In a market where deal multiples are slipping and buyers are getting choosier, one thing is clear: selling a business today takes more than just numbers—it takes attention. And attention is exactly what brokers with big advertising budgets and massive reach can deliver.

According to the latest DealStats Value Index (Q2 2025), private company EBITDA multiples dipped to 3.7x in Q1 2025 after peaking at 4.8x just two quarters earlier. Net sales multiples also dropped from 0.7x to 0.6x. The days of frothy valuations across the board are over. Buyers are pickier, discounts are back, and deal timelines are stretching. The pressure is on sellers to stand out.

Why Reach Matters Now More Than Ever

The data tells a story of rising selectivity and wider spreads in deal outcomes. Median sale prices have dropped from $400K in 2023 to $333K in 2024. Meanwhile, discounts between asking and final prices widened again in late 2024, suggesting buyers are flexing more leverage. In this climate, it’s not enough to quietly list a business and hope for traction. Visibility is the new currency.

That’s why choosing a broker with serious advertising muscle is critical.

The Brokers Who Sell Deals Are the Ones Who Can Sell Deals

The DealStats report confirms a simple truth: deals with public buyers consistently fetch higher multiples. Why? These buyers see more deals, have more capital—and respond to professional-grade marketing that cuts through the noise.

If you’re a seller, your edge comes from replicating that polish and exposure. That means choosing a broker who:

• Invests in top-tier digital, print, and platform marketing.
• Has a proven list of qualified buyers.
• Creates buzz that turns your listing into a hot commodity.

At Transworld Business Advisors, we don’t list businesses—we launch them. Every deal gets the full sizzle treatment, because in a tighter market, it’s the sizzle that gets you noticed, gets buyers competing, and gets deals done at top dollar.

The Bottom Line

Multiples are moving. Buyers are cautious. But standout businesses are still commanding strong interest—when they’re marketed right. The broker you choose isn’t just a middleman—they’re your hype machine, your dealmaker, and your best shot at beating the market average.

If you’re selling your business in 2025, pick a broker who plays offense. Pick reach. Pick firepower. Pick Michael Shea.

Michael Shea represents the Central Florida Transworld office. In business since 2005, he has established a reputation as a trusted business broker across Florida’s key markets- from Tampa to Orlando, Melbourne, and more. Over the past two decades, Michael and his team have closed over $1 Billion in sold business volume and presided over more than 400 transactions. His credentials include the IBBA Certified Business Intermediary®, and most recently, the prestigious Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA) credential.