Sell your business
For most people, buying or selling a business is a once in a lifetime transaction. Just like any other major life decision, using an experienced, qualified professional to help manage the process will relieve many of the stresses associated with this type of life-changing event.
Our role
At Chinook, we don’t replace your existing professional support, instead, we work in partnership with your current legal counsel and accountant. We understand that each professional advisor has a role to play in the transaction. For our role, we complete:
- Strategic Evaluation: Thoroughly assess your business to understand its strengths and opportunities in the market.
- Confidentiality Assurance: Maintain strict confidentiality throughout the entire process, safeguarding sensitive information.
- Transaction Success Facilitation: Provide accurate value assessments, develop and execute a robust marketing strategy, identify and assess potential purchasers, and ensure their financial qualification for a successful transaction.
Our Process
Bringing M&A to Main Street: Knowing When (and How) to Create Competition
Every business sale deserves strategy.
At Chinook Mergers, Acquisitions & Business Brokerage, we tailor every approach to the size, industry, and buyer type of each business — blending Main Street practicality with mid-market precision.
Because getting the best result isn’t just about finding a buyer. It’s about knowing which process will create the most value.
Two Paths, One Goal: A Better Deal for Our Sellers
1. The M&A Auction Process: Structured Competition for Sophisticated Buyers
For larger or established businesses — especially those targeting strategic or institutional buyers — Chinook runs a disciplined, competitive process.
We create competitive tension by engaging multiple serious buyers, each aware of the competition.
Our team manages the process confidentially, preparing a strong Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM), curating a strategic buyer list, and coordinating outreach and offers.
This approach works best when:
Buyers are experienced in acquisitions and can evaluate deals without an asking price
The business has clean financials, scalable operations, or strategic appeal
Value is best discovered through competition rather than a fixed list price
Result: When executed correctly, the auction process drives offers higher and produces superior terms — because the right buyers are competing for the same opportunity.
2. The Main Street Process: Market Discipline Meets Defensible Pricing
For smaller, owner-operated businesses — where most buyers are first-timers — transparency and trust are key. Buyers often need a clear asking price to start the conversation.
Chinook sets a defensible, market-based price using valuation analysis, financial normalization, and comparable sales. We then market the business widely and professionally, helping it stand out in a crowded market.
With this disciplined approach, Chinook listings typically sell within 5% of asking price — proof of realistic pricing and skilled negotiation.
This process works best when:
Buyers are less experienced and rely on structure and guidance
The business’s value is tied to cash flow, stability, and owner transition
The buyer pool values clarity over competition
Result: The business sells faster, cleaner, and at a fair, defensible price — with fewer surprises during due diligence.
The Chinook Difference: Knowing Which Strategy Wins
Our expertise lies not just in executing the process, but in choosing the right one.
For some clients, we design a discreet, invitation-only auction with select qualified buyers.
For others, we take the business to the open market with a defensible price, knowing that well-priced businesses sell quickly and close smoothly.
In both cases, our goal is the same:
Maximize value. Minimize risk.
And make sure every seller benefits from a process that fits their business — not someone else’s playbook.
Curious about your business’s saleability?
Take our quick Business Saleability Assessment to discover how ready your business is for the market. By answering a few simple questions, you’ll receive insights into your company’s strengths, potential value, and areas that may need improvement before selling.
