Ontario is home to more than 400,000 small and medium-sized businesses, employing millions of people across manufacturing, construction, professional services, retail, and distribution. As the province's baby boomer business owners approach retirement age, a significant wave of business transitions is underway. CMBB, headquartered in Ontario and led by Leonardo Obodoeke, is actively acquiring businesses across the province — offering owners a direct, respectful, and commission-free exit path.
The Ontario Business Sale Market in 2025
Ontario's M&A market for small and medium-sized businesses remains active in 2025, driven by demographic tailwinds as baby boomer owners reach retirement age. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, more than 70% of small business owners plan to exit their businesses within the next decade, yet fewer than 10% have a formal succession plan. This creates significant opportunity for prepared sellers who approach the market with a clear strategy.
Ontario-Specific Tax Considerations
Ontario business owners selling shares of a qualifying small business corporation may be eligible for the federal Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE), which shelters approximately $1.25 million in capital gains per individual as of 2024. Ontario does not offer an additional provincial capital gains exemption, but the combined federal and Ontario tax rate on capital gains above the LCGE threshold is significantly lower than on ordinary income. Asset sales — where the buyer purchases the assets of the business rather than the shares — are generally less tax-efficient for sellers and should be avoided where possible.
Finding Buyers for Ontario Businesses
Ontario businesses attract buyers from across Canada, the United States, and internationally. The most common buyer categories are: private equity firms, strategic acquirers (competitors or adjacent businesses seeking growth through acquisition), family offices (high-net-worth individuals investing their own capital), and direct buyers like CMBB. Each buyer type has different motivations, timelines, and implications for the business post-sale. CMBB's Ontario-based team, supported by advisor Darie Urbanky, brings deep local market knowledge to every transaction.
The CMBB Advantage for Ontario Sellers
CMBB was founded in Ontario with a specific mandate: to provide business owners with a fair, direct, and respectful exit path. We acquire businesses across Ontario — from Toronto and the GTA to Hamilton, London, Windsor, Ottawa, and beyond — and we hold them for the long term. There are no broker fees, no auction processes, and no disruption to your workforce. Our most recent Ontario acquisition, Turnstile Security Systems Inc., demonstrates our commitment to preserving the legacy and operational identity of every business we acquire.
If you own a business in Ontario and are considering your exit options, CMBB would welcome a confidential, no-obligation conversation.
Start a Confidential Conversation→