Manufacturing, health-IT, and dairy processing anchor Wisconsin's acquisition activity, with strategic buyers and private equity firms competing for well-run operators across the state's industrial base.
Wisconsin's largest employment sectors, based on BLS state employment data — a proxy for where buyer demand is deepest.
| Sector | Employment |
|---|---|
| Trade, Transportation & Utilities | 535,500 |
| Education & Health Services | 505,500 |
| Manufacturing | 458,400 |
| Government | 418,500 |
| Professional & Business Services | 333,700 |
Strategic industrial acquirers are active around Oshkosh Corporation, Rockwell Automation, and Johnson Controls, while health-IT and technology buyers target software businesses near Epic Systems in Verona. Insurance and financial-services buyers tied to Northwestern Mutual, along with food and dairy-processing acquirers, round out Wisconsin's active buyer base.
See valuation ranges and business types for any industry in Wisconsin.
It depends on your industry and financials, but Wisconsin's manufacturing and dairy-processing businesses typically run 4–6x EBITDA, health-IT and technology companies see 8–12x EBITDA, and industrial sub-contractors typically land in the 2–3x SDE range. Get a free valuation for an exact estimate based on your numbers.
Most sales close in 3–6 months from the start of the process, depending on the business, its financial readiness, and how quickly a qualified buyer is identified.
Yes. Buyer sourcing and negotiations are handled discreetly so your employees, customers, and competitors don’t learn your business is for sale until you’re ready to disclose it.
Strategic industrial acquirers active around Oshkosh Corporation, Rockwell Automation, and Johnson Controls, health-IT and technology buyers targeting software businesses near Epic Systems, and insurance or financial-services buyers tied to Northwestern Mutual.