Business Acquisition Loan: Finance to Buy a Business

Unlock the capital you need to acquire a business with confidence.
Whether you’re purchasing your first company, expanding into a new sector, or buying out a partner, our business acquisition loan solutions help qualified buyers secure the funding needed to close deals and grow.
Use the form below to apply for a business acquisition loan and get connected with lenders who understand your vision.
Apply For a Loan

What Is a Business Acquisition Loan?

A business acquisition loan is a type of financing designed specifically for entrepreneurs who want to acquire an existing company or buy out current owners. Unlike general business loans, acquisition loans are structured to fund the purchase price of a business, often using the assets or cash flow of the business being acquired as collateral.

Why Buyers Use Business Acquisition Loans

Purchasing a business is a strategic way to jumpstart growth, enter new markets, or expand product lines, but most buyers don’t have all the cash upfront. Here’s how acquisition loans make deals possible:

Leverage the Opportunity

A business acquisition loan allows you to move forward on the right opportunity without needing to deploy all your available cash. Instead of tying up personal or operating capital in a single transaction, financing enables you to spread the cost of the acquisition over time. This approach reduces upfront financial pressure and allows you to act quickly when a strong business becomes available, often a key advantage in competitive acquisition scenarios.

Support Growth Plans

The true value of an acquisition often lies in what you can do after the deal closes. With the right loan structure, you’re not just buying a business, you’re positioning it for growth. Preserving working capital means you can invest in hiring, marketing, technology upgrades, operational improvements, or expansion initiatives immediately following the acquisition. Rather than draining resources at closing, acquisition financing gives you the runway needed to scale the business and increase its long-term value.

Structured Financing

Business acquisition loans are typically designed around the economics of the business being purchased. In many cases, lenders may consider the company’s existing cash flow, assets, contracts, or equipment as part of the loan’s security. This can reduce the need for excessive personal collateral and help align loan terms with the actual performance of the business. Structured correctly, this type of financing creates a balanced arrangement where the acquired business helps support the loan, making the purchase more practical and sustainable for the buyer.

How Business Acquisition Loans Work

A business acquisition loan typically involves:
1

Business Valuation

Lenders often require a professional valuation to determine the business’s worth.
2

Letter of Intent (LOI)

Your offer should include a clause that’s contingent on receiving financing.
3

Underwriting

We assist in financial, legal, and operational review.
4

Approval & Closing

Once approved, funds can be distributed either directly to the seller or via escrow.
We help guide you through documentation and prepare you to apply with confidence.

Types of Acquisition Financing Options

Different deals may require different structures, and in many acquisitions, buyers combine multiple funding sources:

Traditional Bank & SBA Loans

  • Longer terms, competitive interest rates
  • Good for larger acquisitions
  • Often require a down payment of 10–30% and solid cash flow history

Seller (Vendor) Financing

The seller agrees to take back a portion of the sale price as a loan, often with negotiable terms.

Alternative & Online Lenders

Fast decisions and funding (days to weeks), typically for smaller amounts.

Asset-Based or Leveraged Loans

Uses business assets (equipment, real estate, accounts receivable) as collateral.

Combined Structures

Smart buyers often layer financing, e.g., SBA + seller financing + personal equity, to minimize cash outlay and maximize flexibility.

Benefits of Using a Business Acquisition Loan

Preserve existing cash flow for operations

A business acquisition loan helps you avoid using all your available cash at closing. When you spread the purchase cost over time, you can maintain the liquidity needed for payroll, inventory, marketing, and unexpected expenses, especially during the critical transition period after an acquisition.

Grow without significant upfront capital

Instead of self-funding a full purchase, acquisition financing allows you to buy an established business with less upfront capital. This makes it easier to pursue larger or higher-quality opportunities while allowing the business’s own revenue to support the investment over time.

Customize terms with lender or seller

Many acquisition deals combine bank financing, SBA loans, and seller financing. This flexibility allows buyers to negotiate repayment terms that better align with cash flow and growth plans, creating a more balanced and sustainable deal structure.

Expand strategically into new markets

Financing a business acquisition lets you enter new markets or industries faster than starting from scratch. You gain immediate access to operations, customers, and revenue, reducing startup risk and accelerating growth.

Take advantage of existing customer bases and infrastructure

When you acquire an existing business, you step into established systems, staff, and customer relationships. Acquisition financing helps you leverage this built-in foundation so you can focus on improving and scaling the business rather than building everything from the ground up.

Is a Business Acquisition Loan Right for You?

Even if you’re unsure what you qualify for, complete the form at the top of this page, and we’ll help evaluate your options.
This type of financing works best when:

The business you’re buying has predictable cash flow

You have a solid business plan for post-acquisition growth

You can meet loan requirements (credit, revenue history, collateral)

Next Steps: Apply for a Business Acquisition Loan

Interested in getting a business acquisition loan? Fill out the form below, and our team will review your application and contact you to discuss your financing options.
Apply For a Loan