Sourcing Your (First) Next Acquisition

As an aspiring business owner, the prospect of finding the right business to buy can be downright overwhelming. Luckily, there are numerous websites available that specialize in listing businesses for sale.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the top 10 sites (in no particular order) for sourcing your first or next acquisition, detailing the pros and cons of each, and providing tips for maximizing your search on each website.

1. BizBuySell 

This is one of the largest and most popular online marketplaces for buying and selling businesses. The platform boasts over 50,000 active business-for-sale listings across a wide range of industries and locations.

‍Pros: BizBuySell offers a vast selection of businesses for sale, making it a great starting point for anyone looking to acquire a business. It also has a range of filters and search options to help you find the right business based on your budget, industry, location, and other criteria.

Additionally, BizBuySell has a robust network of business brokers, making it easy to connect with professionals who can help you navigate the acquisition process.

Cons: As one of the most popular business-for-sale websites, BizBuySell can be highly competitive, with many buyers vying for the same businesses. Additionally, some listings may be outdated or not actively for sale, which can be very frustrating for you as a buyer.

Tips: When searching on BizBuySell, be sure to use the platform’s filters and search options to narrow down your results. This will help you focus on businesses that are within your budget and meet your specific requirements.

Additionally, consider reaching out to business brokers who specialize in your target industry or location, as they may have access to listings that aren’t publicly available on the site.

Example: A successful acquisition found on BizBuySell was the purchase of a small software development company by a larger tech firm. The buyer used BizBuySell’s search options to find businesses within a specific price range and industry, ultimately identifying the software development company as a good fit.

The buyer was able to connect with the seller through a business broker and negotiate a deal that worked for both parties

2. Quiet Light Brokerage 

This company specializes in the sale of profitable online businesses. They have a wide range of businesses for sale, including e-commerce stores, software companies, content websites, and more.

Pros: Quiet Light Brokerage has a reputation for selling high-quality businesses that have a track record of success. They offer a personalized approach to buying and selling businesses, with a team of experienced brokers who are dedicated to helping both buyers and sellers throughout the process.

Cons: The businesses for sale on Quiet Light Brokerage are generally on the higher end of the price range, so it may not be the best option for buyers who are looking for lower-priced businesses.

Tips: When searching on Quiet Light Brokerage, make sure to pay close attention to the financials of each business. They provide detailed financial reports that include revenue, expenses, and profit, allowing you to evaluate the business’ profitability and potential for growth. Additionally, don’t be afraid to reach out to their team of brokers for more information and guidance. 

Example: A successful acquisition found on Quiet Light Brokerage was the purchase of a profitable e-commerce store that sells outdoor gear. The buyer was able to use the financial reports provided by Quiet Light Brokerage to evaluate the business’ profitability and growth potential. With the help of a broker, they were able to negotiate a fair price and complete the acquisition smoothly.

3. DealStream 

DealStream is a global online marketplace for buying and selling businesses, real estate, and other assets. The platform offers a range of businesses for sale across different industries, along with resources to help buyers and sellers throughout the transaction process.
‍
Pros: DealStream has a large network of business sellers and buyers from around the world, making it easy to find opportunities in different locations and industries. The website also offers a range of search and filter options to help buyers find the right business. 

Cons: Some of the listings on the platform may be outdated or not actively for sale, so buyers need to be diligent in their research.

Tips: Use the website’s search and filter options to narrow down your results by location, industry, and other criteria. Additionally, consider creating a free buyer account on the platform to receive alerts for new listings that match your criteria.

Example: A successful acquisition found on DealStream was the purchase of a profitable e-commerce business in the fashion industry. The buyer was able to find the business through the website’s search filters and worked with the seller to negotiate a deal. The business had a strong brand and a loyal customer base, making it a profitable acquisition.

4. BusinessBroker.net 

BusinessBroker is a website that connects business sellers with qualified buyers. The platform offers a wide range of businesses for sale across different industries and locations, along with resources to help buyers throughout the acquisition process.
‍
Pros: BusinessBroker.net has a large selection of businesses for sale, along with useful tools and resources to help buyers make informed decisions. The website also offers a user-friendly interface and a range of search options to make it easy to find the right opportunity.

