Business Brokers vs. Real Estate Agents vs. M&A Advisors – What’s the Difference?

When it comes time to sell a business, many owners wonder who they should turn to for help. The selling process isn’t the same as selling a house, and it isn't always as complex as multi-million-dollar mergers. That’s why we have specialized professionals serving different roles depending on the size and nature of the transaction.

Business Brokers

A business broker specializes in helping small to mid-sized business owners sell their companies. They typically:

• Work on deals valued between $100,000 and $10 million.

• Help determine a reasonable asking price based on financials and market conditions.

• Market the business confidentially to qualified buyers.

• Guide owners through negotiations, due diligence, and closing.

Business brokers are ideal for small retail shops, restaurants, service companies, and other privately held businesses that are not large enough to attract corporate buyers or private equity firms.

Real Estate Agents

While a real estate agent may occasionally be involved in a business sale if property is part of the transaction, their core expertise is in selling commercial or residential property, not operating businesses. For instance:

• They can value and sell the building or land the business operates from.

• They may not have the training or licensing needed to confidentially market an entire business.

• They are generally not skilled in analyzing financial statements or structuring business transactions.

In short, real estate agents focus on physical assets, while business brokers focus on the entire business entity.

M&A Advisors

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) advisors work on much larger and more complex deals, often valued at $10 million or more. Their role is more akin to investment bankers and typically involves:

• Attracting strategic or institutional buyers.

• Structuring sophisticated deal terms, including equity rollovers or complex financing.

• Conducting in-depth financial analysis and positioning businesses for maximum valuation.

• Negotiating with private equity groups, corporate acquirers, and institutional investors.

These advisors are best suited for companies looking to scale, merge, or sell to larger entities rather than independent entrepreneurs.

Choosing the Right Professional

The right choice depends on the size of your business and your goals:

• If you’re selling a main street or small business → Business broker

• If property is the primary asset for sale → Real estate agent

• If your company generates millions in EBITDA and could attract institutional buyers → M&A advisor

Ultimately, selecting the right advisor ensures you receive proper guidance, market exposure, and maximum value from your transaction.