Recently Sold
| Industry | Title | Location | Intermediary | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail and Wholesale | Window Coverings & Blinds Boutique | Vancouver Island, BC | Stephen Boughton | SOLD |
| Home Service | Licensed Residential & Commercial Plumbing Service | Victoria, BC | Stephen Boughton | SOLD |
| Professional Services | Safety Compliance Consulting Firm | Calgary, Alberta | Morgan Tate | SOLD |
| Home Service | Professional Window Cleaning Service | Comox Valley, BC | Stephen Boughton | SOLD |
| Health and Wellness | Multidisciplinary Health Clinic | Nanaimo, BC | Stephen Boughton | SOLD |
| Beauty and Personal Care | Childrens Salon, Spa & Boutique | Victoria, BC | Stephen Boughton | SOLD |
| Retail and Wholesale | Luxury Home Furnishing Store | Victoria, BC | Mike Lenz | SOLD |
| Home Service | HVAC, Heat Pump, and Geothermal Services | Vancouver Island, BC | Mike Lenz | SOLD |
| Construction and Manufacturing | Equipment Rental Provider | Vancouver Island, BC | Dan Kucherka | SOLD |
| Home Service | Yacht Cleaning and Detailing Services | Vancouver, BC | Torin Regier | SOLD |
| Retail and Wholesale | Hot Tub and Outdoor Furniture Retailer | Lower Mainland, BC | Torin Regier | SOLD |
| Professional Service | Day Spa and Wellness Centre | Victoria, BC | Stephen Boughton | SOLD |
| Construction and Manufacturing | Commercial Roofing Company | Nanaimo, BC | Dan Kucherka | SOLD |
| Professional Service | Digital Marketing Agency | Lower Mainland, BC | Morgan Tate | SOLD |
| Food and Beverage | Confectionery and Specialty Sweets Company | Vancouver Island, BC | Stephen Boughton | SOLD |
| Retail and Wholesale | Fair-Trade and Eco-Friendly Apparel Company | Victoria, BC | Mike Lenz, Stephen Boughton | SOLD |
| Home Service | Concrete Coatings Company | Kelowna, BC | Stephen Boughton | SOLD |
| Home Service | Home Organization Company | BC, Alberta | Torin Regier | SOLD |
| Childcare Service | Turnkey Daycare and Early Education Center | Vancouver Island, BC | Mike Lenz | SOLD |
| Retail and Wholesale | Specialty Kayak and Adventure Equipment Retailer | Victoria, BC | Mike Lenz | SOLD |
| Retail and Wholesale | Pet Food and Supplies Store | Western BC | Mike Lenz, Stephen Boughton | SOLD |
| Home Service | Bathroom and Kitchen Installation Company | Vancouver Island, BC | Keith Mackenzie | SOLD |
| Health Care | Physical Therapy and Wellness Clinic | Alberta | Morgan Tate | SOLD |
| Health Care | Veterinary Clinic and Animal Care Services | Vancouver Island, BC | Ramon Ramirez | SOLD |
| Professional Service | Hair Salon and Beauty Services | Vancouver Island, BC | Mike Lenz | SOLD |
| Construction and Manufacturing | Construction Products Manufacturer and Supplier | Western Canada | Mike Lenz | SOLD |
| Retail and Wholesale | Luxury Home Furnishing Store | Victoria, BC | Mike Lenz | SOLD |
| Automotive | Auto Repair and Service | Vancouver Island, BC | Dan Kucherka | SOLD |
| Childcare Service | Turnkey Playschool Opportunity | Victoria, BC | Mike Lenz | SOLD |
| Education | Award Winning Music School | Lower Mainland, BC | Keith MacKenzie | SOLD |
| Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing | Property Management Company | Vancouver Island, BC | Ramon Ramirez | SOLD |
| Construction and Manufacturing | Wood Manufacturing Company | Vancouver Island, BC | Keith MacKenzie | SOLD |
| Retail and Wholesale | Established Pet and Farm Supply Business | Lower Mainland, BC | Mike Lenz, Stephen Boughton | SOLD |
| Health Care | Profitable Laser and Skin Clinic | Calgary, AB | Morgan Tate | SOLD |
| Automotive | Oil Change and Automotive Shop | Vancouver Island, BC | Ramon Ramirez | SOLD |
Our team
Keith MacKenzie
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Mike Lenz
PARTNER, BUSINESS INTERMEDIARY
Morgan Tate
PARTNER, BUSINESS INTERMEDIARY
Ramon Ramirez
PARTNER, BUSINESS INTERMEDIARY
Dan Kucherka
BUSINESS INTERMEDIARY
Stephen Boughton
BUSINESS INTERMEDIARY
Faizal Charania
BUSINESS INTERMEDIARY
Torin Regier
BUSINESS INTERMEDIARY
Jeff Zamluk
BUSINESS INTERMEDIARY
Breanne Epoch
CORPORATE EVENTS & RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Evan Strain
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Betsy Fulcher
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Featured Blogs
How To Sell Your Business Quickly
Selling A Small Business in 4 Months 6 Full Price Offers. 2 Weeks On-Market. 4 Months Start to Finish. This is how Chinook’s process created an efficient and successful sale for a small business owner. Our client approached us to help them sell their business with a common reason: “I’m
Chinook Business Advisory x Wirk Consulting
