What does SAZ charge to sell a business?

Fee structures vary by deal size. Smaller transactions typically use a Lehman-formula success fee (10/8/6/4/2% sliding scale). Larger transactions use retainer + success fee, structured for alignment.

What's the difference between asset sale and share sale?

Asset sales transfer specific business assets — better for buyers (step-up in basis, no historical liabilities). Share sales transfer ownership of the corporation — better for sellers (LCGE eligibility, simpler). We optimize structure for your situation.

Do I need a lawyer separately?

Yes. SAZ runs the deal process; you need an M&A lawyer to draft and negotiate definitive agreements. We can recommend specialists in your jurisdiction.

Can I sell anonymously?

Yes — until LOI stage with a qualified buyer who has signed an NDA. Your business identity is never revealed publicly or to unqualified parties.

What's a typical multiple for my business?

SDE multiples for Main Street businesses typically run 2–4×. EBITDA multiples for lower-middle-market run 4–10× depending on industry, growth, and concentration. See your specific business type page for industry ranges.

What if I need to sell quickly?

Distressed or accelerated sales (60–90 days) are possible but typically realize 20–40% less than a normal 6-12 month process. We'll be honest about trade-offs.

What about earn-outs?

Common in deals where future performance affects valuation. Typically 10-30% of consideration, paid over 1-3 years based on hitting milestones. We negotiate buyer-friendly structures into seller-friendly ones.

Sell-side advisory

Sell your business in Canada.

Confidential, defensible, senior-led. From kickoff to close in 6–12 months. 124+ business types covered across all 109 Canadian cities.

Get started

Start with a confidential 30-minute call. NDA-protected. No commitment.

Book confidential call

The process

10 steps from confidential consultation to closed deal.

Week 1

Confidential consultation

NDA-protected discovery call. We learn your goals, timeline, and reasons for selling. No commitment.

Weeks 2-3

Business valuation

Industry-specific SDE/EBITDA multiple analysis, normalized earnings calculation, defensible range.

Weeks 3-6

Preparation & positioning

Financial cleanup, story development, growth narrative, CIM (Confidential Information Memorandum).

Weeks 6-12

Confidential marketing

Targeted outreach to vetted strategic and financial buyers. Never publicly listed. Teaser → NDA → CIM.

Weeks 8-16

Buyer qualification

Proof of funds, strategic fit assessment, cultural alignment. Only qualified buyers proceed to meetings.

Weeks 14-20

Letter of Intent (LOI)

Solicit competing LOIs, negotiate key terms (price, structure, earn-outs, working capital, escrow).

Weeks 18-28

Due diligence

Manage data room, coordinate buyer DD (financial, legal, operational, environmental), maintain momentum.

Weeks 26-32

Definitive agreements

Negotiate APA/SPA with your lawyer. Reps & warranties, indemnification, non-compete, transition.

Weeks 30-36

Closing

Coordinate signing, funds flow, working capital adjustment, escrow holdback, employee announcements.

Post-close

Post-sale transition

Support handover (typically 30-180 days), introduce key customers, train new owner, manage earn-out tracking.

Common concerns

What sellers actually worry about.

Will my employees find out?

No. We use blind teasers and NDA-protected processes. Your name is only revealed to qualified, vetted buyers after they sign an NDA. Employees only learn at closing (or earlier on your timeline).

How much is my business actually worth?

It depends on your SDE or EBITDA, your industry, your customer concentration, your growth, and current M&A market conditions. SAZ provides a defensible valuation with industry-specific multiples — not a generic broker estimate.

How do you find qualified buyers?

We maintain a curated network of 2,000+ vetted acquirers: PE rollups, strategic competitors, search funders, family offices, and individual buyers — matched specifically to your business type and size.

What about taxes?

Capital gains structure matters enormously. Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) of $1.016M (2024) on QSBC shares can save $250K+ in tax. We coordinate with your accountant on optimal asset vs share structure.

By business type

124+ industry-specific sell-side playbooks.

Each business type has its own valuation multiples, buyer pool, and deal nuances. Pick yours.

