Sell Your Business in Charleston, SC

Charleston's business sale market reflects the city's transformation from a tourism-dependent economy into a diversified Southeast growth market. The Port of Charleston — one of the busiest container ports on the East Coast — anchors a logistics and distribution ecosystem that generates consistent business acquisition demand. Volvo's North American manufacturing campus in Berkeley County, Boeing's commercial fuselage facility, and the growing Summerville tech corridor have diversified Charleston's economy and created a corporate professional population that represents a deep individual buyer pool for businesses across all categories.

The hospitality and tourism sector — restaurants, event venues, hospitality services, specialty retail — represents one of Charleston's most active business sale categories. Charleston's tourism economy generates $10 billion+ annually, creating businesses with strong revenue histories and brand recognition that attract buyers who want exposure to the city's continued growth as a destination. However, sellers should understand that hospitality-heavy revenue streams require careful positioning — buyers in this sector are sophisticated and will scrutinize seasonality patterns, lease terms, and brand transferability carefully.

Healthcare is expanding rapidly as Charleston's population grows. MUSC Health, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, and Trident Health System together employ thousands and generate strong demand for medical practices, specialty services, and healthcare-adjacent businesses. Home services businesses serving Charleston's growing residential population — particularly in Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and the rapidly developing West Ashley corridor — are among the most actively acquired businesses in the market, with PE buyers competing for quality operators.

Hospitality, Restaurant & Tourism

Charleston's $10B+ tourism economy creates a consistent market for restaurant, event venue, specialty retail, and hospitality service businesses. Buyers are drawn to Charleston's brand strength and tourism stability. Positioning these businesses requires experienced handling of lease transfers, brand documentation, and seasonality normalization — areas where John's process is specifically designed.

Home Services & Trades

Roofing, HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, and general contracting businesses serving Charleston's rapidly growing residential base are among the most actively pursued acquisition targets in the market. PE-backed platforms competing for Charleston home services businesses have pushed multiples to 3.5× to 4.5× SDE for well-documented operations with recurring customer relationships.

Healthcare & Medical Practices

Roofing, HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, and general contracting businesses serving Charleston's rapidly growing residential base are among the most actively pursued acquisition targets in the market. PE-backed platforms competing for Charleston home services businesses have pushed multiples to 3.5× to 4.5× SDE for well-documented operations with recurring customer relationships.

Most business brokers in Charleston 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 Charleston — 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.

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 Charleston

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.

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.