Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may affect which companies we write about and where the company appears on a page. However, any analyses, or reviews expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been approved or endorsed by any partner.
Updated on
Best Business Acquisition Loans to Consider in 2022
There are a number of ways to finance the acquisition of a business or its assets. You can consider using your company’s cash flow or issuing a stock. However, taking out a business acquisition loan often makes more sense.
A business acquisition loan allows you to skip the business startup costs and buy a business that’s already established. Business acquisition loans vary in interest rates, terms, fees, and more, so it’s important to find the loan that’s best for your needs. That’s why our team of financial experts reviewed and ranked the top online business lenders to help you get funded.
Top Picks for Best Business Acquisition Loan
- Biz2Credit - Best for a simple application process
- Credibly - Best for a longer repayment period
- Lendio - Best for the most flexible loan amount options
- Fundbox - Best for smaller loan amounts
- OnDeck - Best for short term loans
- Funding Circle - Best for multiple loan options
- SmartBiz - Best for exploring your different loan options
In this review our experts highlight the terms, rates and fees of each lender and explain what makes them a good option. We also share potential downsides of each lender, and provide a methodology you can use to select the best option for your needs.
Best Business Acquisition Loans in 2022 - Full Overview
1. Biz2Credit - Best for a simple application process
Biz2Credit offers term loans for small business acquisition. These term loans are available in amounts from $25,000 to $500,000. The application process is easy and takes about four minutes. Biz2Credit processes most applications in 24 hours and often issues funding within 72 hours. Funding specialists are available to help you determine which loan terms are best for your business, and they also offer help during your online application process. In addition to business acquisition, term loans can be used for business growth, and they can help to free up cash flow.
Pros
Cons
Most approved applicants have been in business for at least 18 months, have an annual revenue of more than $250,000, and have a 660 credit score or higher. Loan repayment plans range from 12 to 36 months, and you can choose from weekly and biweekly payment options. Interest rates start at 7.99%, but can vary depending on your credit score. If you authorize an online connection to your company’s bank account, you may be eligible for a discount.
The Bottom Line
Biz2Credit is a good choice for business acquisition loans for small businesses. The fast application and funding process is ideal when you’re buying a new business, and the easy loan application is user-friendly and takes less than five minutes.
Try Biz2Credit
Read the full Biz2Credit review for more details.
2. Credibly - Best for a longer repayment period
Credibly offers many types of small business loans, including working capital loans, long-term loans for expansion, and SBA loans. You can use Credibly’s SBA loans for equipment financing for small or medium sized business acquisition. It usually takes two to three months to get approved for the SBA loan. Once your application is approved, a business consultant will contact you to discuss the loans you qualify for and which is right for your business. In addition to business financing, SBA loans can also be used for commercial real estate purchases, working capital, and debt consolidation.
Pros
Cons
SBA loans have strict minimum qualifying criteria, including a personal credit score of 620 or higher, at least two years in business, and at least $100 in annual revenue. The application requires significant documentation, concluding bank statements, tax returns, and a business mortgage or lease statement. Fixed interest rates start at just 6.99%, and repayment terms are available from two to five years. While requirements are strict, businesses that aren’t approved for traditional loans may be approved for an SBA loan.
The Bottom Line
With loan repayment periods up to five years, an SBA loan from Credibly might be ideal if you anticipate needing a longer period to pay back your loan. Low fixed interest rates make these longer repayment options more practical. Since these loans are available in varying amounts, they can be a good option if you’re looking to acquire a small or medium business.
Try Credibly
Read the full Credibly review for more details.
3. Lendio - Best for the most flexible loan amount options
Lendio offers business acquisition loans in amounts from $5,000 to $5,000,000. Lendio’s 15-minute application is simple and easy. By filling out the application, you’ll have access to Lendio’s marketplace of more than 75 lenders, so it can save you valuable time. That application also allows you to get loan offers from multiple lenders without impacting your credit rating. In addition to being able to call Lendio customer service by phone or send an online message, Lendio has finance experts nationwide. You can visit your local Lendio site and discuss your loan with an expert face-to-face.
Pros
Cons
Business acquisition loans are available with revolving terms, which means you can draw down the funds gradually, or with 10- to 25-year repayment options. Interest rates as low as 5.5% are available, and Lendio can process loans in as little as 30 days. Application requirements include a business plan, records of the business’ performance and valuation documents, financial projections, and any experience you might have that could help you to manage the business.