Helping entrepreneurs exit on their terms Over the last 15 years, Chinook Business Advisory Ltd., a Victoria-based M&A advisory firm, has guided nearly 400 business owners across Western Canada to successful exits. As they look ahead to supporting their next 400 clients, they see an opportunity to help entrepreneurs be
Vacations: The Key to Top Dollar Valuation
As an entrepreneur, you cherish the freedom to set your own schedule, including taking vacations whenever you desire. Yet, the reality often differs. In the early stages, you might forgo vacations to invest every penny into growth. As your business stabilizes, you may hesitate to step away, fearing operations
The 25% Difference: Why Brokers Matter When Selling Your Business
Introduction Selling your business is a pivotal moment, often representing the culmination of years of dedication. As you prepare—consulting your spouse or other shareholders, organizing financials, and exploring sale options—you face a critical choice: hire a broker or manage the process yourself. The decision is daunting, especially when buyers arrive
Having successfully facilitated the sale of more than 300 businesses, we recognize that it’s a collaborative effort. We are grateful for the relationships we’ve cultivated over the past decade with industry leaders, lenders, and corporate professionals, all of whom play crucial roles in the seamless execution of business transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that when considering our services, you may have specific queries and concerns. That's why we have curated a collection of frequently asked questions.
Can’t find an answer?
How long will it take to sell my business?
Some businesses sell in as little as one week, and some even before they hit the public. Similar to real estate, if the market is good and the price is right, a business may sell much faster. Our detailed valuations ensure that your business is priced reasonably within the market.
On average, it can take anywhere from 1 week to 18 months for your business to sell, based on numerous factors. We do our best to address all obstacles and prepare for success before we hit the market to achieve the best possible outcome.
How do you keep the sale of my business confidential?
Once your Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) is complete, we draft a “Blind Profile.” This is an enticing summary used to attract buyers without revealing the actual business that is for sale.
All buyers must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before accessing the CIM or any information about your business. This legally prevents buyers from sharing information about your business to anyone else. You have full control as to whether you accept or reject buyer access to the presentation.
How do you determine my business valuation?
Chinook first works with you to determine exactly how you profit from running your business so that it is clear how much money is available to a new owner. We then consider the market sales data of similarly sized businesses from your industry right across North America. Using this market data, we calculate a justifiable asking price for your business. How do we know if an asking price is justifiable? It must achieve the 3 criteria every business buyer seeks when buying a business:
(1) The business must provide the buyer a living wage,
(2) The profits of the business must cover the payments of any debt used to purchase the business, and
(3) Finally, the business must provide a return on the money they invested into the business (after the buyer pays themselves a salary and covers their debt payments).
Do you charge for the business valuation?
A business valuation is complimentary during our onboarding process. We provide a free market-based estimate of value to each client who is considering an exit as part of our onboarding process.
How much does it cost?
Chinook charges an engagement fee of up to 1% of the asking price of each business. The engagement fee is fully deductible against any success fee owing to Chinook upon the successful sale of the business.
Why do we charge this?
Presenting a business to market requires a tremendous effort. Buyers require a comprehensive understanding of a business before submitting an offer. As Intermediaries, we facilitate this understanding by developing an informative Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM), which are typically 30-50 pages in length. While this engagement fee does not cover all of Chinook’s costs to prepare a business sale, it shows a commitment from our client that they are willing and ready to do the work required to achieve a successful sale.
For an example of a CIM, click here.