This Moving & Rigging business had been a fixture in the New England moving and rigging industry for over a century. The company offered a full range of commercial and residential moving services plus specialized rigging and machinery moving, operating both locally and regionally. The two owner-operators were ready to retire and wanted to exit cleanly.

They engaged Diversified Business Advisors to manage a confidential sale process — identifying the right buyer and maximizing the value of a business with deep roots in the community.

• Aging ownership — Both principals were nearing retirement with no internal successor
• Owner-dependent operations — The owners personally managed client relationships and day-to-day operations
• Specialized assets — A fleet of moving equipment, forklifts, and leased warehouse space required a buyer with industry knowledge
• Confidentiality — With 105 years of history, a public sale process could have damaged customer and employee relationships

1. Valuation & financial prep — Analyzed 3+ years of P&Ls and tax returns, normalized owner compensation and benefits (health insurance, company vehicles, bonuses), and built a defensible EBITDA projection
2. CIM development — Created a full Confidential Information Memorandum detailing the company’s century-long track record, diverse customer base, equipment inventory, and Wheaton affiliation
3. Targeted buyer outreach — Developed a curated list of ~50 potential acquirers including regional competitors, national moving companies, and financial buyers; sent solicitation letters and managed follow-ups,
4. Competitive process — Fielded multiple indications of interest, qualified buyers through NDA process, and generated competitive tension through structured bidding
5. Negotiation & due diligence — Managed LOI process, coordinated due diligence, and worked with legal counsel to finalize the Asset Purchase Agreement

After receiving interest from more than 100 potential buyers and generating 5 LOI/IOI’s, the business was sold to a small group of individuals who plan to use this purchase as a platform for further acquisitions. They recognized the value of the name and the extensive equipment included in the sale. The deal closed in December 2025 as a stock sale due to the licensing and permit requirements from the DOT. One of the most challenging aspects of this sale was the requirement that there be no earn-out or owner financing. Accomplishing this required extensive negotiations. Both owners were able to retire after the transition period.

Key Metrics:

• Industry: Moving & Rigging (NAICS 484210)
• CIM: 20+ pages covering operations, financials, and market
• Buyer outreach: ~50 targets contacted and another 75 brought in via advertising
• Deal structure: Stock Purchase
• Advisor: Joshua Meltzer, CBI, CFP, CMSBB, CEPA