3 Hot Industries for Business Buyers and Sellers

Both buyers and sellers are coming back to the business-for-sale market. Here's a look at some hotspots.

1. Restaurants

Businesses sold in third quarter 2013: 377

Increase from third quarter 2012: 109%

A recent restaurant sale in Dallas:

Annual revenue: $1.3 million

Asking price: $780,000

Sale price: $780,000

2. Retail

Businesses sold in third quarter 2013: 539

Increase from third quarter 2012: 60%

A recent liquor-store sale in LaGrange, Georgia:

Annual revenue: $3.45 million

Asking price: $3.3 million

Sale price: $3.3 million

3. Service

Businesses sold in third quarter 2013: 617

Increase from third quarter 2012: 15%

A recent fitness-center sale in Little Rock:

Annual revenue: $245,000

Asking price: $290,000

Sale price: $275,000