Selling a Business in Marietta — What You Need to Know
Marietta's business sale market benefits from one of Atlanta's most powerful economic anchors: Lockheed Martin's F-22 and C-130 production facility at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, the largest industrial employer in Cobb County. The aerospace and defense ecosystem surrounding Lockheed creates precision manufacturing, technical services, and defense contracting acquisition targets that attract strategic buyers from the national aerospace and defense industry.
WellStar Kennestone Hospital — one of Georgia's largest and most active hospitals — anchors a healthcare sector that generates consistent demand for medical practices, dental groups, and specialty services across the northern Atlanta suburbs. Kennesaw State University's 43,000+ students create downstream demand for professional services, technology, and consumer businesses that have a stable institutional customer base.
"Marietta is a market I know well. If you're thinking about selling, the best first step is a confidential conversation — no pressure, just an honest look at what your business could be worth and whether the timing makes sense."
Marietta's mature suburban economy — established neighborhoods, strong school systems, and a walkable downtown Square — creates a stable, predictable business environment that individual buyers specifically value. Home services businesses serving Cobb County's large and stable residential market are among the most actively acquired in the Atlanta metro, with PE platforms targeting Marietta for HVAC, plumbing, and specialty contractor businesses.
Most Active Business Categories in Marietta
Home Services & Trades
Cobb County's large, stable residential base creates consistent acquisition demand for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, landscaping, and pest control businesses. PE buyers targeting the Atlanta metro specifically include Marietta and Cobb County for home services roll-ups because the established homeowner base produces predictable recurring revenue.
Healthcare & Medical Practices
WellStar Kennestone's regional dominance creates strong demand for affiliated medical practices, dental groups, specialty clinics, and behavioral health businesses. The system's ongoing expansion and Cobb County's large, aging population provide excellent utilization fundamentals for healthcare acquisitions.
Aerospace & Manufacturing Services
Lockheed Martin's Marietta facility creates precision manufacturing, composites, technical staffing, and defense services acquisition targets that attract aerospace and defense strategic acquirers. Businesses with Lockheed supplier relationships or Dobbins ARB service contracts command strategic premiums.
Thinking About Selling Your Marietta 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 Marietta charge 10% to 12%. On a million-dollar sale, that's $100K to $120K out of your pocket. 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 a 20-year network of serious buyers across the Southeast — including Marietta.
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 Marietta?
Understanding your buyer pool directly impacts how your business is positioned, priced, and marketed. Marietta's economy attracts Atlanta corporate professional individual buyers, PE platforms in home services and healthcare, aerospace 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.
- ✓ 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.
- ✓ Strong multiples (3.0×–4.5×)
- ✓ Fastest due diligence
- ✓ Value customer base & territory
- ✓ May absorb into existing brand
Individual Buyers
Qualified individuals 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 Marietta
John works best with business owners who are serious about getting a transaction done. 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 Marietta buyer market. No cost, no pressure.
Get My Free ValuationWhy Marietta 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 with a traditional broker.
Complete Confidentiality
Blind listings, NDA before any details are shared, and careful buyer screening. Your employees 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.