Home Services

14 types

Sell HVAC Company Sell Plumbing Business Sell Electrical Contractor Sell Roofing Company Sell Landscaping Business Sell Cleaning Services Business Sell Pest Control Business Sell Painting Business Sell Snow Removal Business Sell Window Cleaning Business Sell Pool Service Business Sell Tree Care Business Sell Locksmith Business Sell Property Management Company

Professional Services

18 types

Sell Accounting Firm Sell Law Firm Sell Engineering Firm Sell Architecture Firm Sell Consulting Firm Sell Marketing Agency Sell Advertising Agency Sell PR Firm Sell Insurance Brokerage Sell Real Estate Brokerage Sell Mortgage Brokerage Sell Financial Advisory / Wealth Management Sell Recruitment / Staffing Firm Sell IT Managed Services Provider (MSP)Sell Web Development Agency Sell SEO Agency Sell Software Development Firm Sell Photography Studio

Retail

13 types

Sell Convenience Store Sell Grocery Store Sell Liquor Store Sell Pharmacy Sell Hardware Store Sell Pet Store Sell Clothing Boutique Sell Jewelry Store Sell Furniture Store Sell Garden Center / Nursery Sell Bakery Sell Cannabis Retail Store Sell Vape Shop

Food & Beverage

10 types

Sell Restaurant Sell Fast Food / QSR Sell Coffee Shop / Cafe Sell Bar / Pub Sell Nightclub Sell Catering Company Sell Food Truck Sell Microbrewery / Craft Brewery Sell Winery Sell Distillery

Hospitality

5 types

Sell Hotel Sell Motel Sell Bed & Breakfast Sell RV Park / Campground Sell Vacation Rental Business

Health & Wellness

12 types

Sell Medical Clinic Sell Dental Practice Sell Veterinary Practice Sell Optometry Practice Sell Chiropractic Clinic Sell Physiotherapy Clinic Sell Massage Therapy Clinic Sell Spa / Wellness Center Sell Gym / Fitness Studio Sell Yoga / Pilates Studio Sell Hair Salon / Barbershop Sell Nail Salon / Beauty Salon

Automotive

7 types

Sell Auto Repair Shop Sell Auto Body Shop Sell Car Wash Sell Auto Dealership Sell Tire Shop Sell Auto Detailing Business Sell Towing Company

Construction & Trades

6 types

Sell General Contracting Business Sell Custom Home Builder Sell Renovation Company Sell Concrete Contractor Sell Masonry Business Sell Excavation Business

Manufacturing

7 types

Sell Light Manufacturing Business Sell Machine Shop / CNC Sell Sheet Metal / Fabrication Shop Sell Welding Shop Sell Sign Shop Sell Print Shop / Commercial Printer Sell Woodworking / Custom Furniture Shop

E-commerce & Digital

6 types

Sell E-commerce Store (Shopify / Amazon)Sell Amazon FBA Business Sell SaaS Business Sell Mobile App Business Sell Subscription Box Business Sell Membership / Content Site

Transportation & Logistics

6 types

Sell Trucking Company Sell Courier Service Sell Moving Company Sell Limousine / Black Car Service Sell Freight Brokerage Sell Warehousing / 3PL Business

Education & Childcare

6 types

Sell Daycare / Childcare Center Sell Tutoring Center Sell Dance Studio Sell Music School Sell Driving School Sell Trade School / Vocational College

Specialty

7 types

Sell Funeral Home Sell Self-Storage Facility Sell Laundromat Sell Dry Cleaner Sell Tailor / Alterations Shop Sell Vending Machine Route Sell ATM Business

Industrial & B2B

5 types

Sell Wholesale Distribution Business Sell Industrial Supply Business Sell Equipment Rental Business Sell Commercial Cleaning / Janitorial Business Sell Commercial Landscaping Business

Real Estate

2 types

Sell Real Estate Investment Company Sell Property Development Company

FAQ

Seller questions, answered honestly.

Most engagements run 6–12 months from kickoff to close. Smaller businesses ($500K–$3M) often close in 4–8 months. Larger or more complex businesses ($10M+) can run 9–18 months.

Ready to start?

Begin with a confidential 30-minute call.

A senior SAZ partner. NDA-first. No pressure. info@Sedighi.ca or (604) 632-4959.

Book a consultation Call (604) 632-4959 Email info@Sedighi.ca

Responding to inquiries within 1 business day