Considering Selling Your Business?
Get a personalized exit strategy and fair valuation from local experts—maximizing your business value, protecting your legacy, and easing your transition.
We Understand Selling Your Business Is More Than a Financial Decision
For many business owners, selling a company isn't just about cashing out — it’s about closing a chapter that took years (or decades) to build.
You may be feeling a mix of pride, uncertainty, even grief. Maybe you’ve:
Poured 30+ years into building something meaningful
Been running your business for so long that you're ready to pursue something new
Don’t have a natural successor — no family member or partner to take over
Want more time for family, travel, or finally focusing on personal goals
Feel protective of your employees, your reputation, and your life’s work
We understand. We specialize in helping owners navigate this deeply personal transition — not just as professionals, but as people who care about what comes next for you and your business.
We take a personal, respectful approach to every conversation. No pressure. No jargon. Just clear, confidential guidance with your best outcome in mind.
Who We Typically Work With
We’re the right fit for business owners who:
Have built established, profitable businesses ready for a new chapter
Want to preserve the integrity, team, and reputation they’ve worked hard to build
Are seeking a direct, trustworthy buyer—not just a listing or inquiry process
Appreciate a respectful, efficient transition — not months of uncertainty
Businesses we typically work with
$500k-$10m in EBITDA
We focus on profitable businesses with a solid history of earnings and operational stability.
Geography
Preferably based in San Diego, but we’re also actively considering opportunities across:
California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Florida
Clean, verifiable financials
We value transparency and well-documented performance — clean books and consistent reporting are essential.
5+ years in business
We look for companies with a proven track record, established operations, and a reputation built over time.
“We don’t just look at businesses as numbers — we see the years, the sacrifices, the people behind it all. That is what matters to us.”
Why Choose Us
When it comes to selling your business, who you sell to matters just as much as when and how you sell. Here’s what sets us apart:
Pillars of Trust
✅ We’re the Buyer — and a Real Operator
You’re not dealing with a large investment group or a faceless private equity firm. You’re selling to a real person who will own and operate your business — not just flip it or absorb it into a portfolio.
✅ Deal Directly With the Decision-Maker
No middlemen. No commissions. No delays. When we talk, you’re talking to the person making the decisions — one-on-one, transparently.
✅ Face-to-Face, Not Just Online
Unlike many brokers and buyers you’ll never meet, we believe in real relationships. If we move forward, we’ll sit down in person so you know exactly who you're doing business with — because people do business with people they like and trust.
✅ Fast, Confidential, and Professional
No public listings. No unnecessary back-and-forth. We value your time and privacy, and we keep every conversation discreet and respectful.
✅ We Respect What You've Built
We understand how much your business means to you. We’re committed to preserving your legacy, supporting your team, and continuing the values you’ve instilled.
✅ Flexible Terms, Fair Valuation
Every deal is tailored to your goals — whether that’s a full exit, a transition period, or something in between. You’ll get honest numbers and options that fit your future.
✅ Local Knowledge, Personal Approach
We live and work in Southern California. We know the market, we understand the people, and we’re here to help you exit on your terms.
So, How Does it work?
🔄 4-Step Process
Step 1: Private, Confidential Conversation
We begin with a short call to learn about your business and your goals. From there, if it makes sense to continue, we’ll offer to meet with you in person — privately and at a location of your choosing — so you can know exactly who you're working with, face-to-face. Every conversation is 100% confidential. Your employees, partners, or customers will never be informed, and your privacy will always be respected.
Step 2: Business Review & No-Obligation Valuation
If there’s a potential fit, we’ll ask for a few details and review your business to provide a fair, honest valuation. This step is completely free — no commitments, no fine print.
Step 3: Personalized Offer & Transition Plan
If you're ready to move forward, we’ll present a tailored offer and a step-by-step plan for transitioning the business in a way that’s respectful to your legacy and your team.
Step 4: Close the Deal — Smoothly and Privately
We’ll handle the details professionally and efficiently, without disrupting your business. No listings. No announcements. Just a clean, quiet handoff — handled the right way.
💬 There’s no obligation at any point. You stay in control, every step of the way. We charge no fees, no commissions — ever. Working with us can save you thousands, as brokers often charge up to 10% of your sale price in fees alone.
We Understand What is at Stake
Selling a business isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s about letting go of something you’ve poured your life into.
We’ve spoken with business owners who’ve spent decades growing something from scratch. Some are tired. Some want more time for family. Others feel stuck — unsure of what comes next, or whether they’re making the right decision. Many are deeply concerned about their employees, their customers, and what will happen to the legacy they’ve built.
We understand. Because we’re not here to flip your business or squeeze it for returns. We’re here to continue what you started — and we take that responsibility seriously.
We’ll never rush you. We’ll never pressure you. And we’ll always be transparent about what’s possible — because the way this chapter ends should reflect everything you've built.
About Coastal Business Acquisitions
Coastal Business Acquisitions is a privately held investment and advisory firm based in San Diego. We focus on directly acquiring and operating established, privately owned businesses with care, discretion, and long-term commitment.
