Finding Companies for sale in a slow market

searcher profile

January 07, 2026

by a searcher from The University of Alabama - Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration in Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

I started my search in the Tampa Bay Area, where I am current based, about a year ago which seems to have a lot of potential. Family changes are pushing me to be closer to Jacksonville which has a much slower market or the decent business are not making it to market at all. What are some strategies that have worked for others in markets where good business are rarely being posted and how did you go about searching in these areas?
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commentor profile
Reply by a searcher
from University of South Carolina in Savannah, GA, USA
In slower markets, off-market deals are often where the best opportunities appear. I’ve found the most success through direct conversations with contractors, vendors, neighbors, and others connected to local businesses, since they usually know who is considering retirement before anything goes public. Realtors and CPAs are also underutilized sources. They are often involved in ownership transitions well before a sale is announced. Staying visible and building genuine local relationships matters far more than waiting for listings to appear.
commentor profile
Reply by a professional
from University of Colorado at Boulder in Fort Myers, FL, USA
Another option would be to use LI Sales Navigator. It allows you to target by geographic area, est. sales, etc. While not all businesses have added their biz to LI you'd be shocked how many are on the platform. In addition, if you send in 'InMail' it will go to the primary tab if they use Gmail or G-Suite for their email platform. I'll send you a DM with a screenshot (I'd add it here if I could).
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