Professional Services Sales
Sell Your Professional Services Firm
Professional services firms — from accounting and consulting to marketing agencies and engineering firms — have unique valuation dynamics driven by client relationships, recurring revenue, and staff retention. I help professional services owners structure and execute successful exits.
Market Opportunity
Why Now Is the Right Time to Sell
The professional services sector is experiencing a wave of consolidation driven by several converging factors. Baby-boomer firm owners are retiring in record numbers, creating a surge of supply. At the same time, PE-backed platforms and larger firms are aggressively acquiring to build scale, diversify service lines, and capture cross-selling opportunities. Firms with recurring revenue models — retainers, managed services, monthly engagements — are commanding premium valuations because buyers value predictability. Technology adoption has also made firms more scalable and less geography-dependent, expanding the potential buyer universe. If your firm has transitioned key client relationships to your team and built recurring revenue streams, you are well-positioned to sell at an attractive multiple.
Valuation Overview
What Is Your Professional Services Firm Worth?
2x – 5x SDE · 0.8x – 1.5x Revenue (for high-retention practices)
Professional services multiples vary significantly by sub-industry. Accounting firms with strong client retention often sell on a multiple of revenue. Consulting and agency businesses typically trade on SDE or EBITDA.
Buyer Criteria
What Buyers Look For in a Professional Services Firm
Recurring or retainer-based revenue model
Client relationships transitioned to the team (not owner-dependent)
Strong client retention rates above 85%
Diversified client base with no single client over 15% of revenue
Experienced staff willing to stay post-acquisition
Documented processes, SOPs, and scalable delivery model
Buyer Landscape
Who Buys Professional Services Firms?
Larger Firms & Platform Acquirers
Established professional services firms acquiring smaller competitors to expand service offerings, enter new markets, or add specialized expertise.
Private Equity Groups
PE firms building professional services platforms through acquisitions, targeting firms with $1M+ EBITDA and strong client retention.
Internal Successors & Management Buyouts
Senior staff or partners acquiring the firm through structured buyouts, often with seller financing to bridge the valuation gap.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Let's talk about your professional services firm and what a sale could look like. I'll give you an honest assessment of value and walk you through the process.
Schedule a Free Consultation