Pacific Business Sales (PBS) is a California-based business brokerage and M&A advisory firm that has been operating since 2002. Headquartered in Irvine, Orange County, the firm focuses exclusively on B2B businesses in industries like manufacturing, construction, aerospace, logistics, and technology.
For business owners in California who are thinking about selling and wondering whether PBS is a credible firm to work with, the short answer is yes, with a few things worth knowing before you pick up the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Pacific Business Sales has operated since 2002 and holds active California DRE and IBBA memberships.
- The firm charges no upfront fees; compensation is paid only at closing.
- PBS specializes in B2B and industrial businesses, it is not a general business broker.
Who Is Pacific Business Sales?
Pacific Business Sales was founded by William Grunau, who holds California DRE license #01335984. His wife, Cerisa Grunau, also holds an active DRE license (#00850879).
The firm itself operates under DRE #02061395. Beyond state licensing, Bill Grunau is a member of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and the California Association of Business Brokers (CABB) — both of which require members to adhere to professional and ethical standards.
The firm is located at 9891 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92618, and can be reached at (949) 200-6350. A physical address, verifiable licenses, and professional association memberships are all indicators that this is a real, operating business — not a scam.
What Industries Does PBS Cover?
PBS does not take on every business that walks through the door. The firm deliberately focuses on a defined set of industries:
- Manufacturing (including CNC machine shops)
- Construction and contractor businesses
- Aerospace and defense
- Logistics, distribution, and 3PL
- Technology and IT
- B2B services
- CPA/accounting firms and insurance agencies
- Healthcare and health services
This narrow focus is actually a feature, not a limitation. Selling a $4 million commercial plumbing contractor is genuinely different from selling a retail shop or a restaurant. PBS has specific knowledge of contractor licensing requirements, equipment valuations, and SBA financing structures that apply to these types of businesses — knowledge that a generalist broker may lack.
What Size Businesses Does PBS Work With?
PBS handles two distinct deal sizes:
| Segment | Revenue Range |
|---|---|
| Small to mid-size business brokerage | $1M to $10M in gross sales |
| Lower-middle market M&A | $10M to $100M+ in sales |
This range is important for prospective sellers to understand. If a business generates under $1 million in sales, PBS may not be the right fit. For businesses above that threshold in the industries listed above, the firm has demonstrated capacity.
The Sales Process at Pacific Business Sales
PBS guides both buyers and sellers through the full transaction process. Here is what sellers can generally expect:
- A free, comprehensive market value analysis before signing any representation agreement
- Preparation of a detailed Offering Memorandum (also called a business profile or prospectus)
- Marketing through BizBuySell ads and email outreach to a list of over 3,500 registered buyers
- Assistance with SBA financing — the firm states that more than 90% of its transactions use SBA loans, and it works exclusively with SBA Preferred Lending Program (PLP) lenders
- Step-by-step guidance through due diligence, escrow, and closing
- Access to affiliated CPAs, financial advisors, and attorneys for tax planning and legal services
The no-upfront-fee model is standard for reputable business brokers and is a meaningful point in PBS's favor. The firm earns its compensation only when a deal closes.
SBA Financing: Why It Matters
The fact that PBS claims over 90% of its deals are financed through SBA loans is significant. SBA financing benefits sellers because it typically means more cash at closing rather than a drawn-out seller-financed arrangement. For buyers, SBA loans offer structured terms that are generally more favorable than conventional commercial loans.
PBS works with SBA PLP lenders, which are institutions approved by the SBA to process and approve loans in-house without sending files to the SBA for review. This speeds up the process and reduces the likelihood of a deal falling apart due to financing delays.
What Do Clients Say?
Google reviews for Pacific Business Sales are consistently positive. A few examples worth noting:
Brandon Zampelli, a buyer, described a well-organized document process and said the team stayed persistent when bank complications arose, ultimately getting the deal closed. Shawnie McLaughlin, who sold a 45-year-old construction business, wrote that finding a buyer who met ethical standards mattered more than price, and that Bill and Brittany "understood this was more than just a financial sale." Richard Tucker confirmed the sale of his construction company and called the team "knowledgeable and determined." Lark Capital, an acquisition group, noted that PBS's preparation and knowledge were "miles ahead of other brokerages."
The reviews span both buyers and sellers, which provides a more complete picture than testimonials from one side only. The consistent themes are organization, persistence through financing challenges, and responsiveness.
Credentials and Legitimacy Checklist
Here is a quick breakdown of the legitimacy markers for Pacific Business Sales:
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Years in operation | Since 2002 |
| California DRE license | #02061395 (active) |
| IBBA membership | Yes (verifiable on ibba.org) |
| CABB membership | Yes (verifiable on cabb.org) |
| Physical address | 9891 Irvine Center Dr, Ste 200, Irvine, CA |
| Upfront fees | None |
| Google reviews | Consistently positive, verified buyers and sellers |
Every item on that list checks out. There are no red flags that would suggest Pacific Business Sales is anything other than a legitimate, experienced brokerage.
Potential Limitations to Know
A few things are worth considering before contacting PBS:
- Industry focus is narrow. If the business is in retail, food service, or consumer-facing sectors, PBS is not the right firm. They are explicit about this.
- California-only. PBS operates within California. Sellers with businesses in other states will need to look elsewhere.
- Smaller businesses may not qualify. Businesses with less than $1 million in gross sales fall outside the firm's primary target range.
- No published fee structure. Like most business brokers, PBS does not publicly list its commission rates. Sellers should ask directly when requesting the free market analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pacific Business Sales charge upfront fees?
No. PBS does not charge retainer or upfront fees. Compensation is paid upon the successful closing of a transaction.
What types of businesses does PBS sell?
PBS specializes in B2B and industrial businesses including manufacturing, construction, aerospace, logistics, technology, healthcare, accounting/insurance agencies, and B2B service companies. They do not typically represent retail, restaurant, or consumer-facing businesses.
How long does it take to sell a business through PBS?
The firm does not publish an average timeline, which varies significantly by deal complexity, industry, and buyer availability. SBA-financed deals typically take 60 to 90 days from accepted offer to closing once a qualified buyer is identified.
What is included in the free market value analysis?
PBS uses industry-specific data and valuation tools aligned with lender and appraiser standards to produce an analysis of what a business could sell for in the current market. It is provided at no cost before any representation agreement is signed.
Can PBS help with financing?
Yes. PBS works with SBA Preferred Lending Program (PLP) lenders and states that over 90% of its transactions use SBA financing. This is available to both buyers purchasing a business and sellers looking to structure a deal for maximum cash at closing.
Conclusion
Pacific Business Sales is a legitimate, licensed, and verifiable business brokerage that has been operating in California since 2002. It is well-suited for owners of industrial, construction, manufacturing, or B2B service businesses looking for professional representation in the $1 million to $100 million sales range.