Understand the working capital the business needs to run
Inventory and receivables tie up real cash between purchase and collection; establish the requirement and whether it's included. Working capital is often the biggest swing in the price.
Similar businesses sell at 1.4x to 5.9x SDE. Compare live listings and connect with sellers.
National transaction benchmarks for wholesale and distribution business businesses.
Under $500K
$500K to $2M
Over $2M
A variety of factors can cause businesses to trade outside this range, including earnings quality, operational transferability, key-person risk, growth trajectory, and geography, so a listing priced above or below the typical multiple usually reflects real differences in the underlying business.
Cofounder & CEO
Key diligence, valuation, financing, and transition considerations for buyers evaluating wholesale and distribution business acquisitions.
Inventory and receivables tie up real cash between purchase and collection; establish the requirement and whether it's included. Working capital is often the biggest swing in the price.
Dead, obsolete, and slow-moving stock inflates the balance sheet; get an aged analysis and value it realistically.
A key manufacturer or a few large accounts can carry the business and walk; if a senior rep with a big attached book leaves at close, you lose it. Review terms and exclusivity.
Distribution rights, territories, and pricing tiers are often the real asset and may not pass to a new owner.
Distribution margins are thin and exposed at both ends; understand gross margin by line and how much room exists when costs move.
Facilities, fleet (new trucks run $80K–$150K each), and inventory systems drive the operation; tour the warehouse and budget deferred items.
Answers to common buyer questions for this market.