Businesses for Sale in New Brunswick

Identify suitable opportunities, review the disclosed information, contact the seller, evaluate financial performance, complete due diligence, arrange financing and negotiate a purchase agreement. Asset purchases and share purchases carry different tax and liability consequences. In New Brunswick, confirm WorkSafeNB standing, municipal licences, and any liquor or food-premises licences. An accountant and a lawyer familiar with New Brunswick transactions can help identify risks before closing.

New Brunswick charges a 15% harmonized sales tax (HST). An election may relieve HST on the purchase of substantially all of a business's assets; real property transfer tax applies when land is included. Tax treatment depends on whether the deal is an asset or share purchase and on what is included, so obtain accounting advice before signing.

Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) is pre-tax profit plus the owner's salary, perks, interest, depreciation and one-time expenses — the total cash a single owner-operator can take from the business. EBITDA does not add back the owner's salary and is more common for larger companies with management in place. Most owner-operated businesses are priced as a multiple of SDE.

Options include bank lending, credit unions, BDC financing, Canada Small Business Financing Program loans, CBDC loans, Opportunities New Brunswick programs, buyer equity and vendor take-back financing. Approval depends on the buyer's financial position, the business and the proposed structure. Budget for working capital, legal and accounting fees as well.

Review historical financial statements, tax filings, customer concentration, supplier agreements, employee obligations, commercial leases, equipment condition, liabilities and licences. Confirm the business's account standing with WorkSafeNB. Verify material claims independently rather than relying on advertised figures.