What Investors and Buyers Look for When Acquiring Service usinesses

What Buyers Want in Service Businesses | PAC Consulting

See what investors look for when acquiring service-based businesses. PAC Consulting helps owners nationwide prepare for successful exits.

Service businesses—from HVAC contractors to IT providers—arein high demand. But buyers are selective. Here’s what they’re looking for before writing a check.

## Factor 1: Recurring Revenue
Contracts or subscriptions are gold. Predictable revenue streams reduce risk and increase valuations.

## Factor 2: Strong Management Team
A business reliant solely on the owner is risky. Experienced managers in place make transitions smoother.

## Factor 3: Scalable Systems
Buyers want businesses with systems and processes that can expand. Documented SOPs, CRMs, and workflows are key.

## Factor 4: Customer Diversification
A company with one big client is fragile. Healthy businesses have a balanced client mix.

## Factor 5: Market Reputation
Brand reputation and customer reviews directly impact buyer confidence.

### Example
PAC Consulting advised a plumbing services company with 60% of revenue tied to one large client. By diversifying through new contracts before sale, we increased buyer interest and improved valuation.

PAC Consulting helps service businesses nationwide attract top buyers and higher offers.