For buyers of U.S. retail businesses
Buying a retail business?
Plan financing around the purchase, inventory, handover and cash needed to keep the store operating. For first-time buyers and existing owners expanding through acquisition.
Request an Acquisition ReviewPurchase · Inventory · Transition · Operating capital
Plan the full acquisition
The purchase price is only part of the plan.
Understand what you are buying, what transfers at closing and what the business will need afterward. Separate the agreed purchase price from inventory adjustments, transaction costs and operating cash.
Inventory and margins
Review stock condition, aging, seasonal demand and gross margins. Clarify how inventory will be valued and whether it is included in the price.
Location and sales channels
Review the lease, landlord consent, store performance and online channels. Confirm which accounts, systems and customer relationships can transfer.
People and continuity
Plan staffing, supplier relationships, systems access and the seller’s handover. Allow for payroll, rent and replenishment while ownership changes.
Build the acquisition budget
Keep the operating plan connected to the deal.
For a first acquisition, explain your relevant experience and who will run the business. If you already own stores, include the integration plan and its costs. Keep projected improvements separate from the target’s demonstrated performance.
Purchase
Consider the price, buyer contribution and proposed transaction structure.
Transition
Account for inventory adjustments, lease deposits, systems changes and handover costs.
Operate
Plan payroll, rent, supplier payments and stock replenishment after closing.
Financing fit
Evaluate the structure.
Understand the cash impact.
Acquisition financing
Evaluate potential financing, including SBA-backed options where eligible, against the buyer, target cash flow and transaction structure.
Inventory and operating cash
Identify how much cash is needed at closing and afterward. Inventory and working capital may need different treatment depending on the transaction and financing structure.
Your retail acquisition review
A clear next step.
Share the business you want to buy and your plan for operating it. You can start while exploring targets; identify which details are estimates.
Define the purchase.
Share the target, acquisition stage, price range and timing.
Review the operating picture.
Consider sales, margins, inventory, lease obligations and the buyer contribution.
Identify what comes next.
An advisor can discuss potential financing paths and the information needed for further evaluation.
Practical questions
Before we talk.
Can I inquire if this is my first business purchase?
Yes. Describe your relevant experience, available contribution and operating plan. Existing business ownership is not required to submit an inquiry.
Should inventory be included in the purchase budget?
Yes. Clarify whether inventory is included in the price, how it will be valued at closing and how much replenishment cash the business will need afterward.
Do I need a target under contract?
No. Select your current stage and share what you know. A specific target and transaction details will be needed for a transaction-level financing evaluation.
What happens after I request a review?
An advisor reviews your inquiry and follows up to discuss the purchase, clarify missing information and identify next steps.
Plan your retail acquisition
What business are you considering?
Tell us about the retail business you want to buy, your background and the planned purchase. For capital for a store you already operate, use the .