More and more lately business owners are asking me is this the right time to sell? … And while no one loves the answer, “it depends,” the answer does involve several factors: market trends, your industry, your financials, and perhaps most importantly, your personal goals.
Why You Might Sell Now:
Valuations Are Still Strong: Many businesses, especially those with recurring revenue and strong systems, are still commanding premium multiples.
Buyer Activity Is High: There’s still plenty of capital in the market. Private equity groups and strategic buyers are actively looking, especially for well run companies.
You’re Personally Ready: This is often overlooked. If you’re burned out, ready for a new chapter, or just done, waiting for “perfect timing” can backfire. A tired owner can unknowingly stall growth or even harm business value.
Why You Might Wait:
Economic Uncertainty: Interest rates, inflation, and global instability have made some buyers more cautious. That can affect deal structures or extend timelines.
Growth Potential: If your business is positioned to grow significantly in the next 12 – 24 months, it may make sense to hold and exit at a higher value later, assuming you’re energized to lead it there.
So while of course there’s no one size fits all answer, the right time to sell is really when your business is ready and you are too. Trying to time the market perfectly often leads to missed windows and seller fatigue.