The Bottom Line
Lendio offers the advantage of sending your one application through its network of more than 75 lenders, which can help you to find the lending opportunity that’s truly the best fit for your needs. Lendio also offers higher-than-average maximum funding options. That higher funding is paired with loan terms of up to 25 years and lower 5.5% interest rates, making Lendio a suitable option for funding a small and a medium or large business acquisition.
Try Fora FinancialRead the full Lendio review for more details.
4. Fundbox - Best for smaller loan amounts
Fundbox offers term loans for small businesses that provide a lump sum payout. You can use that lump sum to purchase a business. Loans are available in amounts up to $150,000, and there are no application fees, origination fees, or prepayment penalties. Whether you’re approved for funding or not, you’ll have free access to Insights once you connect your business bank accounts. Insights help to predict cash flow so you can make better-informed funding decisions. Loan terms are 24 or 52 weeks, and loans feature variable interest rates.
Pros
Cons
Applying for a Fundbox loan is a two-part process, but it won’t affect your credit score. You’ll need to share basic information about your business and then connect your accounting software and/or business checking account. Fundbox may approve your loan in minutes, and may transfer funds as soon as the next business day. The funding offer is good for 30 days. While interest rates are variable, Fundbox offers you the ability to repay the loan in equal installments over the duration of the term.
The Bottom Line
Fundbox offers efficient loan processing and may transfer funds into your bank account as soon as the next business day, ideal when you’re trying to quickly get financing for your business purchase. Because Fundbox only offers term loans up to $150,000, this company is only the right choice if you’re looking to buy a small business or need minimal funding. Fundbox has no application fees, original fees, or prepayment penalties, which could save you money compared to what you would pay to take out a loan elsewhere.
Try FundBox
Read the full Fundbox review for more details.
5. OnDeck - Best for short term loans
OnDeck offers short term loans with repayment terms up to 24 months, and funding amounts range from $5,000 to $250,000. OnDeck offers transparent pricing and competitive loan terms. Predictable, fixed payments mean you’ll know exactly what you’ll be paying back during the entire life of the loan, making it easier to budget for your loan payments. OnDeck also offers a free SMART Box comparison tool that helps you to understand all of your loan details, including your origination fee, APR, and payment amounts.
Pros
Cons
The application is easy and can be completed online or over the phone. Minimum eligibility requirements include having been in business for at least one year, a personal FICO score of at least 600, an annual gross revenue of at least $100,000, and a business checking account. Once your application is approved, you could receive your funds that same day at no additional cost. While interest rates are high and start at 35%, if you qualify for the prepayment benefit option, you can have your remaining interest waived without any additional fee.
The Bottom Line
OnDeck is a good option for a business acquisition loan if you’re looking for a shorter loan repayment option. Keep in mind that the 35% and up interest rates are high, but if you anticipate being able to pay off the loan early, you could qualify to have any remaining interest waived.
Try BlueVine
Read the full OnDeck review for more details.
6. Funding Circle - Best for multiple loan options
Funding Circle offers business term loans and SBA 7(a) loans. The SBA 7(a) loans range from $50,000 to more than $500,000, and you can use them for equipment purchases. With a term loan, you can borrow from $25,000 to $500,000 and can use that money for nearly any business purpose, including acquisition. Term loans are processed in as few as three days, ideal when you want to quickly move forward with an acquisition. The SBA application process takes more time and requires a conversation with an assigned loan specialist, and then you can expect to receive a decision within three weeks.
Pros
Cons
The term loan application process is simple, and term lengths run from six months to five years. You’ll enjoy set monthly payments for easier budgeting, and there’s no prepayment fee. SBA loans have several application requirements, including three years of business tax returns, a balance sheet and profit and loss statement, a business debt schedule, three years of personal tax returns, and a personal financial statement. SBA loans for larger amounts may also require collateral.
The Bottom Line
Since Funding Circle offers multiple types of loans that can be used for business acquisition, it can be a good source for applicants with varying funding needs. The larger loan amount limits make Funding Circle a practical choice for small business acquisition.
Try Funding CIrcle
Read the full Funding Circle review for more details
7. SmartBiz - Best for exploring your different loan options
SmartBiz offers term loans and SBA loans that you can use for business acquisition. The term loans feature amounts from $30,000 to $500,000 and carry repayment terms of two to five years. The SBA loans are available for amounts from $30,000 to $5 million and feature repayment terms from 10 to 25 years. With SmartBiz, you only need to fill out one application, regardless of whether you’re interested in the term loan, SBA loan, or both. SmartBiz professionals are available by phone and online to help you explore your financing options.
