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.

Industry Insight Report: Fabrication Mfrs Q2-2025

Market Conditions: Slowing Demand Meets Tech Investment Surge
The fabrication and metal service center industry continues to navigate a period of mixed signals. While metals distribution has cooled over the last 18 months, demand for advanced fabrication equipment remains strong. Buyers are increasingly focused on automation, software integration, and material handling solutions to offset labor shortages and remain competitive in a tightening market.

Key Trends and Industry Developments

Equipment Innovation Still in Demand
Metal Center News’ 2025 Equipment Buyers’ Guide reveals that despite a slowdown in sales volume, investment in high-performance machinery is holding steady. Leading equipment brands across cutting (TRUMPF, Mazak, Hypertherm), coil processing (Red Bud, Fagor), and sawing (HYDMECH, Amada) are driving modernization. Fabricators and service centers are prioritizing efficiency and precision as part of long-term strategic planning.
Workforce Trends and Wages
Employment in the metal and mineral merchant wholesale space rose 8.0% year-over-year as of April, with three-year growth at 15.3%, well above the national private sector average. However, average hourly wages fell by 2.7% compared to the same time last year, reflecting a shift in workforce composition or a cooling in overtime and bonus pay. Over the past decade, wage growth in the sector has underperformed the broader economy, pointing to continued labor cost sensitivity in fabrication operations.
Tariff Activity Resurfaces
In policy news, the Metal Service Center Institute (MSCI) is urging industry stakeholders to consider requesting additional products for inclusion under Section 232 tariffs. This move could impact raw material sourcing costs and affect valuation for businesses reliant on imports or exposed to commodity volatility.

Outlook for Fabrication Businesses
The outlook through the remainder of 2025 is cautiously optimistic. Forecasts project a 3.0% compound annual growth rate for the metal service centers segment through 2029, slower than the broader economy, but stable. Fabricators that embrace automation and vertical integration while managing cost pressures are likely to outperform. Private equity interest in regional roll-ups also remains active, particularly in Texas and the Southeast.

Thinking About Selling Your Fabrication Business?
If you’re considering a sale in the next 12–36 months, now is the time to evaluate how your equipment, workforce, and customer mix stack up. Our free Sellability Score can help you assess your company’s market readiness.

Lion Business Advisors’ quarterly industry insights incorporate data and trends sourced from internal deal flow and buyer activity, Vertical IQ, and market comparables from platforms such as Axial and BVR (Business Valuation Resources).

Industry Insight Report: Fabrication Mfrs Q2-2025

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