How to Buy a Business from a Retiring Owner
Buying from a retiring owner is the smartest acquisition you can make — motivated sellers, clean books, and generous transitions. Here's how to do it right.
Browse Listings →The 6-Step Acquisition Process
Define Your Criteria
Decide on industry, location, price range, and cash flow targets. Our filters let you zero in on businesses that match exactly what you can finance and operate.
Browse Retirement Listings
Every listing on FounderSunset comes from a retiring owner — motivated sellers with established operations and clean books. Save the ones that fit.
Get Pre-Qualified for Financing
Most acquisitions use an SBA 7(a) loan. Getting pre-qualified early tells sellers you're serious and speeds up the close. We can connect you with lenders.
Connect With the Broker or Seller
Reach out directly through the listing. Retiring owners are typically generous with their time and eager to find the right successor.
Do Your Due Diligence
Review financials, contracts, customer concentration, and operations. Our due diligence checklist walks you through everything to verify.
Close and Transition
Retiring owners often provide extensive training and seller financing. This transition support is one of the biggest advantages of buying from a retiree.
Financing
How Most People Finance a Business Acquisition
The SBA 7(a) loan is the most common path to buying an established small business. With as little as 10% down, qualified buyers can finance acquisitions up to $5 million. Seller financing from a retiring owner can often cover part of your down payment.
- As little as 10% down payment
- Terms up to 10 years for business acquisition
- Retiring owners often carry a seller note
- Established cash flow makes qualifying easier
FounderSunset may earn a referral fee from financing partners at no cost to you.
Example Deal Structure
Illustrative only. Actual terms vary by lender, business, and buyer qualifications.
Buyer Resources
The Complete Acquisition Guide
Everything you need to buy a business from a retiring owner.
Read More →Due Diligence Checklist
The complete checklist for verifying a business before you buy.
Read More →10 Questions to Ask a Retiring Owner
Make sure you understand the business before committing.
Read More →Get weekly alerts when new businesses hit the market from retiring owners in your target industry.