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If your business isn’t profitable, you might assume no one would ever want to buy it. But here’s the truth: yes, you can sell a business that’s not making money—if it has potential.

Not every buyer is looking for a turnkey success story. Some buyers—like us at Midwest Equity Management—specialize in acquiring underperforming businesses and turning them around.

Why Would Someone Buy a Business That’s Losing Money?

Because value isn’t just about current profit. Buyers look for things like:

• Unique products or services with untapped markets
• Experienced staff or teams already in place
• Strong customer base or recurring revenue potential
• Operational improvements that could drive profit quickly

What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re considering selling, but the numbers don’t look great, here’s where to focus:

• Clean up your books—even if they show losses, make them clear
• Document your processes, team, and customer relationships
• Be honest about challenges, but highlight the potential

Creative Deal Structures Can Help

If your business isn’t profitable now, that doesn’t mean the deal dies. We often work with owners to create flexible structures—like phased takeovers, earnouts, or shared upside agreements—that reflect the real potential of the business.

Let’s Explore What’s Possible

At Midwest Equity Management, we look beyond the surface. We see opportunities where others see problems—and we’re not afraid of a little work.

• We buy underperforming businesses in Wisconsin & Illinois
• We work with owners who want a clean exit—even if the books aren’t perfect
• We bring operational expertise to turn businesses around

Ready to talk about selling, even if your business isn’t at its best? Let’s have a no-pressure conversation.