Explore Top Businesses for Sale in the UK, USA, EU, Canada & AU
Explore Profitable Businesses for Sale: UK, USA, Europe, Canada & Australia
Buying an existing business is often a smarter, faster, and safer investment compared to starting from scratch. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or expat, exploring businesses for sale in the UK, USA, Europe, Canada, and Australia opens up global opportunities for growth.
In this guide, we'll cover where to find listings, how to assess value, and what makes each region unique for business acquisitions.
Why Buy an Existing Business?
- Immediate Cash Flow: Established customer base and revenue
- Proven Business Model: Reduced risk compared to startups
- Operational Infrastructure: Staff, equipment, suppliers already in place
- Faster ROI: Skip the long startup phase
Businesses for Sale in Key Global Markets
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
The UK offers a rich mix of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across hospitality, retail, construction, and e-commerce.
Popular Platforms:
- Rightbiz.co.uk
- WorldBusinessesForSale.com
- Daltons Business
Tips:
- Check compliance
- Examine Brexit-related import/export challenges
🇺🇸 United States
The USA remains a global powerhouse for business ownership, with franchises and independent businesses in every sector.
Top Sectors:
- Tech startups
- Restaurants and coffee shops
- Health & wellness
Websites:
- BizBuySell.com
- BizQuest.com
- LoopNet.com
- WorldBusinessesForSale.com (USA section)
Note: Foreign buyers may need an E-2 investor visa.
🇪🇺 Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands)
Europe is ideal for lifestyle businesses, tourism, hospitality, and artisan manufacturing.
Market Highlights:
- France: B&Bs and vineyards
- Germany: Industrial SMEs
- Spain: Coastal cafes and real estate firms
Challenges:
- Language barriers
- Country-specific tax and legal systems
Platforms:
- WorldBusinessesForSale.com (Europe section)
- local European brokerage sites (e.g. Vente-entreprise.fr for France)
🇨🇦 Canada
With a stable economy and open immigration policies, Canada is attractive for foreign investors.
Best Business Types:
- Home services (cleaning, plumbing, landscaping)
- Tech and digital marketing agencies
- Retail chains
Top Platforms:
- BusinessSellCanada.com
- CanadianBusinessForSale.com
- WorldBusinessesForSale.com (Canada section)
Note: Provincial rules vary check regional licensing requirements.
🇦🇺 Australia
Australia boasts a strong entrepreneurial culture with diverse opportunities in mining, agriculture, and urban franchises.
Best Locations:
- Sydney & Melbourne: Tech and food
- Queensland: Tourism
- Western Australia: Mining & logistics
Top Platforms:
- Seek Business
- Bsale.com.au
- WorldBusinessesForSale.com (Australia section)
Visa Consideration: Explore the Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188).
How to Evaluate a Business Before Buying
- Financial Due Diligence
- Review tax returns, profit and loss, and liabilities
- Valuation
- Use EBITDA, asset-based, or revenue multiplier methods
- Legal Compliance
- Check licenses, leases, contracts
- Market Trends
- Analyze future demand and competitive landscape
- Owner Motivation
- Understand why the business is for sale
Where to Find Businesses for Sale
| Platform | Regions Covered |
|---|---|
| WorldBusinessesForSale.com | Global |
| BizBuySell | USA |
| Rightbiz | UK |
| Bsale | Australia |
| BusinessSellCanada | Canada |
| Vente-entreprise.fr | France |
Should You Use a Business Broker?
Pros:
- Negotiation expertise
- Legal assistance
- Access to private listings
Cons:
- Broker fees (2–10%)
- Potential bias toward higher commissions
Final Checklist Before Buying
- Review financials and cash flow
- Conduct market and competitor analysis
- Verify legal standing and licenses
- Assess staff and customer base
- Negotiate terms and transition support
- Secure funding or investor visa (if needed)
FAQs: Buying Businesses for Sale (UK, USA, EU, Canada, Australia)
Q1: Can foreigners buy businesses in these countries?
Yes. Most countries welcome foreign buyers, though visa requirements may apply in the USA, Canada, and Australia.
Q2: What’s the best business type to buy?
It depends on your skills, goals, and market trends. Popular sectors include digital services, hospitality, and franchising.
Q3: Do I need a visa to buy a business abroad?
Yes, in most cases. For example, the USA offers the E-2 visa, while Australia offers subclass 188 for investors.
Q4: Are there risks in buying an existing business?
Yes. Risks include undisclosed debts, declining sales, or staff turnover. Always perform detailed due diligence.
Q5: How much does it cost to buy a small business?
Prices range from $10,000 (for micro online businesses) to several million. Valuation depends on revenue, assets, and goodwill.