
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.

A profitable multi-location mobility solutions franchise is under the microscope in this episode, with the team digging into payer mix, growth potential, and the real value of a franchise model.

In this episode, the hosts dissect a $16M listing for a crypto news media company claiming $6M in revenue—raising serious questions about valuation, legitimacy, and what the business actually does.

A $12M revenue, $3.8M EBITDA “Project Lucid” branded inspection device distributor sparks heated debate on IP risk, exclusivity with its manufacturer, and the eyebrow-raising $5M liquid funds buyer requirement.