MorCapital Exit Advisors

Business Exit Insights

Expert advice on buying, selling, and valuing businesses in Illinois

Illinois Market Insights
Valuation Guides
Exit Strategies
FREE Business Valuation
Get your instant estimate in 3 minutes
Calculate Now - Free
⚡ Response in 2 Hours

What's Your Business Worth?

Get a free, confidential valuation from Colton. No obligation, no pressure—just honest insights.

  • Professional valuation in 24-48 hours
  • 100% confidential—no public listings
  • Direct access to Colton, not a sales team
47 Illinois business owners got valuations this month

Your information is 100% confidential

$50M+
In Business Sales
Since 2020
4.9★
Client Rating
Based on 38 reviews
30 Days
Average to First Offer
Faster than industry average
3 business owners scheduled consultations today
Featured 8 min read

How to Sell a Cleaning Company in Illinois: Complete 2024 Guide

Cleaning companies are among the most sought-after small businesses in Illinois. Whether you own a residential cleaning service, commercial janitorial company, or specialized cleaning operation, understanding the valuation process and buyer landscape is crucial for a successful exit.

What Cleaning Companies Are Worth

Most cleaning businesses in Illinois sell for 2.0x - 3.5x SDE (Seller's Discretionary Earnings). A cleaning company generating $150,000 in SDE typically sells for $300,000-$525,000. Key valuation factors include:

  • Contract stability: Recurring commercial contracts command higher multiples than one-time residential jobs
  • Employee infrastructure: W-2 employees and supervisors increase value vs. owner-operated models
  • Customer diversification: No single client should represent more than 15% of revenue
  • Equipment & vehicles: Owned equipment adds tangible asset value

Preparing Your Cleaning Business for Sale

6-12 months before listing:

  1. Document all contracts, client lists, and standard operating procedures
  2. Clean up financials - separate personal expenses from business expenses
  3. Reduce owner dependency by training a manager or supervisor
  4. Lock in annual contracts with your top commercial clients
  5. Update equipment inventory and maintenance records

Who Buys Cleaning Companies in Illinois?

  • Individual buyers: Operators looking for stable cash flow businesses (40% of buyers)
  • Competing cleaning companies: Regional expansion or add-on acquisitions (35% of buyers)
  • Your employees: Managers or lead cleaners seeking ownership (15% of buyers)
  • Franchise buyers: Those who prefer established systems over franchises (10% of buyers)

Real Example: We recently sold a Naperville commercial cleaning company with $275K SDE for $825,000 (3.0x multiple). The business had 15 commercial contracts, 12 W-2 employees, and minimal owner involvement—making it highly attractive to strategic buyers.

Timeline & Process

Cleaning companies typically take 4-7 months from listing to closing. The process includes:

1
Valuation
1-2 weeks
2
Marketing
30-60 days
3
Negotiations
2-4 weeks
4
Due Diligence & Close
60-90 days
Get Your Free Cleaning Company Valuation
MARKET DATA • 6 min read

What Small Businesses Sell For in Chicago (2024 Data)

Actual sale prices for restaurants, retail stores, service businesses, and home services in the Chicago market. Industry-by-industry breakdown with real transaction data.

Restaurants: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE
Home Services: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE
Retail Stores: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE
Professional Services: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE
Request Full Market Report →
BUYER GUIDE • 10 min read

Chicago SBA Lending Guide for Business Buyers

How to secure SBA 7(a) loans for business acquisitions in Illinois. Qualifying requirements, down payments, local lenders, and approval timelines.

  • 10% down payment (up to $5M loan)
  • Chicago SBA-preferred lenders list
  • 60-90 day approval process
Connect with SBA Lenders →
SELLER GUIDE • 5 min read

How Long Does It Take to Sell a Small Business?

Realistic timelines from listing to closing. What affects sale speed, how to expedite the process, and common delays to avoid.

4-9 Months
Average Timeline
  • 30-60 days: Initial marketing & buyer outreach
  • 2-4 weeks: Offer negotiation
  • 60-90 days: Due diligence & closing
Start Your Exit Plan →
RESTAURANT • 9 min read

Selling Your Chicago Restaurant: What Buyers Look For

Chicago's competitive restaurant market demands specific preparation. Learn what Loop, River North, and neighborhood restaurant buyers prioritize.

  • Lease terms & transferability
  • Liquor license value (up to $150K)
  • Equipment condition & age
Get Restaurant Valuation →
VALUATION • 7 min read

HVAC & Home Services: Illinois Market Multiples 2024

HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and landscaping businesses command premium valuations in Illinois. See what drives higher multiples and buyer demand.

HVAC Companies: 2.5x - 4.0x
Plumbing: 2.5x - 3.5x
Electrical: 3.0x - 4.5x
Calculate Your Value →
TAX PLANNING • 8 min read

Illinois Business Sale Tax Implications: Asset vs. Stock Sale

Understanding the tax consequences of your business sale can save you 6 figures. Asset sales, stock sales, and Illinois state tax considerations.

  • Capital gains vs. ordinary income
  • Illinois 4.95% flat tax structure
  • 1031 exchange opportunities
Schedule Tax Strategy Call →
SUCCESSION • 6 min read

Selling Your Business to Your Employees: ESOP & Management Buyouts

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and management buyouts offer tax advantages and legacy preservation for Illinois business owners.

Tax Benefit: ESOP sellers can defer capital gains indefinitely under Section 1042
Explore Succession Options →
DUE DILIGENCE • 7 min read

What Buyers Investigate During Due Diligence

The 60-90 day due diligence period can make or break your deal. Learn what buyers scrutinize and how to prepare in advance.

  • Financial audits & reconciliation
  • Customer/vendor contract review
  • Legal compliance & permits
Get Due Diligence Checklist →
LOCAL GUIDE • 5 min read

Best Illinois Cities for Business Acquisitions in 2024

Where buyer demand is strongest across Illinois. Chicago suburbs, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, and Champaign market analysis.

Naperville: Home services & retail
Schaumburg: Professional services
Aurora: Manufacturing & distribution
View Market Opportunities →

Ready to Sell Your Illinois Business?

Get a free, confidential business valuation and strategic exit plan

Calculate Your Business Value Schedule Free Consultation
Free Valuation Call Now