Business Broker Finder

Can a CPA do a business valuation?

brokername — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 14:41:00 +0000

Yes, a CPA can perform a business valuation, and many are highly qualified to do so.

While the CPA license itself doesn’t specifically cover valuation training, most CPAs who practice in this area hold an additional credential, such as the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) designation from the AICPA, or the Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) from NACVA.

These credentials require specialized coursework, exams, and experience in valuation methodology beyond standard accounting training.

Because CPAs already have deep knowledge of financial statements, tax implications, and industry standards, they’re often well-suited for valuation work, especially for purposes like estate planning, divorce proceedings, litigation, mergers, or business sales.

When choosing one, it’s wise to confirm they hold a recognized valuation credential.

The post Can a CPA do a business valuation? appeared first on Business Broker Finder.

How much should I pay for a business valuation?

brokername — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 14:38:56 +0000

Business valuation costs vary widely depending on complexity, purpose, and who performs it. A basic valuation using online calculators or software can be free or cost a few hundred dollars, but these are rough estimates, not defensible figures.

For a certified valuation from a professional (a Certified Valuation Analyst or Accredited Senior Appraiser), expect to pay $3,000 to $7,500 for a straightforward small business. Complex businesses, litigation support, or valuations needed for court, divorce, or IRS purposes can run $10,000 to $50,000 or more.

Price depends on business size, industry complexity, documentation quality, and the depth of report required (calculation of value versus a full conclusion of value report). Get quotes from a few credentialed appraisers before choosing.

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How do you sell your franchise?

brokername — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 14:33:11 +0000

Selling a franchise business generally involves these steps:

Prepare financials. Organize tax returns, P&L statements, and royalty records for at least 2–3 years.
Get a valuation. Franchises are typically valued using a multiple of seller’s discretionary earnings (SDE), often 2–4x depending on the brand and industry.
Notify the franchisor. Most franchise agreements require approval before a sale, plus possible transfer fees.
Find qualified buyers. Use business brokers, franchise resale marketplaces, or the franchisor’s internal referral network.
Vet buyers through franchisor approval. They’ll need to meet training and financial requirements.
Negotiate and close. Draft a purchase agreement, transfer the franchise agreement, and handle lease or equipment transfers.

Consulting a business broker or attorney experienced in franchise transfers is strongly recommended.

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What is Sunbelt Business?

brokername — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 13:02:43 +0000

Sunbelt most commonly refers to Sunbelt Rentals, a major North American equipment rental company and subsidiary of UK-listed Ashtead Group. It rents construction, industrial, and specialty equipment, aerial lifts, generators, pumps, and tools, to contractors and businesses across the US, Canada, and UK.

It can also mean Sunbelt Business Brokers, a franchise network specializing in helping people buy and sell small to mid-sized businesses, offering brokerage, valuation, and advisory services nationwide.

Additionally, “Sun Belt” describes the warm-climate US region from the Southeast through the Southwest, known for population growth and business-friendly conditions drawing companies and residents from colder states, per Census Bureau data.

Context determines which meaning applies: rental equipment, business sales, or the geographic region.

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How much do Transworld brokers make?

brokername — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:50:04 +0000

Estimates vary widely depending on the source and role level. Glassdoor puts average Business Broker pay at around $200,000 per year, with a typical range between $150,000 and $276,000, and top earners near $364,000.

Senior Brokers report higher figures, averaging roughly $323,500 annually, ranging from about $243,000 to $453,000. Indeed’s postings show lower averages, closer to $178,500.

Since brokers work largely on commission, pay depends heavily on deals closed, experience, and location, and it can take up to a year or eighteen months to build enough contacts to earn substantial commissions.

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What is the average fee for a business broker?

brokername — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:44:20 +0000

Business brokers typically charge a commission based on the final sale price, most often in the 10% to 12% range for small to mid-sized businesses. For very small deals (under $500,000), fees can run higher, sometimes 12% to 15%, since brokers still invest significant time regardless of deal size.

Larger transactions often use the “Lehman Formula” or a modified version: a sliding scale where the percentage decreases as the sale price increases (for example, 10% on the first million, 8% on the second, and so on).

Some brokers also charge an upfront retainer or marketing fee, ranging from a few thousand dollars up to $10,000 or more, which is usually credited against the final commission at closing.

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Who are the competitors of Baton Market?

brokername — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:51:07 +0000

Disclaimer: Some or all of the companies mentioned may compensate us, at no cost to you. This helps keep our content free. Our rankings and evaluations are based on compensation and in-depth analysis

Baton Market is a small-business sale marketplace, and named competitors vary by source.

