Transaction Advisory Services
Turn Your Business Into the Biggest Payday of Your Life
Whether you’re ready to sell today or planning for tomorrow, we provide expert brokerage and Certified Value Builder™ advisory to maximize value and protect your legacy.
Valuation
Our valuation process combines real-world experience, financial analysis, industry benchmarks, and market comparables to deliver a clear, defensible opinion of value. We go beyond the numbers, identifying the key drivers that impact enterprise value and outlining strategies to strengthen them before a sale. We listen closely to your goals and align the pricing strategy to the outcome you want.
Brokerage
We manage the entire process, from prepping and marketing your business to qualified buyers through negotiation and closing, all focused on maximizing value and ensuring a smooth transaction. With years of real-world experience, we've successfully closed 90% of our listings.
Advisory
As active brokers with 10+ years of real-world experience and Certified Value Builder™ Advisors, we offer a formal engagement program delivering structured guidance to strengthen performance, boost your valuation drivers, and position your company for a successful exit when the time is right.
Dedicated
To Your Success
Our clients count on us for expert guidance, market insight, and consistent results. Every testimonial reflects our dedication to maximizing value and executing smooth, successful sales.
WE GOT IT DONE! I know I speak for all of us when I say thank you not only for selling our business but also your professional manner. We truly can say you acted in our best interests, not your own. We know there were several times you could have pushed us into a "bad sale" just to have our business sold. In the end we noted your professionalism, general knowledge on sales of businesses, responsiveness, and marketability to potential buyers. Should any potential client need to discuss this, have them contact me.
Mark K
Chicago, ILI had spent 30 years building my business but I knew it was time to move on. My number one criteria for someone to help me sell was honesty and trust. Andy and Maria were there every step of the way, They always answered the questions and followed up completely. We did not agree on everything but that's what happens in a family. We got to the finish line and what a great journey! Highly recommend Lighthouse. They are people that work with and for you!
Scott M
Hinsdale, ILRunning and selling a business are two distinct actions. We knew how to do the first and not a clue on how to do the second. When approaching a time to sell our family business after 40 years I interviewed no less than a dozen brokers in the Chicago area. When I spoke to Maria, I knew she was the one. She was direct, transparent, knowledgeable, patient and engaging. After a seamless prospectus process, we were set to list our business for sale when, unexpectedly, we had to take a step back and delay the process due to factors beyond our control. The delay was significant, but when we were finally ready Maria quickly picked up the baton and set off to get our business sold. Maria showed nothing but professionalism and a skill set that lends her talents in aiding us to sell our business in a very difficult environment. She was enthusiastic when dealing with potential buyers and worked with all parties to get to a successful and rewarding end for everyone involved. Whether you have a small or large business Maria will go above and beyond for you. She is someone I have come to respect and appreciate.
Lisa
Naperville, ILI started thinking about selling my business in late 2018, I had researched several brokerage firms and came across Lighthouse Business Brokers. So I called and talked to Andy he came out the next day and performed an evaluation on my business at that time. Well fast forward to February 2020, (Talk about bad timing) I decided to pull the trigger and put my company up for sale. I called Andy at Lighthouse Brokers and he came out the next day, and we got the ball rolling. At the time I had several hundred customers and a dozen or more Vendors. Therefore I wanted the business to be marketed appropriately while at the same time keeping the sale confidential. As this was my first time selling a business I was apprehensive regarding the process. I needed someone professional and trustworthy who I felt could get the business sold. During the entire process, Andy kept an open line of communications and always kept me updated. He was always available to talk when I had a question. Also, Andy would screen potential buyers, all buyers were qualified before the information of my business was given. I was very grateful for having a great business agent like Andy during this process.
Robert L.
Elk Grove Village, ILLighthouse was terrific to work with throughout the entire process of selling our business. During our first phone consultation, Maria was very clear about what to expect when selling a business, and she followed through and delivered at every step. We listed our business for sale a few months before the pandemic started, and within a couple of months, we had two solid offers for our full asking price. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit, and our business took a big hit while we were in due diligence so the buyer pulled out, but Maria was very supportive. As soon as business started to bounce back we revised our listing with them, and they again brought us a great offer within a couple of months of re-listing. I can't thank Maria enough for her hard work in getting our company sold. I frequently look for businesses to buy and have noticed that Lighthouse always seems to have more listings that interest me than any other business broker in Chicago, which is why we chose them to list our business. I'd highly recommend working with Lighthouse whether you are looking to buy a new business or sell your existing business.
Owen L.
Chicago, ILWhen I decided to sell my business, I interviewed several business brokers. I decided to move forward with Lighthouse Business Brokers as I really liked the personal service they offer. From the moment I decided to engage their services, Lighthouse was very prompt in creating the CIM (which looked great and was very accurate), and getting the business on the market. Throughout the process, Maria kept in touch and eventually found a great buyer for my company. I know she had to work closely with my buyer as well, and he was also impressed with her level of service and communication. I would highly recommend Maria and Lighthouse to anyone thinking of selling their business!
Jennifer R.
Chicago, ILMy experience with Lighthouse Business Brokers was the definition of professional. They found the perfect buyer for my business in less than 2 weeks and they provided constant updates throughout every stage of the process, even during the weekends!