Cons: Some of the listings on the platform may be outdated or not actively for sale, so buyers need to be diligent in their research.

Tips: Use the website’s advanced search filters to narrow down your results by industry, location, and other criteria. Also, be sure to reach out to the broker or seller for more information about the business and its financials. 

Example: A successful acquisition found on BusinessBroker.net was the purchase of a well-established printing business in the Midwest. The buyer was able to find the opportunity through the website’s search filters and worked with a local broker to finalize the deal. The business had a loyal customer base and a strong reputation, making it a profitable acquisition.

“If you want a more robust list of the top sites & tools for finding a business to buy, grab a copy of The Acquirer’s Goldmine here!”

5. MergerPlace 

This website focuses on middle-market businesses and businesses with a value between $1 million and $500 million. It has a wide range of listings for businesses that are for sale, including those in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.

Pros: MergerPlace has a strong focus on middle-market businesses, which can be appealing for investors looking for larger acquisition opportunities. The platform also offers a range of services, including valuation services and financing options, which can be helpful for buyers.

Cons: MergerPlace’s focus on middle-market businesses may make it less useful for buyers looking for smaller acquisitions. The platform also requires potential buyers to register and sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before accessing detailed information about a business for sale. 

Tips: When searching on MergerPlace, use the search filters to narrow down your results to businesses in your target industry and price range. Take advantage of the valuation and financing services offered by the platform to help evaluate potential acquisition opportunities.

Example: A successful acquisition found on MergerPlace was the purchase of a mid-sized manufacturing company by a private equity firm. The platform’s focus on middle-market businesses allowed the firm to quickly identify potential acquisition targets, and its valuation services helped the firm to accurately assess the value of the business it ultimately acquired.

6. BizQuest 

BizQuest is a comprehensive platform for buying and selling businesses of all sizes and types. The website offers a range of businesses for sale, including franchises, small businesses, and mid-sized companies across various industries.

Pros: BizQuest offers a wide range of businesses for sale across many industries, making it a great resource for buyers looking fora diverse selection. The platform also offers many search filters, including location, industry, and price range, to help buyers narrow down their search results.

Cons: Because BizQuest offers such a wide range of businesses for sale, it can be challenging to sift through all the listings to find the perfect opportunity. 

Tips: When searching on BizQuest, use the advanced search filters to narrow down your results based on location, industry, and other criteria. Additionally, be sure to thoroughly research any businesses that catch your eye to ensure they are a good fit for your investment goals.

Example: A successful acquisition found on BizQuest was the purchase of a boutique pet store in a trendy neighborhood by an animal lover looking to start their own business. The business had a loyal customer base and a unique product offering, making it a great investment opportunity.

7. LoopNet 

LoopNet is a website that specializes in commercial real estate, including properties for sale and lease, businesses for sale, and investment properties. While it’s not specifically designed for business acquisitions, it’s a great resource for finding businesses that are for sale alongside the real estate they occupy.

‍Pros: LoopNet offers a vast inventory of commercial properties for sale, making it easy to find businesses that are selling their real estate along with the business. The platform also offers a range of filters and search options to narrow down your search results.

Cons: As a real estate-focused platform, LoopNet may not have as extensive a selection of businesses for sale as other dedicated business-for-sale websites.

Tips: When searching on LoopNet, make sure to use the business category filter to narrow down your search to businesses that are for sale. Additionally, pay close attention to the location and property type filters, as they can help you find businesses in your target area.

Example: A successful acquisition found on LoopNet was the purchase of a small chain of fast-food restaurants in the Los Angeles area by a restaurant group. The acquisition included the real estate for each location, which was listed on LoopNet alongside the business for sale. The group was able to quickly evaluate the real estate and business opportunity in one place, ultimately leading to a successful acquisition.

8. Acquire.com (FKA MicroAcquire) 

Acquire is a platform that helps buyers find and acquire other startups. It’s designed to be a quick and efficient way to buy and sell companies, with a focus on small and medium-sized startups.

