We bring people and businesses together
One successful deal at a time.
Our M&A advisory team focuses exclusively on sell-side representation across all industries for businesses with up to $100 Million in annual revenue.
Results Driven Listing Strategy
Our highly effective listing strategies are designed to maximize the final sale price and protect confidentiality for every business we represent. Our proven formula for success has resulted in an incredibly high close rate. Our professional seller representation services are 100% performance based. Get started today by requesting your free business valuation.
Powerful Buyer Database
Through our years of experience, Lighthouse Business Brokers has established a powerful buyer network with thousands of qualified buyers that covers almost every industry. Our buyer's database is comprised of active professional investors and private equity firms that have been through the acquisition process previously and ensures we get your business in front of thousands of qualified buyers on the first day.
Proven Valuation Method
From Main Street to the Middle Market, we have a deep understanding of what drives business value. Our valuation starts with a thorough financial analysis and takes into consideration multiple data points. We educate and prepare sellers to maximize value throughout the process. We have years of experience and the resources available to accurately determine value for businesses of all sizes across all industries.
Featured Listings
Turnkey Custom Glass Company
$768,614
$156,613
$525,000
Acquisition opportunity for a well-established glass installation business with an experienced te...
B2B Distributor of Janitorial, Cleaning, and Safety Supplies
$3,753,149
$419,208
$1,985,000
Lighthouse Business Brokers would like to introduce an acquisition opportunity for a distributor ...
Profitable Remodeling Company
$1,065,405
$264,017
$499,999
Acquisition opportunity for a highly acclaimed NARI certified remodeling company with an A+ BBB r...
Computer Refurbishing Business – 50% Ownership Opportunity
$860,757
$184,757
$275,000
With years of consistent YoY top-line growth this business is poised for continued success. What ...
Sold – E-Commerce Furniture Business – Primed and Ready for Expansion
$48,000
$24,965
$80,000
Investment opportunity to take over an e-commerce business with an established supply chain and p...
Professional M&A Advisors
In Your Local Market
Experienced. Professional. Dedicated.
Professional M&A Advisors
In Your Local Market
Experienced. Professional. Dedicated.
Chicago, Illinois
Our headquarters is located in Chicago and we have satellite offices in New York City and Dallas. Our team has brokered deals all over the country with buyers and sellers located all over the world. We understand local market nuances and we have international experience. We are licensed business and real estate brokers with advanced degrees in accounting, finance, marketing, public relations and business management. Our team has the expertise you need on your side when selling your business.
Custom Tailored Exit Strategies
Designed to Maximize Overall Value
Our Experienced Business Brokers Will Guide You Step-by-Step Through the Entire Sales Process
Business Analysis & Valuation
The process starts with a broker opinion of value. We will request information, spend time learning about your company, research comps in your industry and provide a summary valuation. This is 100% confidential.
Exclusive Listing Agreement
Once a business owner makes the decision to move forward with listing their business the first step is to execute an exclusive listing agreement.
Seller Questionnaire and Marketing Preparation
The seller completes a questionnaire designed to highlight key selling points of the business and its attributes. Then our writing team gets to work on the the CBR (Confidential Business Review).
Targeted Marketing & Listing of Business
Once the CBR is approved by the seller we are ready go to market! We list anonymously across multiple marketing channels. We also target strategic buyers through direct outreach. Our ads are 100% anonymous. An NDA and qualification is required before any business specific information is released.
Buyer Qualification & Introductions
All potential buyers are qualified and required to sign and NDA. Once a willing and able buyer is identified we will arrange an introduction. We are looking for the right fit. We want a buyer who will succeed and carry on the legacy.
Offer to Purchase
Once a buyer makes the decision to move forward with an offer they submit an LOI (Letter of Intent). We review and present all offers in a timely manner. The majority of our listings receive an offer in 1-3 months.
Negotiations
We are expert negotiators. We advise on all turns of the negotiation and we think outside of the box to find the most beneficial deal structure.
Due Diligence
Due diligence is a necessary part of every deal. We help coordinate a smooth and orderly due diligence process. We put the time in on the early stages of the listing process to make sure due diligence goes as smoothly as possible.
Purchase Agreement
We coordinate a timely presentation of the purchase agreement and we make a point of reading and providing comments on all purchase agreements. It is highly recommended that a qualified attorney thoroughly reviews all legally binding agreements.
Closing & Post Sale
We work proactively throughout the listing process to make sure the closing goes through as smoothly as possible. Our years of experience have taught us how to prepare for the closing and we communicate frequently so the buyer is ready to hit the ground running on their new venture.
Exit Planning
It's never too early to have a plan
By planning for an exit prior to selling, business owners can significantly increase their sale price while improving current business. How? Because many of the same factors that drive a higher valuation inherently make businesses stronger and more profitable. Lighthouse Business Brokers offers tailored exit planning services with approach designed to improve current performance while maximizing market value. We will perform a business analysis and valuation, then set goals and implement a strategy to hit your target sale price. We check-in at regular intervals to measure and refine the strategy as goals are met. We’ve many helped business owners add significant value through this process. Understanding the key factors that drive value is crucial for making smart business decisions that will benefit your business now and put you in the best position to sell for maximum value when the time is right. Consulting packages start at $500.
100% Dedicated
To Client Satisfaction
Lighthouse Business Broker's takes client satisfaction extremely seriously. We strive to provide timely communication, deliver on our promises, and achieve high quality results. We value ethics, transparency, hard work and follow-through. We make a point to go the extra mile for our clients because ultimately, we have the same goal as our clients.
Maria was terrific to work with throughout the entire process of selling our business. During our first phone consultation she was very clear with 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 Covid pandemic started, and within a couple 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 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 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 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 CBR (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, ILI started thinking about selling my business in late 2018, I had researched several brokerage firms and came across Lighthouse Business Brokers. What caught my eye was they did not require any upfront payment , which a lot of the other firms did. So I called and talked to Andy he came out the next day and performed a free (yes free) 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, 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.