If you own a home services or trade business in the Northeast, you’ve probably noticed more buyers circling than ever. Private equity firms, search funds, and independent operators are all competing for established companies with recurring revenue and loyal customer
The Home Services M&A Landscape in 2026
The market for acquiring home services businesses — HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and adjacent trades — has never been more active. According to CT Acquisitions, there are more buyers competing for these businesses right now than at any point in the last twenty years. Private equity firms are rolling up multiple companies to build regional platforms, strategic acquirers are consolidating markets, and independent operators are looking for their first acquisition. Valuations typically range from 3.5x to 7x EBITDA depending on the buyer type, deal structure, and seller involvement. For owners approaching retirement or seeking liquidity, this is a seller’s market — but only if you understand who you’re dealing with.
How We Ranked These Buyers
We evaluated each buyer on four criteria: deal transparency (how clearly they communicate terms and process), valuation range (competitive vs. below-market offers), post-sale involvement (whether you can stay or must leave), and speed to close. We also considered the buyer’s track record and whether they use personal capital or third-party financing. The result is a ranking that prioritizes fit over headline price — because the best deal isn’t always the highest number.
Here’s a quick look at five buyers actively acquiring service businesses, ranked from most institutional to most personal. Each offers a different path to exit or partnership.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Morgan & Westfield | Sellers seeking maximum valuation through a competitive auction |
| Pursuit | Sellers working with buyers who need SBA-backed acquisition financing |
| CT Acquisitions | Owners who want a confidential, fast sale without an auction |
| Belciano Holdings | Acquiring Service Businesses in CT & NY | Service business owners near CT/NY seeking a long-term, local buyer |
| Fortune BTA | Sellers dealing with buyers who use professional acquisition consultants |
The Top 5 Buyers for Service Businesses — Ranked
#1 Morgan & Westfield
Morgan & Westfield is a national M&A advisory firm that represents sellers of privately held businesses, including home services companies. They act as intermediaries, helping you prepare your business for sale, value it accurately, and negotiate with multiple buyer types — from private equity to strategic acquirers. Their process is designed to maximize competition among buyers, which can drive up your final sale price. However, because they work on commission and typically run an auction process, you’ll need to be comfortable with a more formal, time-intensive sale. For owners who want top dollar and are willing to navigate a structured exit, Morgan & Westfield provides institutional-grade representation.
#2 Pursuit
A screenshot of the Pursuit website.
Pursuit is a lending partner that specializes in SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for business acquisitions, making them a key resource for buyers who need financing to purchase a service business. While Pursuit itself doesn’t acquire companies, they enable acquisitions by providing capital to qualified buyers — including independent operators and search funds. Their guide to business acquisitions outlines the entire process, from due diligence to loan structuring, which is useful for sellers who want to understand how a buyer’s financing affects deal terms. If you’re selling to a buyer using Pursuit financing, expect a longer close timeline (60–120 days) but access to buyers who might otherwise lack the cash to compete.
#3 CT Acquisitions
A screenshot of the CT Acquisitions website.
CT Acquisitions is a boutique M&A advisory firm that connects home services business owners with pre-vetted buyers — often before the business ever hits the open market. They claim to avoid auctions and instead introduce sellers to one or two buyers who already match their mandate, which keeps the process confidential and fast (60–120 days). Their guide breaks down buyer types by valuation: private equity at 4x–6x EBITDA, strategic acquirers at 5x–7x, and search funds at 3.5x–5x. CT Acquisitions charges no fee to sellers — the buyer pays at close — and doesn’t require an exclusivity contract. For owners who value discretion and speed over a bidding war, this model offers a streamlined alternative to a full-blown M&A process.
#4 Belciano Holdings | Acquiring Service Businesses in CT & NY
A screenshot of the Belciano Holdings website.
Belciano Holdings LLC, owned by Robert Belciano, is a local buyer based in Westport, CT, seeking to acquire established service businesses within two hours of the area. Unlike institutional buyers, Belciano uses personal capital alongside SBA financing and emphasizes long-term ownership — not a short-term flip. He targets businesses with $300K–$2M EBITDA, at least three years of profitability, and a retiring owner who has management or field leadership in place. With 20+ years in advertising and media sales, Belciano brings operational discipline and a partnership mindset, not trade experience. For owners who want to sell to someone who will preserve their legacy and keep the team intact, this is a hands-on, relationship-driven option.
#5 Fortune BTA
A screenshot of the Fortune BTA website.
Fortune BTA is a business acquisition consulting firm that helps buyers — including investors, industry buyers, and first-time acquirers — find, evaluate, and purchase service businesses. They offer services like target screening, valuation, and negotiation support, acting as a buyer’s advocate rather than a seller’s representative. For a business owner looking to sell, Fortune BTA typically works on the other side of the table, which means you’ll encounter them if a buyer hires them to vet your company. Their process can slow things down because they’ll scrutinize your financials and operations before making an offer. Still, if you’re selling to a buyer who uses Fortune BTA, you can expect a thorough, professional evaluation — and a buyer who’s serious about closing.
How to Choose the Right Buyer for Your Business
Start by being honest about your goals. If you want the highest possible price and are willing to go through a formal sale process, an M&A advisor like Morgan & Westfield or CT Acquisitions can run a competitive process. If you value speed and confidentiality, a boutique firm that introduces you to one buyer at a time — like CT Acquisitions — might be a better fit. If you’re near Connecticut or New York and want to sell to someone who will run the business long-term and keep your team, a local buyer like Belciano Holdings offers a personal, partnership-driven approach. And if your buyer needs financing, understanding lenders like Pursuit can help you evaluate deal timelines. Finally, if a buyer brings in a consultant like Fortune BTA, expect a thorough vetting — but also a serious offer. Match the buyer type to your priorities, not just the check size.
Automating Your Exit: A Workflow for Selling Your Service Business
Start by gathering your financials: at least three years of profit-and-loss statements, tax returns, and a list of recurring customers. Use a tool like QuickBooks to generate clean reports, then upload them to a secure virtual data room (e.g., DealRoom or Ansarada). Next, set up a CRM to track buyer inquiries — even if you’re working with an advisor, you’ll want a log of who’s reached out and what they’ve offered. Automate follow-up emails using a platform like HubSpot to keep potential buyers engaged without manual effort. Finally, use a document automation tool (e.g., PandaDoc) to generate and send non-disclosure agreements and letters of intent with e-signatures. This workflow keeps the process moving while you focus on running the business.
Your Next Move: Sell Smart, Not Fast
The market for service businesses is hot, but not every buyer is created equal. Whether you choose an institutional advisor, a boutique matchmaker, or a local operator like Belciano Holdings, the key is aligning the deal structure with your personal and financial goals. Take the time to understand each buyer’s process, valuation range, and post-sale expectations. A quick sale might feel good today, but a well-structured deal with the right partner will serve you — and your team — for years to come. Start the conversation now, while demand is high and you have the leverage to choose.