J&E Business Group is expanding its brokerage focus to professional services firms, helping owners explore succession opportunities and connect with buyers across the US.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States, November 5, 2026 -- J&E Business Group is expanding its business brokerage services to professional services firms across the United States, opening new opportunities for owners of tax preparation, accounting, insurance, and marketing businesses seeking to sell or plan their eventual exit. Led by owner Kristi May, the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania-based brokerage is broadening its traditional focus on automotive, HVAC, landscaping, and other service-based businesses to reach owners whose client relationships and established books of business may hold significant acquisition value.
The expansion reflects May’s growing experience with professional services transactions, particularly tax preparation businesses, where she expects to complete her third sale in this industry by the end of 2026. Her work in this area has revealed an opportunity for owners who may have spent years building a loyal client base without considering that it could represent a valuable succession or retirement asset.
“People don’t necessarily think they have anything to sell,” May explains. “I’ve sold several books of business for people who don’t necessarily realize that there’s value there.”
According to May, the opportunity is particularly relevant to smaller professional services firms whose owners may be approaching retirement without a family member or employee prepared to take over. Even where a business commands a comparatively modest valuation, she believes a sale can provide a meaningful financial return while preserving client relationships and allowing employees to continue in their roles.
The structure of these transactions makes buyer selection especially important. May explains that tax preparation businesses are often sold through earn-out arrangements, in which the seller receives an initial payment followed by additional payments tied to the retention of clients. The buyer’s ability to maintain those relationships can directly affect the financial outcome for the seller.
“It’s not just about what you can sell your business for. It’s about whether the person I’m selling to is the right buyer and whether they’re going to make it successful,” May says. “If that buyer is likable and like-minded with the original business owner, there’s going to be less attrition. That’s partly what I do. I don’t just find the buyer. I’m consulting, project managing the acquisition and providing advice and guidance.”
Her approach reflects a broader philosophy about the responsibilities of a business broker. May believes that successful transactions depend on understanding the people involved and ensuring that the buyer can sustain the business after ownership changes hands. She sees her role as a form of matchmaking, particularly where the seller’s professional reputation and established client relationships are tied closely to the company’s value.
J&E’s involvement extends throughout the transaction, beginning with an initial business valuation and discussions about sale readiness. Once an owner decides to proceed, the team prepares the listing, markets the opportunity confidentially and evaluates prospective buyers, including their financial qualifications. May also coordinates with attorneys and lenders during negotiations and closing, providing support through Small Business Administration (SBA) financing processes where applicable.
“Some brokers stop once they find the buyer and let the attorney handle everything. We stay involved throughout the entire process, working between the attorneys, lenders, buyer and seller, just ensuring that the process moves forward,” she explains.
The brokerage’s buyer network of more than 5,000 prospective purchasers gives the company access to individuals, investors, and private equity groups across the country. Although headquartered in Lancaster County, J&E is interested in working with business owners nationally, subject to applicable state licensing requirements and the specifics of each transaction. May notes that certain states impose additional requirements, particularly where commercial real estate forms part of a business sale.
The company’s established service-business clientele remains an important part of its operations. May expects to complete her fourth automotive business sale by the end of 2026, alongside the growing number of professional services transactions. She sees the expanded focus as an opportunity to reach owners who may have overlooked the financial value of their companies and the possibility of transferring them to new operators.
J&E is also investing in automation to improve responsiveness across its brokerage operations. The company is developing systems to manage confidential buyer inquiries and non-disclosure agreements more efficiently, alongside valuation resources and tools for its buyer network. May points to one HVAC business sale that generated approximately 700 inquiries and seven offers as an example of the administrative demands that automation could help address.
The planned developments reflect her intention to make the brokerage process more accessible and responsive as the company expands its reach. With its growing professional services portfolio and national buyer network, J&E Business Group is positioning itself to help more owners recognize the value of what they have built and navigate the transition to new ownership.
Contact Info:
Name: Kristi May
Email: Send Email
Organization: J&E Business Group
Website: https://www.jebusinessgroup.com/
Release ID: 89208631
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Source: MarketersMedia
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