Crunchbase lists Acquire.com, Axial Networks, and Transworld Business Advisors as alternatives, while CB Insights points to BuyCo., Moonlight Street, and Exitplanner as closer functional peers in M&A and exit planning.

Tracxn takes a broader data-and-analytics view, naming Morningstar, IHS Markit, and Crunchbase itself. Traditional business brokerages like LINK International and middle-market advisory firms such as CDI Global also compete for sellers.

Overall, Baton Market sits at the intersection of business brokerages, M&A marketplaces, and exit-planning platforms, so its competitive set spans several categories rather than one clear peer group.

Related: Baton Market Review

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Is Baton Market Legitimate?

brokername — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:49:37 +0000

Disclaimer: Some or all of the companies mentioned may compensate us, at no cost to you. This helps keep our content free. Our rankings and evaluations are based on compensation and in-depth analysis

Yes, Baton Market appears legitimate. It's a real business brokerage platform (Baton Market Inc.) that has been BBB accredited since February 2025.

Multiple scam-checking sites rate it as low risk to legitimate, with trust scores ranging from 74 to 99 out of 100.

Customer reviews are largely positive, praising staff for being transparent, responsive, and effective at connecting sellers with qualified buyers.

Some Glassdoor reviews mention internal workplace culture concerns, which relate to employment, not customer service.

Overall, evidence points to a genuine, established company rather than a scam, though as with any broker, doing your own due diligence before engaging is wise.

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Who is the CEO of Generational Group?

brokername — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:43:38 +0000

Disclaimer: Some or all of the companies mentioned may compensate us, at no cost to you. This helps keep our content free. Our rankings and evaluations are based on compensation and in-depth analysis

Ryan Binkley is the President and CEO of Generational Group, a Dallas-based M&A advisory firm serving middle-market, privately held businesses.

He co-founded the company in 2005 alongside his father, Dr. John Binkley, growing it from a boutique advisory firm into one of the largest privately held investment banks in the United States.

Under his leadership, Generational Group now operates 16 offices across North America, including two in Canada, with more than 350 employees.

Binkley also ran as a Republican candidate for U.S. president in the 2024 election, though he remained CEO throughout.

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What does BizScout do?

brokername — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:40:24 +0000

Disclaimer: Some or all of the companies mentioned may compensate us, at no cost to you. This helps keep our content free. Our rankings and evaluations are based on compensation and in-depth analysis

BizScout is an online marketplace for buying and selling small businesses, founded in Austin, Texas by Codie Sanchez.

It connects verified buyers with brokers and sellers, offering thousands of on- and off-market listings alongside tools like ScoutSights (real-time valuation), DealOS (deal-pipeline management), and secure data rooms for diligence.

The platform also provides financing calculators, buyer profiles, and access to a network of SBA lenders, M&A attorneys, and accountants.

With over 150,000 registered users, BizScout aims to be an all-in-one platform covering the entire discovery-to-close journey, and it recently partnered with Transworld Business Advisors to expand its listing inventory.

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Who owns BizScout?

brokername — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:38:26 +0000

Disclaimer: Some or all of the companies mentioned may compensate us, at no cost to you. This helps keep our content free. Our rankings and evaluations are based on compensation and in-depth analysis

BizScout was founded by Codie Sanchez under the Contrarian Thinking umbrella, and Sanchez remains the company's public face and leader.

It operates as a business acquisition marketplace, connecting buyers and sellers through its proprietary platform, DealOS.

The company is privately held and venture capital-backed, having raised $4.9M, with Valor Equity Partners as an investor.

Bobby Graham was recently named President to help lead operations and growth alongside Sanchez, but ownership and founding credit rest with Sanchez and her Contrarian Thinking organization, with outside VC investors holding a financial stake.

The post Who owns BizScout? appeared first on Business Broker Finder.

Is DealStream free to use?

brokername — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:05:57 +0000

DealStream is free to join and browse, using a freemium model. Sellers can list businesses, real estate, or other opportunities at no cost, with paid upgrades available for extra visibility.

Buyers can create a free “Basic” account to browse listings, but contacting most sellers or unlocking full details requires a paid “Pro Buyer” membership, reportedly around $40/month. There are no success fees on completed deals.

So overall: free to explore, but active buyers typically need a paid plan for full access.

Related: DealStream Review

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