Baby Boomer Businesses Are Up for Grabs in 2025

A generational wave is reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape as baby boomer business owners exit their companies in unprecedented numbers. Often referred to as the "Silver Tsunami," this transition represents the largest wealth transfer in history, creating unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs.

With over 12 million small-to-mid-sized businesses owned by baby boomers in the U.S., the wave of exits is creating a buyer’s market, enabling creative deal structures, and creating growth through roll-ups.

Here’s how entrepreneurs can seize this moment:

1. A Buyer’s Market: Attractively Priced Businesses

The influx of businesses for sale is giving buyers an advantage, with valuations hitting favorable levels. Many companies are heavily tied to their founders, causing concerns about leadership transitions and lowering price tags.

In 2024, the average EBITDA multiple for U.S. private transactions was 4.8, with some deals priced even lower due to market saturation. Aspiring entrepreneurs can now acquire businesses at prices that were previously unthinkable, making it an ideal time to enter or expand in industries ranging from retail to technology.

2. Creative Financing: The M&A Equivalent of “Buy Now, Pay Later”

For many boomers, finding the right steward for their businesses takes precedence over maximizing sale price. This shift has led to flexible deal structures, such as seller financing, vendor take-back loans, and earnouts, enabling buyers to minimize upfront costs.

Around 60% of boomer business owners are open to seller financing, making it easier for entrepreneurs to negotiate deals that fit their budgets. Sellers are also motivated to keep businesses alive rather than shut them down, further enhancing buyers’ negotiating power.

3. Growth Through Roll-Ups

Roll-ups, or acquiring and combining smaller businesses into a larger, more efficient operation, have become more accessible in the current market. Fragmented industries dominated by small businesses—such as accounting, logistics, and healthcare—are especially ripe for this strategy.

By rolling up multiple businesses, entrepreneurs can achieve economies of scale, streamline operations, and professionalize management. This approach not only increases value but also reduces risks, as larger entities can sustain the resources needed for executive leadership and strategic planning.

The Time to Act Is Now

The Silver Tsunami is set to continue as all baby boomers reach retirement age by 2030, but the most favorable market conditions won’t last forever. Entrepreneurs have a unique chance to acquire businesses that offer not only financial returns, but also the opportunity to preserve jobs and carry forward the legacies of hardworking founders.

For those willing to step in, this generational shift represents the single biggest M&A opportunity of our time. It’s more than a business decision — it’s a chance to be part of a historical transformation.