FREE RESOURCE: 5 REASONS WHY A PRIVATE EQUITY GROUP WILL PAY TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Selling A Business
Thinking of selling your business and want to know more? We have helped over 800 Southern California Business owners exit their businesses.
Business Valuations
Selling your San Diego business and need to know the business value? Need a business valuation for a partnership issue? We are experts in valuing San Diego and Southern California businesses.
Buying A Business
Buying a business is an important decision. These tips will help you make the process as easy and stress-free for yourself!
Vanguard Resource Group
Vanguard Resource Group has been San Diego’s leader in private business sales for three decades. Our award-winning office applies a Wall Street approach to selling Main Street businesses. We have sold over 800 businesses in over 75 different industries for a total transaction value exceeding $400MM. We are experts in selling businesses, anything from franchised retail stores to multi-million-dollar manufacturing businesses. Our typical transactions range from a few hundred thousand dollars to a few million, but we have done both smaller and much larger transactions. Our business brokerage and valuation services are provided by Certified Business Brokers and Certified Business Intermediaries, two of the top professional designations in our industry. We were previous business owners, just like you, who decided to sell our business decades ago, and we too, hired a business broker to assist in that process. We have walked in your shoes and will provide the level of service and professionalism that you deserve.
We would love to hear from you if you are selling a business, buying a business, or need a business valuation in San Diego County or anywhere in California.
Selling a Business?
OVER 800 SAN DIEGO BUSINESSES SOLD!

Our Business Selling Process in 21 Steps

Valuation and Engagement
- Understand your business, past, present, and future.
- Collect financial and operational data.
- Recast the financials to determine true earnings.
- Review and understand the assets transferring.
- Determine the market value and deal structure.
- Review the valuation with the client.
- Execute a representation agreement.

Marketing
- Conduct industry research
- Client completes a comprehensive questionnaire.
- Prepare a complete, detailed, and accurate confidential business review.
- Prepare blind marketing materials or “teasers.”
- Obtain client approval on all advertising materials.
- Consider alternative strategies like mailers, industry sources, Private Equity Groups, etc.
- Write compelling ads and develop a comprehensive advertising strategy

Deal-Making and Closing
- Require all buyers to complete a buyer profile and sign an NDA.
- Provide the CBR to qualified buyers and disclose additional information as needed.
- Facilitate follow-up questions and coordinate seller meetings.
- Solicit and prepare offers to purchase.
- Coordinate due diligence upon the execution of an offer.
- Work to obtain third-party approvals from lenders, landlords, etc.
- Open and coordinate the escrow process up through closing.
“Your negotiations and follow through were impeccable.”
“You were steady as a rock and guided us through to a very successful conclusion.”
“Until I lived it myself, I could not fully appreciate the fact that keeping a deal on track was so difficult… you did a great job!”
“Don and Ken at VRG are incredibly superior at what they do. From initial contact with them through the entire process of our business sale, they were organized, knowledgeable, easy to work with, and just extremely on top of everything. Even with very unusual circumstances such as COVID, they were always one step ahead of the rest. I cannot recommend them enough! VRG is the BEST!”
“Best business decision we made! Always use a professional, and we did, and we are very satisfied with our experience!”
“VRG did a great job in selling Select Mail! I worked long and hard to establish this business, and VRG did the same when it came time for me to sell.”
Vanguard Resource Group has successfully represented the buyer and the seller of a thirty-year-old auto parts distribution company. The seller started this business from his garage over 30 years ago. He then grew rapidly and transitioned from a printed catalog company to virtually 100 percent ECommerce over the years. Through its efforts, VRG identified dozens of qualified buyers, presented three offers, and eventually sold the company to an experienced ECommerce executive relocating his family from Orange County, California.
This business was part of a nationally known franchise brand, and the San Diego location was one of the system’s top-performing franchisees. VRG was engaged to facilitate the business sale and, through its extensive marketing efforts, obtained hundreds of inquiries, seven offers, and one successful closed transaction. While the deal value and the name remain confidential, the deal was valued between $1MM and $5MM.
The Seller lived out of the country and now can enjoy the warm sunny weather and waters in retirement. The buyer, an industry veteran who owned other businesses with similar employees and assets, is now ready to grow the business to new heights.
We wish the seller a happy retirement and the buyer much success. Selling a business in San Diego is not easy, but if you or someone you know is interested in selling their San Diego Business, please contact us!
After over three decades of ownership, the Seller felt it was time to retire and simply their life. Ramona Cafe had become an institution in the small town of Ramona and became famous when it was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Vanguard Resource Group was retained to find a buyer who would carry on the tradition of providing high-quality meals and great service at reasonable prices. After extensive marketing, VRG identified a buyer with a strong restaurant background and had even owned a similar diner in Del Mar years before. The buyer purchased both the diner as well as the real estate, which were both pre-approved by an SBA-preferred lender. By purchasing both the business and the real estate, the Buyer was able to lock in their occupancy costs and avoid future escalations related to renting.
Next time you are up in Ramona or on your way to Julian, stop in and have a meal or pick up one of their legendary cinnamon rolls! VRG, the leader in the sale of San Diego businesses, wishes much success to the new owner and a happy retirement to the seller.
FEATURED BUSINESSES FOR SALE
These are just a few of the businesses we represent. Each business for sale has a marketing plan that may not include advertisements to the public.
Please contact us with your business search parameters.
HVAC Related Services Company
San Diego County, California
Nets $487k
Asking $1.75M
A great opportunity to acquire a high-margin HVAC Services company located centrally in San Diego County. Multiple teams cover the county providing same-day services to homeowners. Long-established managers and employees, no accounts receivable, and the seller manages the business remotely.
Architectural Firm – Established
San Diego County, California
Nets $203k
Asking $285k
This is a 15+ year architectural firm with an excellent reputation and continuous referrals in a highly affluent community. They have cross-trained seasoned staff handle projects with varying levels of oversight. A unique opportunity for a licensed architect or firm looking to expand its footprint.
Yogurt Shop – Absentee Run
San Diego County, California
Nets $129k
Asking $265k
OFFER ACCEPTED! This very established franchised frozen yogurt business can be purchased as an investment with minimal owner involvement, or owner-run to make even more money! It is located between national tenants in a busy multi-big box anchored shopping center. It is a beautiful shop.
NEWS AND ARTICLES ON SMALL BUSINESS SALES
Advantages of Using a Business Broker
Selling a business is a complex and time-consuming process. It requires a lot of research, marketing, and negotiation. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, it can be easy to make mistakes that could cost you money.
Buying or Selling a Business? New SBA programs may help
Decades ago, obtaining funding to buy a business was nearly impossible. Back in the “old days,” mainly seller financing enabled business buyers to purchase a business. SBA loans were almost impossible to obtain.
Economic and External Factors Impacting Businesses for Sale in San Diego
You have worked hard over the years to build a great business. You have increasing revenues, great profit margins, a diverse customer base, and now, you are ready to sell your San Diego business. You have done everything right to create as much value as possible in anticipation of selling your business.