What Buyers Are Really Looking for in Home Services M&A

If you own a business in landscaping, HVAC, plumbing, pest control, or a similar service niche, you’ve likely heard the market is hot for M&A. But what are buyers actually looking for?

At Autobahn Capital Advisors (ACA), we speak with strategic acquirers and private equity firms every week. And while revenue and profit matter, they’re not the only things that drive value. Here's what really catches buyers' attention:

• Recurring Revenue: Contracts and service agreements are gold. Predictable income lowers risk and boosts valuation.

• Strong Team & Processes: A business that runs well without the owner is far more attractive. Buyers want a company, not a job.

• Market Niche & Reputation: If you're known for quality, responsiveness, or a specific specialty in your region, that reputation becomes a major asset.

• Growth Potential: Buyers want to see a path to scale. If you've laid the groundwork, they’ll pay a premium to take it to the next level.

As former owners ourselves, the ACA team knows how to highlight these strengths and position your business in the best possible light. We've done it for our own companies—now we do it for our clients.

Wondering what your business might be worth? Let's have a no-pressure, confidential chat.