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    Buying a business with turnover below €500,000

    Below €500,000 of turnover, profitability depends directly on the owner's own work. It is the most liquid segment of the market and the best fit for a first acquisition.

    Headcount

    0 à 5 salariés

    Turnover

    < 500 000 €

    Purchase price

    20 000 € – 200 000 €

    The market for this segment

    Local shops, fast food, hair salons and crafts sell for €20,000 to €200,000, i.e. 50–80% of annual turnover.

    Advantages of this size

    Controlled purchase price and simple financing
    Profitability readable over three financial years
    Direct management, no intermediate structure
    High number of opportunities across France

    Points to check

    • —Thin margins: a rent increase can wipe out profit
    • —Check how much revenue is cash-based
    • —Compare rent to the sector's rent-to-sales ratio
    • —Plan cash for the first three months

    Financing the acquisition

    20% equity, a 7-year bank loan, an honour loan and a Bpifrance guarantee usually close the financing plan.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is a €300,000 turnover business profitable?

    It can generate €30,000–€60,000 of annual profit depending on sector margin and rent level. Rent-to-sales ratio is the first metric to check.

    What price should I expect?

    Usually 50–80% of annual turnover, i.e. €20,000–€200,000, with a strong discount in judicial liquidation.

    How do I verify the stated turnover?

    Request the last three sets of accounts, VAT returns and till records. Any gap between declared VAT and stated turnover must be explained.

    Live opportunities

    Browse all our available listings

    Businesses in judicial liquidation, companies under collective, safeguard or recovery proceedings, and offices for sale or rent across France.