Plain English first
We introduce the technical term after the idea makes sense.
Acquisition QuestLearn before the deal gets expensive
Open calculatorACQUISITION QUEST LEARNING CENTER
Learn how to look at a business before you decide to buy it.
Start with the process, learn the numbers as you need them, and keep a healthy amount of skepticism nearby. You do not need an MBA. You do need better questions.
Claims show their work
Consequential facts are sourced, dated, and separated from seller claims.
No magic green light
The goal is a better next question—not a mysterious score telling you what to buy.
THE CURRICULUM
Begin at the beginning—or go straight to the question keeping you up.
The recommended path builds one idea at a time. The impatient path is also allowed.
LEARNING CHECKPOINT
Start Here
Understand the buying process before the acronyms begin multiplying.
LEARNING CHECKPOINT
Understand the Numbers
Learn what the listing numbers mean, what they leave out, and what deserves proof.
01
EDITORIAL PREVIEW
4 min →02What Is SDE? The Number Business Listings Love to Brag About
What is SDE when buying a business?
EDITORIAL PREVIEW
5 min →03Which SDE Add-Backs Should a Buyer Trust?
Which SDE add-backs are legitimate?
EDITORIAL PREVIEW
4 min →04What Is an SDE Multiple—and What Multiple Should You Pay?
What SDE multiple should I pay for a business?
EDITORIAL PREVIEW
4 min →What Is DSCR? The Debt-Payment Cushion Behind the Acronym
What is DSCR when buying a business?
LEARNING CHECKPOINT
Structure the Purchase
See how price becomes cash, debt, seller financing, and obligations after closing.
LEARNING CHECKPOINT
Investigate the Business
Know what to request before professional diligence starts sending invoices.
BUYING GUIDES
Explore all 12 business types →Different businesses hide risk in different places.
Once the numbers make sense, examine the records and operating questions that matter for the kind of business you are considering.
BUSINESS-TYPE GUIDECar wash
A car wash is a real-estate, equipment, utility, and traffic-location decision wrapped around an operating business.
See what deserves a closer look →BUSINESS-TYPE GUIDELaundromatReported revenue deserves extra verification in a cash-heavy operation, while the lease, machines, and utility efficiency can determine whether the economics last.
See what deserves a closer look →BUSINESS-TYPE GUIDERestaurant or food serviceA restaurant purchase depends on transferable permits and lease terms, normalized food and labor costs, equipment condition, and whether customers follow the concept or the owner.
See what deserves a closer look →BUSINESS-TYPE GUIDERetail storeRetail value often sits in inventory quality, repeat customers, supplier terms, location, and the lease—not simply in reported revenue.
See what deserves a closer look →Learning Center lessons are educational, not legal, tax, accounting, lending, valuation, or investment advice. Editorial previews remain out of the search index until their stated review is completed. We do not change a reviewed date unless somebody actually reviews the facts.
Use the plain-English glossary →