The buyer's journey
How a buyer finds a business, connects, and closes the deal
Buying a business in Canada isn't one big decision — it's eight smaller ones. Here's the whole path, with the calculators, directories and tools you'll actually use at each step.
The buyers who win aren't the ones with the most money. They're the ones who were ready when the right business showed up.
The eight steps
- 1
Get clear on what you're buying
Before you look at a single listing, decide what you can realistically own and operate: industry, location, size, and how much cash you can put down. Buyers who define this first move faster when the right business appears — and sellers take them more seriously.
- 2
Search the market and shortlist
Browse businesses for sale across Canada, filter by province, industry and price, and save the ones worth a second look. Saved businesses land on your buyer dashboard so your shortlist survives the week.
- 3
Set alerts so you see deals first
Good businesses sell quietly and quickly. Save your search and we'll email you when a new listing matches your criteria — no daily refreshing required.
- 4
Make contact and sign the NDA
Message the seller or broker through the listing. Most will ask you to sign a non-disclosure agreement before sharing financials, customer detail or the confidential information memorandum (CIM). Signing is normal — it protects the business while it's still operating.
- 5
Value the business
Work out what the business actually earns for an owner (SDE), then test the asking price against it. A price that looks big can be reasonable — and a small one can be a trap. Run the numbers before you get emotionally attached.
- 6
Line up financing
Most Canadian acquisitions combine a down payment, a lender, and often some seller financing. Know your debt service coverage before you make an offer — lenders will check it, and so should you.
- 7
Offer, then due diligence
A letter of intent sets price and structure; due diligence confirms the story is true. Review financial statements, tax filings, leases, contracts, staffing and supplier terms — with an accountant and a lawyer who have done acquisitions before.
- 8
Close and take over
Lawyers paper the deal, financing funds, and the keys change hands. Plan the first 90 days before closing: the transition period with the previous owner, staff and customer introductions, and working capital for the quiet weeks.
How long does it take?
Typical ranges for owner-operator deals in Canada. Financing approval is usually the long pole — start it early.
Start your search
Save the businesses you like, set an alert, and track everything from your buyer dashboard.