Selling a Los Angeles business, with an advisor who sold one here.
I live in Venice and built my own exit in this city. I bought a Comfort Keepers senior care agency in Los Angeles, grew it through the pandemic and sold it. Now I help Los Angeles owners plan and run theirs, in person.
What is different about selling in Los Angeles
Los Angeles deals have a few local details that can slow a closing if nobody plans for them.
City business tax
The City of Los Angeles taxes most businesses on gross receipts through its Office of Finance. Buyers will want to see the account is current, and the new owner registers for a new Business Tax Registration Certificate.
The lease is often the deal
In a market with high rents, a long, assignable lease at a fair rate can be worth as much as the equipment. We review assignment terms and landlord consent before a buyer ever sees the listing.
Permits do not move with you
Many county and city permits, such as Los Angeles County public health permits for food businesses, are issued to the operator. The buyer usually applies fresh, so we build that time into the closing.
These local rules change over time. Confirm the details with your CPA and attorney before you rely on them.
I have been the owner on the other side of the table.
I acquired a Comfort Keepers senior care agency in Los Angeles, grew revenue from under $500K to over $2M in less than six years, including through the pandemic, and sold it at a 274% increase in value. That sale taught me both sides of an exit: the numbers, and what it feels like to let go.
Across the Los Angeles area
I meet owners in person across the county and nearby. A first conversation can be a coffee on the Westside or a video call, whichever you prefer.
Licensed in California
I hold a California Department of Real Estate salesperson license, DRE #02286699, and work as an M&A Advisor at Iconic. California requires a real estate license to broker the sale of a business, so you are working with a properly licensed advisor.
Questions from Los Angeles owners.
Most of these come up over coffee on the Westside before an owner ever signs anything.
Do you meet with Los Angeles owners in person?
Yes. I am based in Venice and meet owners across Los Angeles County. Many first conversations happen by phone or video, and we meet in person when it helps.
What happens to my City of Los Angeles business tax account when I sell?
The account belongs to you, not the buyer. You close it and settle what is owed through the Office of Finance, and the new owner registers for their own certificate. Your CPA can confirm the final amounts.
Can my landlord block the sale?
A landlord usually cannot stop you from selling the business, but most commercial leases require consent to assign. If consent is refused or comes with new terms, the deal can stall, which is why we read the lease first.
Have you sold a business in Los Angeles yourself?
Yes. I bought, grew and sold a Comfort Keepers senior care agency in Los Angeles before becoming an M&A Advisor. I know the seat you are sitting in.
Ready for your next era?
Los Angeles owners can book a confidential call or meet me for coffee. Leave with a clear picture of value, timing and what to fix first.