Pros
Cons
SmartBiz term loans feature fixed interest rates from 6.99% to 24.99%, and there are no prepayment penalties. Term loan qualifications include being in business for at least two years, having a personal credit score over 660, and having cash flow to support the loan payments. With longer loan terms up to 25 years, the SBA loans have lower interest rates from 4.75% to 7.00%. SBA loan application requirements vary depending on the loan size, but include a credit score of at least 650 and having been in business for at least two years.
The Bottom Line
With the ability to complete one application for both term loans and SBA loans, SmartBiz is a practical option if you’re undecided about which type of loan is right for you. You can easily compare your loan terms and interest rates to determine which option is best for your business acquisition.
Try SmartBiz
Read the full SmartBiz review for more details
How To Choose the Best Business Acquisition Loan
- Loan Features: What are the loan terms, and how long is the loan for? What are the minimum and maximum loan amounts, and do they fit within your funding needs? What are the repayment options, and are there penalties for prepayment?
- Application process: How involved is the application, and does it involve a soft-pull or hard-pull credit score impact? Once you’re approved, how quickly will you receive funding? If you’re working on a short timeframe, you’ll need a loan that’s quickly processed and funded.
- Interest rates and fees: What are the minimum and maximum interest rates, and are they competitive with current industry interest rates? Be sure to pay attention to extra fees and penalties, like loan origination fees and prepayment penalties. You’ll need to consider how quickly you want to pay back your loan and how much cash flow you’re likely to have when deciding which interest rate options are best.
- Qualification process: Understanding the qualification process can help you to determine if you might qualify for a loan. Common requirements include a minimum credit score, annual revenue range, financial projections and business plan, and details about the business’ history.
- Customer support: When you have questions about or issues with your loan, can you easily and quickly contact a lender, especially during the application review process? Consider whether you’ll have access to a live customer service representative and what the lender’s hours are.
- Online user reviews: Consider what other customers are saying about the lender on sites like Trustpilot. Every lender will have some negative reviews, but look for warning signs like multiple customers complaining about the same issue.
- Perks and Bonuses: Consider any additional perks and advantages to choosing the lender. Do they offer advanced technology, payment flexibility, or advertising transparency?
Best Business Acquisition - Main Features
| Company | Min. Credit Score | Min. Time in Business | Min. Annual Revenue | Loan Amount | APR. |
| Biz2Credit | 660 | 18 months | $250,000 | $25,000 to $500,000 | Not disclosed |
| Credibly | 620 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | 6.99% and up |
| Lendio | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | $5,000 to $5,000,000 | 5.5% and up |
| Fundbox | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | $50,000 | Up to $150,000 | Variable |
| OnDeck | 600 | 1 year | $100,000 | $5,000 to $250,000 | 35% |
| Funding Circle | Not disclosed | 3 years for SBA loans | Not disclosed | $25K-$500K for term loans, $50K- $500K for SBA loans | |
| SmartBiz | 660 for term loans, 650 for SBA loans | 2 years for term loans, 3 years for SBA loans | Not disclosed | $30K-$500K for term loans, $30K-$5M for SBA loans | 6.99% and up for term loans, 4.75% to 7.00% for SBA loans |
How Do Business Acquisition Loans Work?
Business acquisition loans give you the financing you need to buy an established business. Loans can vary in amount from $5,000 to $5,000,000 or more, and they help an applicant purchase a business that they wouldn’t otherwise have the money to afford. By buying an established business, a business owner can avoid the expenses and challenges that come with the startup process, and can step into running an already functional business.
Applications for business acquisition loans generally review information about both the applicant and the business to be purchased. Applicants may need to meet requirements such as a minimum credit score rating, proof of previous experience that could help them to run the business, and proof of citizenship. Lenders may have strict requirements for the minimum number of years the business has been in operation and its annual income.
Types of Business Acquisition Loans
Multiple types of loans can function as business acquisition loans.
SBA Loans
SBA loans are backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which reduces the risk that lenders assume by issuing the loans. SBA loans tend to make it easier for small business owners to get the funding they need for multiple purposes, including business acquisition. Some lenders do restrict how their SBA loans can be used, so it’s important to find a lender who allows those loans to be used for business acquisition.
An SBA loan can vary in size from $500 to $5.5 million, and the loans offer several advantages over other types of financing. Low down payments are common, and some loans don’t require collateral. SBA loans typically have rates and fees that are competitive, and these loans often have a wide range of repayment term options.
