Would you pay $7M cash for a background check business in California? Let's dive in!
Would you pay $7M cash for a background check business in California? Let's dive in!
-
Thanks to this week's sponsors:
Acquisition Lab: Serious about buying a business? Join Acquisition Lab’s proven framework and support community. Learn more at AcquisitionLab.com or email Chelsea Wood at chelsea@buythenbuild.com.
HoldCo Conference: Learn from top HoldCo owners! Join us in Utah next spring for HoldCo Conference 2025. Save 10% with code AAPod at HoldCoConference.com.
Can't get enough of the AA podcast? Here's some helpful resources:
Website: https://www.acquanon.com/
✉️ Subscribe to our Newsletter and get more deals like this every week: https://www.acquanon.com/newsletter
🎧 Listen to our full episodes on your favorite podcast platforms: https://www.acquanon.com/episodes
In this episode, Michael and Heather analyze a 25-year-old background search provider in California with a $7 million asking price and $1.1 million cash flow. They discuss the business model, the technology and operations behind criminal background checks, and the challenges of evaluating a market-leading "data wholesaler." The team debates its potential as a strong acquisition or a risky proposition amidst tech disruptions and high cash demands.
Key Episode Highlights:
- Background Checks Unpacked: The process and customer base for this business.
- Financial Overview: $3.8M revenue, $1.1M cash flow, $7M asking price.
- Offshore Operations: A 15-year document processing facility included in the sale.
- Competitive Edge: Unique state-wide coverage and proprietary systems.
- Tech Disruption: Concerns about AI and automation reshaping the industry.
- High Barrier to Entry?: Evaluating claims of market dominance.
Michael and Heather break down an Estonian e-commerce business selling lighting kits for LEGO sets, questioning its steep 7x EBITDA price tag amid thin margins, one-time buyers, and China sourcing risks.
Connor and Heather break down a $2.6M Manhattan boutique stretching franchise, debating its “passive” claims, premium valuation, and if the trendy concept will stand the test of time.
In this episode, Connor and Heather break down a $10.9M Primrose School franchise in Dallas-Fort Worth that includes real estate, debating financing hurdles, valuation quirks, and who the ideal owner really is.