Brian M.
Chicago, ILThis was my first time selling a business, but they guided me every step of the way, and his experience was invaluable. From finding the right buyer to managing the negotiations, the end result was exactly what I wanted and I couldn't be happier with my choice to hire LBB.
Steve R.
New York, NYI've worked with other brokers in the past and nothing compares to the experience and expertise that Lighthouse Business Brokers provides. Andy consistently exceeded my expectations on every aspect of the deal and he always put my best interests above anything else.
Michael T.
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Transaction Advisory Services
We help business owners plan, prepare, value, and successfully sell their businesses.
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney
Transaction Advisory Services
We help business owners plan, prepare, value, and successfully sell their businesses.
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney
Chicago, IL
Lighthouse Business Brokers provides business owners with expert guidance through the complexities of selling a company, with or without real estate involved. Our focus is helping clients achieve their financial goals with clarity, discipline, and integrity. From initial valuation and strategic planning through negotiation and closing, we deliver comprehensive support and proven execution. Whether you're just beginning to explore an exit or ready to move forward now, our experienced team will help you maximize value and complete a successful transaction.
Custom Tailored Exits
Designed to Maximize Overall Value
Our Experienced Business Brokers Will Guide You Step-by-Step Through the Entire Sales Process
Value Builder Assessment (Optional)
Gain a clear understanding of what's driving your company’s current value. This free assessment will identify exactly what you can focus on to increase your company's value. No financial statements required.
Summary Valuation - Free
We deliver a formal, defensible opinion of value based on financial analysis, market comparables, and industry benchmarks, giving you the clarity needed to make informed decisions. We will need 3 years of financial statements. 100% confidential.
Listing Agreement
We put our commitment in writing through a clear listing agreement that protects your interests and defines our role. This agreement ensures transparency and alignment so you can move forward with confidence.
Marketing
We create a high quality, professional Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) and supporting materials. Our CIM's consistently receive compliments because we put the work in to make sure they really tell the story. An NDA is required before any business specific information is shared. All public ads are designed to maintain confidentiality.
Buyer Screening & Introductions
We screen potential buyers for financial strength and serious intent before making introductions. Only vetted prospects gain access to your information, ensuring your time is spent with qualified candidates who are ready to move forward.
Offers
Our listings typically receive an offer in the first 1-3 months. We guide you through the negotiating process by presenting options clearly, highlighting key terms, and creating competitive leverage among buyers. You stay in control of every decision, while we provide the expertise to help you secure the best outcome.
Negotiation
We guide you through negotiation strategy to ensure you receive the best outcome possible. Our role is to protect your interests and help secure the strongest possible outcome. We listen to you and do our best to deliver results that match your desires.
Due Diligence
We coordinate the due diligence process to keep it efficient and organized. Our role is to keep the process orderly, help you respond to buyer requests, manage documentation, and maintain momentum so the deal stays on track.
Purchase Agreement
Working alongside your attorney, we ensure the purchase agreement reflects the terms you’ve negotiated and protects your interests. We have the upmost respect for legal counsel and our goal is always to support their expertise, never hinder. This step formalizes the deal and sets the stage for closing.
Closing
This is the finish line! We guide you through the final steps of the transaction, from signing documents to transferring funds. Our focus is on making the closing seamless, so you can move forward with confidence into your next chapter.
Not Ready to Sell?
Value Builder is the Gold Standard of Exit Planning
The Value Builder Advantage
Most business owners don’t realize what’s quietly dragging down their company’s value. Revenue looks fine. Profits are steady. But hidden weaknesses are eroding what your business is actually worth, and you won’t see it until you try to sell.
The Value Builder Assessment fixes that. In under 15 minutes, with no financial statements and no sensitive disclosures, you’ll get a clear picture of how your business scores across Value Builder’s eight drivers of company value, including exactly where you’re strong and where you’re bleeding value.
The assessment is just the starting point. If you choose to do a follow-up consultation, this is a paid, in-depth session where we walk through your full report, analyze a summary valuation, and pinpoint exactly where you’re strong and, more importantly, where you’re weak. That weakness is where the real opportunity lives. Once we know where the gaps are, we can map out specific strategies to close them, translating your score into real numbers: what it means for enterprise value, what buyers will actually see, and the steps you can take now to increase your eventual payday.
For owners who want to go further, the Value Builder Engagement Program is a 12 module framework built to do exactly that. We roll up our sleeves, turn those weaknesses into opportunities one by one, and build a stronger, more valuable company. It takes real work and some bold decisions, but the payoff can be substantial. Businesses trade on multiples, and an owner-dependent company might fetch 2.5x earnings while a similar business with low owner dependency can command 3-4x, a difference that translates into real money at close. Advisory engagements are customized to your business, so we’ll put together a formal proposal once we understand your goals.
You don’t have to be selling tomorrow to benefit. A valuable business is a well-run business. Just like renovating a house builds equity, improving your Value Builder Score builds enterprise value, so you’re in a position of strength whenever the time comes.
The real question isn’t whether you should know your score. It’s how much value you’re leaving on the table until you do.