Selling a Business in Kennesaw — What You Need to Know
Kennesaw's business sale market is shaped by two powerful growth engines. Kennesaw State University — with 43,000+ students, one of the largest in Georgia — creates year-round demand for food service, retail, technology, and professional services businesses that benefit from a stable, consistent institutional customer base. The Town Center at Cobb and Barrett Parkway retail corridors generate commercial traffic that supports consumer-facing businesses across a broad geographic catchment area.
WellStar Kennestone Hospital's proximity and the expanding medical corridor in Cherokee County (just north of Kennesaw) create healthcare acquisition demand for a rapidly growing population. Cherokee County — one of the fastest-growing counties in Georgia — uses Kennesaw as its primary commercial hub, effectively expanding the addressable market for Kennesaw businesses beyond Cobb County's already large population.
Kennesaw's industrial heritage — the city was a major railroad hub and still has significant manufacturing and distribution operations — creates industrial services, logistics, and light manufacturing acquisition targets that attract strategic buyers from Atlanta's broad industrial base. Individual buyers from KSU, the broader Cobb County professional community, and the Cherokee County growth corridor represent a diverse and motivated buyer pool.
Most Active Business Categories in Kennesaw
Home Services & Trades
Kennesaw's rapid residential growth and its role as the commercial anchor for Cherokee County's expanding market create strong demand for HVAC, plumbing, roofing, electrical, and landscaping businesses. PE buyers active in the Atlanta metro specifically include Kennesaw and north Cobb County in their home services acquisition searches.
Healthcare & Medical Practices
Medical practices, dental groups, and specialty services serving Kennesaw and the broader north Cobb/Cherokee County market command consistent premiums. The rapidly growing population to the north creates strong new patient demand that healthcare buyers value for growth trajectory.
Restaurant & Consumer Services
Medical practices, dental groups, and specialty services serving Kennesaw and the broader north Cobb/Cherokee County market command consistent premiums. The rapidly growing population to the north creates strong new patient demand that healthcare buyers value for growth trajectory.
Thinking About Selling Your Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw — 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 Kennesaw?
Understanding your buyer pool directly impacts how your business is positioned, priced, and marketed. Kennesaw's economy attracts KSU community and Cobb County individual buyers, PE platforms targeting Atlanta northwest growth corridor, healthcare strategic acquirers.
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 Kennesaw
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 Kennesaw buyer market. No cost, no pressure.
Get My Free ValuationWhy Kennesaw 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.
