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.

Janitorial & Commercial Cleaning Industry Update – Q1 2025

Commercial Cleaning Business Brokers | Lion Business Brokers

What Texas Cleaning Business Owners Need to Know Before Selling

Stability, Scale & Systems Are Driving Value in 2025

In Q1 2025, demand for janitorial and commercial cleaning businesses remains strong — especially those with recurring revenue, team-based models, and documented systems.

While interest from private equity roll-ups has cooled slightly, we’re seeing consistent buyer activity from:

First-time business buyers (often leaving corporate life)
Regional trades companies expanding into cleaning
Facility services firms acquiring bolt-on accounts

The message is clear: Buyers love predictable income — and recurring contracts with low customer churn are king.

What Are Cleaning Businesses Selling for Right Now?

Multiples have held steady through Q1, with slightly higher premiums for owners who’ve built out middle management or supervisor-level roles. Here’s what we’re seeing in the market:

Business Profile	Common Valuation Range	Key Drivers
Owner-Operated with Direct Oversight	2.0x–3.0x SDE	Buyers concerned about transition risk
Companies with Supervisors in Place	3.0x–4.5x EBITDA	Less reliant on owner = more transferable
Niche or Government Contracts	4.0x–5.5x EBITDA	Long-term contracts drive deal premiums

💡 Automated billing, CRM systems, and employee retention programs are increasing valuation and buyer confidence.

Common Mistakes That Lower Valuation

Even good companies can lose value when these issues pop up:

Customer concentration – Too much revenue tied to one or two large clients makes buyers nervous.
No field-level management – If the owner does all the scheduling, quality control, and customer service, the business becomes harder to transition.
Subcontractor-only model with no contracts – If routes are unstable or unprotected, offers will be conservative.

What Buyers Are Looking For in 2025

We’re seeing increased buyer appetite for businesses that have:

Recurring commercial contracts (especially with schools, offices, HOAs)
Reliable crew leads or field supervisors
Documented training processes and inspection protocols
Software for route scheduling, payroll, and time tracking
A seller willing to support a 30–90 day transition

If you’ve put even a few of these things in place, you may be positioned for a stronger exit than you think.

Top Texas Markets for Cleaning Business M&A Activity

These areas showed the most buyer activity in Q1:

Dallas-Fort Worth Suburbs – High volume of new construction and facility turnover
Austin Metro – Strong demand for office and medical cleaning companies
San Antonio & Houston – Service-based roll-ups looking for route density
Rio Grande Valley & Hill Country – Niche and family-owned operations attracting first-time buyers

Should You Sell Your Cleaning Business in 2025?

If you’re starting to think about retirement, burnout, or your next chapter, now is the time to begin planning. Even if your timeline is 12–24 months out, early prep increases your chances of a smooth, profitable exit.

Planning ahead allows you to:

Clean up your books
Document key processes
Secure or renew contracts
Position your business to get the highest multiple

Take the First Step, No Pressure, Just Clarity

Whether you’re ready to sell now or just want to understand what your business is worth, Lion Business Brokers can help you create a clear plan forward.

👉 Schedule Your Free Exit Consultation
📩 Or reach us directly at info@lionbusinessbrokers.com

Lion Business Brokers specializes in helping founder-led service businesses across Texas, including janitorial, HVAC, plumbing, pest control, and more, exit with confidence and a clear plan.

Stay tuned for our Q2 2025 Janitorial Industry Update.