When you picture a buyer, what comes to mind? A private equity group? A younger entrepreneur? A competitor down the street?
The reality is, buyers come from a wide range of backgrounds—and each brings different priorities, concerns, and expectations.
At LevelStar, we help you identify which buyer types are most likely to pursue your business and how to present your opportunity in the best light.
1. Strategic Buyers (Industry Acquirers)
Who they are: Competitors or related businesses seeking to expand their footprint, client base, or service offerings.
What they want: Synergies—such as overlapping customers, geographic reach, or complementary services.
Why it matters: These buyers may pay a premium if your business offers a strategic fit—but may also eliminate duplicative roles or processes.
2. Individual Buyers (Often SBA-Financed)
Who they are: Career changers, managers, or entrepreneurs using SBA 7(a) loans to buy a business and step into an owner-operator role.
What they want: Reliable cash flow, clean financials, and a business that can operate smoothly without heavy reliance on the current owner.
Why it matters: These buyers often need training and transition support—so your willingness to stay engaged can make a real difference in closing the deal.
3. Investor Groups & Small Private Equity
Who they are: Investment-focused buyers seeking scalable businesses, often as part of a broader acquisition strategy.
What they want: Growth potential, professional systems, and a strong management team already in place.
Why it matters: They’re often more flexible on structure, but more demanding on documentation and performance metrics.
4. Employee or Management Buyers
Who they are: Long-tenured team members or managers looking to take over—often with seller financing or SBA support.
What they want: Continuity, mentorship, and a deal structure that lets them grow into ownership.
Why it matters: A great fit for owners focused on legacy and culture—but may take longer to fund or close.
5. Lifestyle Buyers
Who they are: High-net-worth individuals or retirees seeking income, flexibility, and quality of life.
What they want: Low-stress operations, reliable earnings, and businesses that don’t require 60-hour workweeks.
Why it matters: These buyers may value work-life balance over high growth—so your business story should reflect that appeal.
Positioning Matters
Different buyers care about different things—so how you position your business matters. From marketing materials to transition planning, we tailor each step of the process to your target buyer type.
Not Sure Who Your Buyer Might Be?
That’s where we come in. We’ll help you identify the most likely buyer categories for your business and design a process that attracts the right interest.
Schedule your free strategy session to explore your buyer landscape and get started on your next chapter.