Acquisition criteria
We are looking for one established, profitable business where a capable operator with a sales and distribution background can add real value. Here is what that means in practice.
Size and performance
- Purchase price
- $1 million and up in total enterprise value. Our core range is $1 million to $5 million, which we can close on our own balance sheet with SBA and seller financing. For larger businesses we bring in a small group of investor partners, so a good company above that range is not out of reach.
- Earnings
- $300,000 and up in annual seller's discretionary earnings or EBITDA
- Track record
- At least 5 years in operation with stable or growing revenue and margins. We will look closely at three years of financials and tax returns.
- Cash flow
- Consistent, predictable cash flow that supports a reasonable debt load and reinvestment. Recurring or repeat revenue is a strong plus.
- Customers
- A diversified base; no single customer above roughly 25% of revenue. B2B customers preferred.
- Structure
- Flexible. We work with SBA 7(a) lenders, seller financing, and investor capital as the deal calls for, and can discuss earnouts and transition arrangements.
Where our experience applies
We are open to any good business. These are the areas where we can be most useful as an owner from day one.
Distribution and supply
Wholesale, industrial, medical, or specialty distribution. Inventory, pricing, and route-to-market are home turf.
Healthcare services and supply
Businesses that sell to or serve hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, and senior-care facilities.
B2B services
Commercial services with contracted or repeat customers: facilities, equipment, logistics, testing, maintenance.
Light manufacturing and fabrication
Job shops and makers with an established customer base and room to improve quoting, scheduling, and sales.
Essential home and commercial services
Trades and service companies with strong local reputations and a technician team worth building around.
Specialty niches
If the business is profitable, durable, and hard to replicate, we want to hear about it even if it isn't on this list.
Where and why
- Location
- Southeast United States, with a strong preference for South Carolina and the Carolinas. Businesses that can be run from Charleston, or that justify relocating, are the best fit.
- Owner situation
- Owners planning to retire, step back, or move on, who want their company in steady hands. We can work with owners who want a clean exit or a gradual transition.
- Management
- A business that depends entirely on the owner is fine if the owner is willing to support a transition. A second-tier manager or long-tenured team is a plus.
- What we avoid
- Turnarounds, pre-revenue or early-stage companies, restaurants, franchises with restrictive resale terms, and businesses in secular decline.
A quick fit check
If most of the left column describes the business, it is worth a conversation.
Likely a fit
- Profitable for 5+ years, with clean books
- $300K or more in owner earnings
- Repeat B2B customers, none dominant
- Owner ready to transition within 6–18 months
- A team that will stay after the sale
- Located in or near the Carolinas
Probably not
- Losing money or in a turnaround
- Startup, pre-revenue, or under 3 years old
- Restaurant, franchise, or retail storefront
- Revenue tied to one contract or one customer
- Owner needs to exit in under 60 days
- Business cannot run without the owner and the owner won't help transition