Selling a Business in Asheville — What You Need to Know
Asheville's business sale market is shaped by the city's extraordinary national brand as a destination. Biltmore Estate, the thriving River Arts District, a nationally recognized craft beverage scene, and mountain tourism that draws 11+ million visitors annually create a hospitality and food-and-beverage acquisition market with genuine premium pricing. Buyers from New York, Chicago, and Miami specifically target Asheville businesses because the combination of strong cash flow, exceptional quality of life, and continued growth trajectory is uniquely compelling.
Mission Hospital (HCA Healthcare) and the growing medical corridor along Brevard Road anchor Asheville's healthcare market. The city's expanding permanent resident base — driven by remote workers relocating from larger metros — has created strong demand for home services, childcare, healthcare, and professional services businesses. This in-migration trend has accelerated and shows no signs of slowing, meaning Asheville's service businesses are acquiring customers faster than at any point in the city's history.
The craft beverage industry — Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other city in the Southeast — creates an unusual acquisition target class that attracts buyers with both operational experience and lifestyle motivation. Distilleries, cideries, and specialty food producers attract strategic buyers from the national craft beverage sector as well as individual buyers who want to combine business ownership with a mountain lifestyle.
Most Active Business Categories in Asheville
Hospitality, Restaurant & Tourism
Asheville's $3B+ tourism economy creates an unmatched market for restaurants, breweries, hotels, vacation rental businesses, and hospitality services. Buyers specifically targeting Asheville's national brand pay premiums for established businesses with strong review profiles and loyal customer bases. Proper positioning of lease terms, brand transferability, and revenue normalization is critical.
Healthcare & Medical Practices
Medical practices, dental offices, physical therapy, behavioral health, and specialty clinics near Mission Hospital command strong premiums. Asheville's large and growing population of health-conscious, educated residents creates exceptional patient demand, and Mission Hospital's HCA ownership provides institutional stability that buyers value.
Home Services & Trades
Medical practices, dental offices, physical therapy, behavioral health, and specialty clinics near Mission Hospital command strong premiums. Asheville's large and growing population of health-conscious, educated residents creates exceptional patient demand, and Mission Hospital's HCA ownership provides institutional stability that buyers value.
Thinking About Selling Your Asheville Business?
A confidential, no-obligation valuation. Understand what your business could sell for in today's market before you commit to anything.
Schedule Your Free ValuationYou Keep More of What You've Built
Most business brokers in Asheville charge 10% to 12%. On a million-dollar sale, that's $100K to $120K out of your pocket before you see a dime. John Salony charges 6% — which means on that same sale, you keep an extra $40K to $60K.
That's possible because of two things most brokers don't have: an AI-powered approach to CIM preparation and data gathering, and a 20-year network of serious buyers across the Southeast — including Asheville — who are ready to move when the right opportunity comes along.
And John only gets paid when you do. No upfront fees. No retainers. If the deal doesn't close, you owe nothing.
Who Buys Businesses in Asheville?
Understanding your buyer pool directly impacts how your business is positioned, priced, and marketed. Asheville's economy attracts lifestyle buyers from expensive coastal and Northeastern markets, PE platforms targeting Southeast hospitality and healthcare, strategic acquirers in craft beverage.
Private Equity Groups
PE firms acquiring businesses as platform investments or add-ons to existing portfolio companies. They typically pay the highest multiples and bring institutional resources.
- ✓ Highest multiples (3.5×–5.0×+)
- ✓ May offer equity rollover
- ✓ Often want owner to stay 1–2 years
- ✓ Focused on EBITDA $500K+
Strategic Acquirers
Larger companies in your industry looking to expand geographically, add capabilities, or acquire customers. They understand your business and can often close faster.
- ✓ Strong multiples (3.0×–4.5×)
- ✓ Fastest due diligence
- ✓ Value customer base & territory
- ✓ May absorb into existing brand
Individual Buyers
Qualified individuals — often corporate executives or experienced operators — using SBA financing to acquire and run their own business.
- ✓ Solid multiples (2.5×–3.5×)
- ✓ SBA 7(a) financing typical
- ✓ Want transition support
- ✓ Looking for stability & cash flow
Who John Salony Works With in Asheville
John works best with business owners who are serious about getting a transaction done — not just exploring. If any of the below describes you, a confidential conversation makes sense.
A free, confidential valuation estimate based on your actual financials and the current Asheville buyer market. No cost, no pressure.
Get My Free ValuationWhy Asheville Business Owners Work With John Salony
ABI Certified + MBA
Certified Business Intermediary with an MBA and 20+ years of experience in business sales and M&A advisory across the Southeast.
6% — Not 10–12%
The most competitive fee structure in the market. On a $1M sale you keep $40K–$60K more than you would with a traditional broker.
Complete Confidentiality
Blind listings, NDA before any details are shared, and careful buyer screening. Your employees and customers won't know until you're ready.
Dual CRE + Business Expertise
If you own the real estate too, John handles both. No need for two advisors, two timelines, or two sets of fees.
