Selling a Business in Cary — What You Need to Know
Cary's business sale market is shaped by its position as the highest-income community in the Research Triangle metro. SAS Institute — the world's largest privately held software company — is headquartered in Cary and employs thousands of engineers, data scientists, and executives who represent an exceptionally qualified individual buyer pool. These buyers are analytically rigorous, financially sophisticated, and increasingly interested in business ownership as an alternative to corporate careers.
WakeMed's Cary campus and the broader healthcare corridor along Kildaire Farm Road generate strong demand for medical practices, dental offices, and specialty healthcare businesses. Cary's booming retail and food-and-beverage sector — driven by Crossroads Plaza, the Village District, and Preston Commons — creates consistent acquisition demand from buyers who want consumer-facing businesses in one of NC's most affluent communities.
Cary is particularly compelling for sellers of businesses in the $500K to $3M revenue range because the individual buyer market here is deeper and better-financed than almost anywhere in North Carolina. SBA financing in Cary closes faster, at higher multiples, with better-prepared buyers than most comparable markets. The combination of high household incomes, SAS-adjacent professional talent, and RTP proximity creates a seller's market for quality businesses.
Most Active Business Categories in Cary
Professional & Business Services
IT consulting, staffing, professional services, and business services firms serving SAS Institute, IQVIA, MetLife, and the Triangle's broader corporate base generate strong buyer interest. SAS alumni and RTP executives are among the most active individual buyers in this category, bringing both operational experience and financial resources.
Healthcare & Medical Practices
Medical practices, dental groups, specialty healthcare, and wellness businesses near WakeMed Cary command premium valuations driven by Cary's affluent demographics and strong health insurance coverage rates. Pediatric practices, orthodontics, and family medicine are particularly active acquisition categories.
Restaurant & Retail
Medical practices, dental groups, specialty healthcare, and wellness businesses near WakeMed Cary command premium valuations driven by Cary's affluent demographics and strong health insurance coverage rates. Pediatric practices, orthodontics, and family medicine are particularly active acquisition categories.
Thinking About Selling Your Cary 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 Cary 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 Cary — 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 Cary?
Understanding your buyer pool directly impacts how your business is positioned, priced, and marketed. Cary's economy attracts SAS Institute and RTP executive individual buyers, strategic acquirers targeting affluent suburban markets, PE platforms in healthcare and professional services.
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 Cary
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 Cary buyer market. No cost, no pressure.
Get My Free ValuationWhy Cary 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.
