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.

Preparing Your Recruiting Firm for Sale: What Buyers Will Be Looking For in 2026

If you’re thinking about selling your recruiting or staffing firm in 2026, now is the time to get strategic. Recent trends show that buyers, especially private equity groups and industry consolidators, are laser-focused on firms with diversified client portfolios, strong recruiter retention, clean margins, recurring revenue, and documented, scalable systems.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly what today’s buyers are seeking, what diligence-ready documentation you’ll need, and how to create a practical roadmap for a successful exit.

What’s Driving Buyer Interest in 2026?

The U.S. staffing industry is evolving rapidly. Automation and AI are streamlining back-office operations, while remote work and the gig economy are pushing demand toward niche verticals like healthcare, tech, and contract labor. As a result, buyers are placing a premium on firms that can demonstrate:

Client Diversification: No single client should dominate your revenue. Firms with a broad, stable client base are seen as lower risk.
Recruiter Retention: High turnover is a red flag. Buyers want to see a proven, loyal team, especially in tight labor markets.
Clean Margins & Recurring Work: Consistent, healthy margins and a foundation of recurring contractual business (MSAs, retainer agreements) are highly attractive.
Documented Systems: Well-documented processes, SOPs, and digital infrastructure (ATS/CRM) make integration and scaling much easier for buyers.

What Will Buyers Expect in Due Diligence?

To stand out, and command a premium when selling a staffing firm, you’ll need to be ready with transparent, organized documentation. Here’s what’s on every buyer’s checklist:

3–5 Years of Financials: Audited or CPA-reviewed P&Ls, balance sheets, and tax returns.
Margin & Placement Data by Vertical: Show where your profits come from and which segments are driving growth.
Recruiter Performance Metrics: Tenure, placement volume, retention rates, and compensation structures.
Backlog & Pipeline Reports: Demonstrate future revenue and client demand.
ATS/CRM Data Exports: Clean, organized candidate and client records.
Compliance & Payroll History: Worker classification, labor law compliance, insurance, and payroll audits.

Firms that can quickly produce these materials build trust and move through diligence faster.

How Industry Trends Impact Sale Readiness

The bar for “buyer-ready” has never been higher. Increased automation means buyers expect digital records and streamlined back-office processes. The shift toward remote and contract work makes niche specialization and operational scalability more valuable than ever.

Firms that are still running on spreadsheets, or heavily reliant on a handful of clients or recruiters, will struggle to attract premium offers. By contrast, those with documented systems, diversified revenue, and a strong team stand out in a crowded market.

Pre-Sale Readiness Roadmap: 6–12 Months Out

To maximize value and minimize surprises, start prepping now. Here’s a practical roadmap:

6–12 Months Before Sale:

Conduct a confidential valuation to benchmark your firm’s worth.
Review client concentration and begin diversifying where possible.
Audit your financials; address inconsistencies or clean up records.
Document recruiter performance and retention programs.
Review all contracts for renewal terms and recurring work.
Ensure ATS/CRM data is current and exportable.

3–6 Months Before Sale:

Prepare diligence-ready folders (financials, contracts, compliance, payroll).
Update your SOPs and process documentation.
Review backlog and pipeline; shore up future business.
Address any outstanding compliance or worker classification issues.

1–3 Months Before Sale:

Meet with your advisory team (CPA, attorney, broker).
Finalize all documentation.
Craft a transition plan for key staff and clients.
Prepare messaging for team and client communications.

Ready to Position Your Firm for a 2026 Sale?

If you want to maximize your outcome, the work starts long before you go to market. Even if you’re just beginning to consider a sale, a confidential valuation or exit-planning conversation can help you identify your biggest opportunities, and risks, well in advance.

Curious where you stand? Take a look at our Lion Estimate of Valuation Calculator