Startup Loans
Startup loans are designed to help cover the initial expenses that come with starting a new business. These loans can cover costs like leasing space, buying equipment, and paying for monthly expenses. Startup loans allow business owners to retain their equity in their business while still having the funding they need to be able to operate the business as it gains traction.
Since these loans are for new businesses, most startup loan applications focus heavily on the business owner’s personal credit rating, rather than on the business’ history and finances. The SBA loan program can be considered a startup loan, though there are many other options, too.
Short-Term Loans
Short-term loans are intended to help business owners cover temporary business financing needs, like the purchase of a new business. These loans have shorter repayment periods than traditional loans, often lasting just six to 18 months. These loans are typically for smaller amounts up to about $100,000 that a business owner can promptly repay.
Because short-term loans are to be repaid quickly, business owners may need to make weekly or even daily payments. The APR for short-term loans is usually higher than the APR of longer-term loans. It’s also important to ensure that the repayment schedule is practical when buying a new business, since missed payment fees can quickly add up.
Equipment Financing Loans
Equipment financing loans give business owners funding that they need to purchase equipment for their business, like an oven, furniture, medical equipment, or vehicle. This type of loan lets business owners spread the cost of an expensive equipment purchase across multiple years, while also ensuring the business has access to the equipment that it needs to operate and drive income.
Equipment loans often use the equipment that’s purchased as collateral. As a result, applicants don’t usually need to have the highest credit rating or the strongest business financial history. Business equipment loans tend to require minimal paperwork and feature fixed interest rates, which makes for predictable payments throughout the loan’s entire term.
Banks and Credit Unions
Most banks and credit unions offer small business financing options, but these loans can vary significantly in amount, term limits, and interest rate. Because federal credit unions are exempt from federal taxes, they’re often able to offer lower interest fees and loan fees, like origination fees.
Bank and credit union business loan applicant requirements can also vary. Credit unions will require that applicants are members, while banks tend to offer loans to anyone, regardless of whether they have an account at the bank. Qualifying for a loan through a bank may be more difficult than getting a loan from a credit union, so applicants need to consider which option is best for their needs.
Other Business Acquisition Financing Options
In addition to securing a business acquisition loan, it’s also possible to buy a business through seller financing. In this instance, a business owner acts like the lender, agrees to a deal with the buyer, and then allows the buyer to gradually pay back the price of the business. The buyer will pay a certain amount of the cost upfront with cash, and then, just like with a traditional loan, the buyer will need to pay back the rest of the balance with interest and over a specified term.
If a business owner wants to acquire a second business to merge it into their existing business, then it might be possible to use equity to acquire that second business. The business owner could offer owners of that second business equity in the merged business. This can be an appealing offer, since it would let those owners retain some control. Their equity could also increase if that business thrives, giving them better value than if they had accepted an initial cash offer.
Tips for getting Business Acquisition Financing
If you’re planning to apply for business acquisition financing, these four simple steps can increase your chances of being approved.
- Write a detailed business plan. Your business plan can help you to understand how the business operates, the income opportunities available, and how much money you’ll need to run the business. That plan is also important for your funding application, and it demonstrates that you have an understanding of the business and that you’ve put the necessary research and thought into making the business a success.
- Carefully review your finances. It’s important to identify how much cash you have available to put toward the business acquisition so you can determine exactly how much you need to borrow. Take time to review the business’ finances, too. Previous business financial reports as well as financial projections can help you to determine how much income you’re likely to have. With this income information, you’ll have a better sense of the loan payment size that you can best handle.
- Improve your credit score. Most business acquisition loan applications partially depend on your credit score, and the higher your score is, the more likely you are to get a lower interest rate. If your credit score is too low, you might not be able to secure funding. Pay down existing debts and focus on making payments on time to boost your credit score.
- Compare your loan options. Spend time exploring the different loan types available, and consider applying for multiple loans so you can find the best option. Compare not only interest rates, but other factors like origination fees, loan terms, and prepayment penalties to decide which loan is right for you.
Conclusion
With a business acquisition loan, you can buy a business that’s already established and generating income. These loans allow you to avoid the expensive and time-consuming startup phase, and instead, you can enjoy the benefits of owning a business that has already proven to be successful. Business acquisition loan amounts, terms, and eligibility requirements vary, so when choosing a loan, it’s important to consider the loan amount you need and what repayment terms will work well for you.
About the Author
Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli is a content writer and copywriter who specializes in business, finance, pet, and health topics. An entrepreneur herself, Paige enjoys writing about topics that help business owners to make well-informed strategic decisions.
More about me