Pros: One of the main advantages of Acquire is its simplicity.The platform is easy to use and offers a streamlined process for finding and acquiring startups. It also offers a range of filters and search options to help you find the right company for your needs.

Cons: Acquire is focused on smaller startups, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking to acquire a larger company. Additionally, since it’s a newer platform, it may not have as large a pool of companies available for acquisition as more established platforms.

Tips: When searching on Acquire, make sure to use the filters to narrow down your search results. Pay close attention to the company size and revenue filters to find companies that fit your budget and goals.

Example: One successful acquisition made through Acquire was the purchase of a small software development company by a larger tech firm. The software company was listed on Acquire, and the acquiring firm was able to quickly evaluate the company’s technology and financials before making an offer. The acquisition was completed within a few weeks, thanks to the streamlined process offered by Acquire.‍

9. FE International 

FEI specializes in facilitating the sale of online businesses, including e-commerce sites, SaaS companies, and content sites.
‍
Pros: FE International has developed a reputation as one of the premier brokerage firms for online businesses, with a team of experienced brokers who provide personalized service to both buyers and sellers.

They offer a wide range of businesses for sale, with listings ranging from small start-ups to large, established companies. FE International also provides detailed financial and operational due diligence on all businesses listed on their platform, making it easier for buyers to evaluate potential acquisitions.

Cons: As a specialized brokerage firm for online businesses, FE International may not have as extensive a selection of traditional brick-and-mortar businesses for sale as other platforms.

Tips: When searching on FE International, pay close attention to the financial and operational data provided for each listing. This information can help you identify potential risks and opportunities associated with each business. Additionally, make sure to work closely with a broker from FE International to ensure that you can navigate the acquisition process smoothly.

Example: A successful acquisition found on FE International was the purchase of a small e-commerce site selling niche products. The buyer was able to work with a broker from FE International to conduct due diligence on the business, and ultimately was able to negotiate a favorable price and acquire the business with confidence. The site has since grown significantly under the new ownership.

10. WebsiteClosers 

WebsiteClosers is a website brokerage firm that specializes in selling internet-based businesses. They offer a range of businesses for sale, including e-commerce stores, software companies, and digital marketing agencies.

Pros: Website Closers has a vast inventory of internet-based businesses for sale, including businesses that may not be listed on other platforms. They also provide expert assistance in evaluating and purchasing these types of businesses, which can be valuable for those who are new to the online business world.

Cons: As a specialized brokerage firm, Website Closers may not have as extensive a selection of businesses for sale as other dedicated business-for-sale websites. Additionally, their services may come with a higher price tag than other platforms.

Tips: When searching on Website Closers, pay close attention to the type of business being sold, as their inventory is primarily focused on internet-based businesses. Additionally, be prepared for a more in-depth evaluation process and potential higher cost for services.

‍Example: A successful acquisition found on Website Closers was the purchase of a successful e-commerce store selling niche pet products. The buyer was new to the online business world and appreciated the expert guidance and support provided by Website Closers in evaluating and ultimately purchasing the business. The e-commerce store has continued to see success under the new ownership.

Final Thoughts

As you can probably imagine, sourcing your first or next acquisition can be a time-consuming process, but by utilizing the right websites and developing relationships with business brokers and M&A advisors, you can streamline your search and find the perfect business to buy.

From general business-for-sale websites to industry-specific platforms, each website offers its unique advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to evaluate each option carefully.

Maximizing your search on each website involves paying close attention to the search filters, using specific keywords, and reviewing each listing carefully. Additionally, it’s crucial to learn from successful acquisitions found on each platform, taking note of what worked and what didn’t.

This cumbersome search process is why we created Lando. After spending countless hours looking for a business to buy, we kept thinking to ourselves that there had to be a better way to search more broadly while keeping our criteria in mind. So we searched for a solution, didn’t find anything compelling enough to use, and got so frustrated that we decided to build Lando to solve our own problem.

Lando offers a streamlined platform for sourcing and evaluating business acquisitions from across the web, allowing you to manage your search from start to finish. With a powerful engine and easy-to-use interface, Lando can help you find the perfect business to buy and make your acquisition journey a success.

Get early access to our beta version today to help you streamline the process of finding the right business for you!