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Business Acquisition Loans

Business Acquisition Loans

Financing to buy a business, merge with a competitor or buy out a partner. SBA loans with as little as 10% down, and conventional acquisition financing up to $25 million.

Loan amount$25MUp to
Down payment10%As little as, on SBA loans
Term25 yrsUp to
Credit scoreNoneMinimum, on select programs
Eligible uses

Financing for ownership changes

We match the deal to the right structure: SBA for most acquisitions under $5 million, conventional acquisition financing for larger deals, and USDA for rural businesses.

Buy a business

Acquire an established, cash-flowing business.

Partner buyout

Buy out a partner and keep control of the business.

Mergers

Combine with a competitor or add a location.

Franchise resale

Buy an existing franchise location.

Owner succession

Finance a retiring owner's exit or a management buyout.

Seller note refinance

Pay off a seller note with longer-term financing.

Program terms

Acquisition loan terms

The best terms available across our lending partners. Final terms depend on the business being acquired, its cash flow and your experience.

SBA 7(a) acquisitions
Up to $5,000,000; as little as 10% down; up to 25 years when real estate is included
Larger acquisitions
$1,000,000 – $25,000,000; up to 25 years; no minimum credit score
Rural businesses
USDA B&I up to $10,000,000 when the purchase keeps the business open or saves jobs
Eligible costs
Purchase price, working capital, equipment, inventory and real estate in the deal
Collateral
Business assets, equipment, inventory and real estate
Underwriting
Historical cash flow, credit history, industry and management experience
Borrower
Owner-operated, for-profit businesses
How it works

From letter of intent to closing

Share the deal

Send the letter of intent and the seller's financials. We size the loan against SBA and conventional options.

Structure the financing

We match the deal to a lender and work through down payment, seller financing and working capital.

Close and take over

The lender closes the loan and funds the purchase so you can take ownership.

What you'll need

Documents checklist

  • Letter of intent or purchase agreement
  • Last 3 years of business tax returns for the company being acquired
  • Year-to-date profit and loss and balance sheet
  • Buyer resume and industry experience
  • Personal financial statement and tax returns for each buyer
  • Source of down payment
  • Projections and business plan
Example

Buying a business with 10% down

For most acquisitions under $5 million, SBA financing keeps your cash in the business.

Loan = Purchase price − Down payment
Purchase price$3,000,000 Down payment (10%)$300,000 Acquisition loan$2,700,000

Illustration only. Deals above $5 million use conventional acquisition financing up to $25 million. Closing costs and fees are additional.

Common questions

Business acquisition FAQ

How much do I need to put down?

As little as 10% on SBA acquisitions. Larger conventional acquisitions are structured case by case.

Can a seller note be part of the deal?

Often, yes. Lenders review how seller financing fits with the loan and your down payment.

Do I need experience in the industry?

Lenders weigh management experience along with the business's cash flow. Relevant experience strengthens the deal.

What if the deal is over $5 million?

Conventional acquisition financing reaches $25 million, with terms up to 25 years.

Can I use this to buy out my partner?

Yes. Partner buyouts are a common use for both SBA and conventional acquisition loans.

Buying a business?

Send us the deal. We'll find the financing that gets you to closing.

Get Started

Terms shown are the best available across Capital Lending Group's lending partners as of October 2026 and change without notice. Not every borrower or property qualifies for every term. Loan amounts, leverage, terms and eligibility vary by lender, property, market, experience, credit profile and state. Business-purpose financing only. All loans are subject to lender review and approval. Capital Lending Group, LLC is a loan broker, not the lender.