sales take 7-9 months from listing to closing, though preparation can begin 1-3 years earlier depending on readiness. Lion Business Advisors achieves a 70-80% success rate compared to the industry average of 20-30%.

What is my business worth?

Business valuation depends on financial performance, market conditions, industry multiples, and growth potential. Our valuation process benchmarks your business against current market data to establish a defensible price range. We specialize in businesses valued between $1M and $50M with annual revenues of $2M-$50M.

How do you protect confidentiality during a business sale?

We use controlled data systems, require NDAs before sharing information, vet all buyers for financial qualification, and maintain anonymity until you approve disclosure. Confidentiality is the most important ingredient in the successful sale of your business.

What makes Lion Business Advisors different from other business brokers?

We combine experienced M&A advisory with advanced valuation tools, rigorous buyer qualification, and full-cycle deal support. Our advisors hold certifications including CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) and CEPA (Certified Exit Planning Advisor). We achieve a 70-80% success rate and are recognized as M&A Advisors of the Year 2023 by Acquisitions International.

What types of businesses does Lion Business Advisors specialize in?

We specialize in owner-operated, founder-led trades and service businesses including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, construction, metal fabrication, landscaping, commercial cleaning, pest control, dental practices, medical practices, equipment rental, and staffing/recruiting firms. Our typical clients have revenues between $2M-$50M and enterprise values of $1M-$50M.

What is the 7-Step Lion Selling Process?

The 7-Step Lion Selling Process includes: (1) Valuation & Readiness Review using advanced models, (2) Preparation & Packaging with secure data rooms, (3) Buyer Targeting & Marketing with qualified prospects, (4) Negotiation & Due Diligence management, (5) Closing & Transition support. Every stage blends data-driven insights with hands-on advisory support to keep you informed and in control.

Do you work with buyers or just sellers?

While we primarily focus on seller representation (98% of our engagements), we also provide buyer representation services for qualified purchasers. We maintain an extensive buyer network reaching virtually 100% of business buyers through strategic marketing channels including BizBuySell, Axial, LoopNet, and direct outreach.

What are your fees for selling a business?

Our success fees follow the Modern Lehman formula structure, with an upfront administrative fee of $7,500-$20,000 covering valuation, preparation, and marketing. We compete on service quality and marketing expertise rather than fees, ensuring you receive comprehensive support throughout the entire transaction.

2026 Is Your Year to Sell: Why Starting Now Changes Everything

Sell Your Business in 2026 Exit Planning Guide for Business Owners

I can feel it. 2026 is going to be the best year ever to sell your business.

Not because of market conditions. Not because of interest rates. But because of timing.

Right now, in late December, you have something most business owners don’t: clarity and time. You’ve lived through a full year. You know what worked. You know what didn’t. And you have a few weeks to make a decision that could change your life.

Here’s the reality: The owners who win in 2026 are the ones who START NOW. Not in January. Not in February. Now.

Why? Because preparation is everything. And preparation takes time.

Think about it. If you reach out to a business broker or exit planning advisor in late December, you have 6-7 months to prepare before hitting the market in mid-2026. That’s enough time to clean up your financials, reduce owner dependency, document your systems, and position yourself for maximum value.

But if you wait until February? You’ve lost two months. If you wait until April? You’ve lost four months. Suddenly you’re hitting the market in September or October, and you’re competing with every other business owner who “got around to it” eventually.

The owners who start now? They’re ahead of the curve. They’re prepared. They’re positioned. And when they hit the market, they sell for premium prices.

The owners who wait? They’re still thinking about it in March. Still planning in May. Still hoping in September. And suddenly it’s December again, and they’ve wasted another year.

Here’s what happens when you START NOW:
- January-February: Assessment & Planning. You meet with a business broker or exit planning advisor. You get a valuation. You understand your current state. You create a plan to improve it. You know exactly what needs to happen and when.
- March-April: Execution. You start executing the plan. You clean up your financials. You document your systems. You reduce owner dependency. You strengthen your management team. You’re making real progress.
- May-June: Final Preparation. You’re in the home stretch. Your financials are clean. Your systems are documented. Your team is strong. You’re ready to hit the market.
- July-August: Marketing. Your broker launches a confidential marketing campaign. Qualified buyers start calling. You’re fielding offers. You’re in control.
- September-December: Negotiation & Close. You’re working with your top buyer. You’re negotiating terms. You’re closing the deal. You’re walking away with a check.

That’s the 2026 timeline for owners who START NOW.

Compare that to the owner who waits until April:

April-May: Assessment & Planning. Finally reaches out to a broker. Gets a valuation. Creates a plan.
June-July: Execution. Starts working on the plan. But it’s summer. Things slow down. Progress stalls.
August-September: Final Preparation. Trying to rush the preparation. Financials are messy. Systems aren’t fully documented. Team is still dependent on the owner.\
October-November: Marketing. Hits the market in the fall. Competing with other businesses for buyer attention. Fewer qualified buyers in the pipeline.
December-January: Stalled. Deal is still in negotiation. Buyers are distracted by holidays. Close is pushed to Q1 2026.

See the difference? One owner is closing in December with a check in hand. The other is just starting negotiations.

Here’s what most owners don’t realize:

Most business owners who sell are leaving money on the table. Not because they don’t have a good business. But because they didn’t prepare.

They didn’t get their financials clean. They didn’t reduce owner dependency. They didn’t document their systems. They didn’t position themselves for maximum value.

And then they wonder why the buyer’s offer is lower than expected.

But you don’t have to be that owner.

Right now, you have a choice. Two options:

Option A: Drift into 2026. Hope things work out. Maybe you’ll sell. Maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll get a good price. Maybe you won’t. Stay the course. See what happens.
Option B: Make a decision. Commit to selling in 2026. Reach out to a business broker or exit planning advisor. Get a plan. Execute it. Start 2026 positioned for success. Control your outcome.

Option B is the difference between a $1.8M exit and a $3M exit. Same business. Different preparation.

So here’s my question: Which option are you choosing?

If you’re serious about 2026, here’s what to do this week:

Make a decision. Are you selling in 2026? Yes or no? If yes, move to step 2.
Reach out. Find a business broker or exit planning advisor. Schedule a consultation. Have the conversation.
Get a plan. Understand your current state. Understand what needs to improve. Get a timeline and action plan.
Execute. Start in January. Don’t wait. Don’t procrastinate. Execute the plan.

That’s it. Four steps. One conversation could change everything.

And that conversation could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Next Steps

2026 is your year. But only if you START NOW.

Don’t drift. Don’t hope. Don’t wait.

Make a decision. Reach out. Get a plan. Execute.

One conversation. That’s all it takes.

Schedule Your Free Exit Planning Consultation

About Lion Business Advisors

We help business owners prepare for successful exits. Whether you’re selling in 2026 or building for long-term growth, we can help you understand your current state and create a plan to maximize your value.

2026 Is Your Year to Sell: Why Starting Now Changes Everything

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