We’re not a large private equity firm or corporate buyer. We’re real people — buyers and operators — who value relationships over volume, and quality over quantity. We’re not building a portfolio for investors. We’re looking for the right opportunity — where the business, the people, and the timing all align.
Our approach is built around trust, respect, and doing what’s right — person to person, not just deal to deal.
“After years working in Fortune 500 corporate environments — and successfully building and exiting my own startup — I found myself asking: What’s next?
Business acquisitions made sense. But after interacting with dozens of brokers and firms, I wasn’t impressed. It felt impersonal, overly transactional, and often didn’t serve the seller well.
So I created Coastal Business Acquisitions to do things differently: to reach out directly, work with integrity, and focus on deals where everyone wins.
For me, the goal isn’t just to buy a business — it’s to continue a legacy with care, purpose, and respect.”
Common Questions
❓Will my employees or customers find out I am thinking about selling?
No. Confidentiality is built into every step of how we operate. From our first conversation to the final closing, nothing is shared with your employees, customers, vendors, or competitors unless you decide to share it yourself. We do not advertise your business for sale. We do not contact your staff. We do not visit your location without your permission. Many of the business owners we work with in San Diego complete the entire process without anyone knowing until the day they choose to make the announcement.
❓Do you charge any fees or commissions to sell my business?
No. We are direct buyers, not brokers. You will never pay a commission, listing fee, or closing cost to us. Traditional business brokers typically charge 8% to 10% of the sale price, which on a $2 million deal could cost you $160,000 to $200,000. When you work with Coastal Business Acquisitions, the price we offer is the price you receive. There is no middleman taking a cut.
❓What types of businesses do you buy in San Diego?
We focus on established, profitable businesses in San Diego and Southern California with at least five years of operating history, a stable team, and consistent cash flow. We are open to a range of industries, including manufacturing, wholesale distribution, home services, and other businesses with long-term demand. The most important factors for us are clean financials, a diversified customer base, and an owner who cares about what happens to their employees and customers after the sale.
❓How long does it take to sell a business?
Every business is different, but our process moves faster than the traditional route. Once we have your financial information, we can typically present an initial offer within one to two weeks. From there, closing can happen in as little as 30 to 60 days, depending on the complexity of the deal and the financing structure. That said, we move at your pace. If you need more time, we are comfortable with that. There is no pressure to rush.
❓Do I have to make a decision right away?
No. There is no deadline, no obligation, and no pressure. Our first conversation is simply that — a conversation. We want to understand your business, your goals, and your timeline. Some owners we speak with are ready to move forward right away. Others are 12 to 24 months out and just starting to explore their options. Both are welcome. You are in full control of the process from start to finish.
❓Will I still be involved in the business after the sale?
That is entirely up to you. Some sellers prefer a clean break on closing day. Others want to stay involved for a transition period to help the new owner get up to speed, introduce key clients, and ensure the team is comfortable. We build the transition plan around your preferences and your comfort level. Typical transition periods range from 30 days to six months, depending on the complexity of the business.
❓How do you determine what my business is worth?
We calculate your Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE), which is the total cash flow available to an owner-operator after adjusting for owner salary, benefits, and non-recurring expenses. From there, we apply a multiple based on your industry, revenue trends, customer concentration, and how dependent the business is on the current owner. For most small businesses in San Diego, multiples typically range from 2.5x to 4.5x SDE. Our team has a CPA and M&A background, so you get a valuation based on real financial analysis, not guesswork. Learn more in our guide: How Much Is My Business Actually Worth?
❓What should I do if I am thinking about selling in the next one to three years?
Start preparing now, even if you are not ready to sell today. The business owners who get the best outcomes are the ones who spend 12 to 24 months before the sale getting their financials organized, reducing their personal involvement in daily operations, documenting key processes, and diversifying their customer base. These steps do not just prepare you for a sale — they make your business more valuable and easier to sell when the time comes. If you want a confidential conversation about where you stand, we are happy to talk. Schedule a free introductory call.
❓Can I sell my business if it depends heavily on me?
Yes, but this is one of the most important factors that affects your sale price. If you are the primary salesperson, the main client relationship holder, or the only person who knows how operations work, buyers see risk. The good news is that owner dependency can be reduced before the sale. Start delegating key responsibilities, train a second-in-command, and document your processes so the business can run without you being involved in every decision. Even six months of preparation can significantly increase what a buyer is willing to pay. Read more: How to Sell Your Business Without Employees and Customers Finding Out.
❓What happens after I sell? How do I plan for retirement?
Selling your business is not just a financial transaction — it is a life transition. We encourage every seller to think beyond the sale price and consider what comes next. That includes tax planning, retirement income strategy, and how you want to spend your time. Many sellers we work with partner with a financial advisor and a CPA to make sure the sale proceeds are structured in the most tax-efficient way possible. Our role is to make the sale itself smooth and fair, so you can move into the next chapter with confidence and clarity.
Let’s Talk
Whether you’re ready to explore selling or just want to understand your options, we’re here to have a respectful, no-pressure conversation.
There’s no obligation. No fees. Just a chance to talk — and see if it’s the right fit.
🔒 Your information is completely confidential and will never be shared.
