Thinking About Selling Your Warehouse Business? Start Here.
Running a warehouse business takes grit. From managing tight margins and shifting supply chain demands to keeping your team safe and customers happy—there’s a lot that goes into keeping things moving.
At some point, though, you might find yourself wondering: Is it time to sell?
Whether you’re planning ahead for retirement, feeling the pressure of market changes, or just thinking about the next chapter, you’re not alone. At Kenco, we’ve talked to dozens of warehouse owners who’ve been in your shoes—and we’ve helped many of them transition their business with confidence and care.
This article is here to give you a clear, honest look at what selling your warehouse business actually involves—plus what buyers like us are looking for, how to prepare, and what to expect after the sale.
Why Warehouse Owners Choose to Sell
There’s no one reason why someone decides to sell. But in most cases, it comes down to one (or more) of the following:
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- Retirement or life changes – You’ve built something great and now want to step back, slow down, or do something new.
- Operational challenges – Labor shortages, rising costs, new technologies—it’s not always easy to keep up.
- Market opportunity – The logistics industry is still in high demand. Selling now could mean maximizing your valuation.
- Joining something bigger – Some owners want to be part of a larger network, with more resources and support to scale.
No matter your reason, the decision to sell isn’t just financial—it’s personal. We respect that deeply.
What Buyers Like Kenco Are Really Looking For
When we evaluate a potential acquisition, we’re looking beyond the square footage. Here’s what typically matters most:
1. Strategic Location
Is your facility near major highways, ports, or key markets? Prime real estate matters in logistics.
2. Facility Condition
Buyers want to see well-maintained, functional spaces. Dock doors, racking, office space—all of it counts.
3. Customer Relationships
Do you have stable contracts or long-term customers? Consistent revenue builds confidence.
4. Operational Systems
A clean WMS, safety protocols, and clear workflows make for a smoother transition.
5. Strong Team
Your people are a big part of the value. We often aim to keep existing teams in place.
You don’t need to check every box—but knowing where you stand can help you position your business more effectively.
The Process of Selling Your Warehouse Business
If you’ve never sold a business before, it can feel overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step look at how the process usually goes when you work with a buyer like Kenco:
Step 1: Let’s Talk
We start with a conversation—simple as that. No pressure. Just a chance to learn more about your business, your goals, and whether there’s a good fit.
Step 2: Share the Basics
We’ll request high-level financials, an overview of operations, and a sense of your customer base. This helps us start the valuation process.
Step 3: Receive an Offer
If everything makes sense, we’ll send you a Letter of Intent (LOI) outlining our interest, proposed terms, and transition plan.
Step 4: Due Diligence
This is the deeper review phase—looking at leases, contracts, staffing, safety records, and more. It’s thorough, but we’ll walk through it together.
Step 5: Close & Transition
Once the details are locked in, we move to closing. From there, we’ll work closely with you to ensure a smooth handoff—for your team, your customers, and your peace of mind.
Tips to Help You Prepare
You don’t need to overhaul your business to sell it—but a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what we recommend:
- Organize your financials – Clean books make a big difference.
- List out contracts and key customers – A simple summary is helpful.
- Assess your facility – Minor repairs or maintenance can improve perceived value.
- Talk to trusted advisors – An accountant or attorney can help you weigh your options.
What Happens After the Sale?
Every owner’s path is different. Some choose to stay involved during the transition. Others step away entirely. At Kenco, we work with you to shape the future you want—whether that means handing over the keys or staying on as a partner.
We know your business isn’t just a building. It’s your people, your name, your reputation. That’s why we treat every acquisition with care, transparency, and respect.
Let’s Start the Conversation
If you’re even thinking about selling your warehouse business—now or in the future—we’d love to hear your story. No sales pitch. Just a real conversation about what’s possible.
Connect with Scott, who leads our M&A Team. Here’s his LinkedIn.
Learn more at growth.kencogroup.com
We’re here when you’re ready.