The most promising industries for business acquisitions in 2025 and beyond

A timely question recently came my way:

“Ben, what types of industries are showing the most promise for business acquisitions right now?”

For first-time business buyers who are nervous about the state of the economy in 2025 and beyond, this is a big one.

My answer:

When I evaluate businesses for acquisition, I’m always looking to see if they embody what I call the “three pillars.”

That means they must:

1. Provide recurring revenue

2. Be recession-resistant

3. Have a barrier to entry

Here are a few of the top picks I recommend:

Accounting firms

Accounting firms aren’t going anywhere, no matter how bad the economy gets.

(Like Benjamin Franklin said: “Nothing is certain except death and taxes!”)

They require a specialized skill set, which massively reduces the chances of random competitors popping out of the woodwork.

Plus, they give you huge bang for your buck — they’re significantly cheaper to buy than most businesses of the same size, and profit margins are typically between 40% and 50%.

Property management companies

Real estate markets fluctuate, but people will always need housing.

The key here is to invest in property management companies with a big portfolio of long-term rentals.

If you’ve got the capital for it, this is a fantastic business model for generating stable recurring revenue.

Niche Manufacturing Companies

Companies that manufacture specialty items are usually recession-proof, and have excellent margins.

We have a student who just bought a company that makes commercial steel railings. They've been doing it for about 60 years, have a loyal client base, and they’re one of the biggest suppliers in their state!

Pet-Related Companies

Believe it or not... in the U.S., there are actually more pets per family than there are children!

(I’ll let you decide whether that’s a good or bad thing...)

Businesses dedicated to pets and pet care (like veterinary offices, pet boarding, and grooming) are in a booming market, which makes them a safe bet to invest in.

Car Washes, Laundromats, and ATM Routes

If you’re looking for a more passive income strategy, you can’t beat these three.

Investing in automated car washes and laundromats are a great way to get started with your first business acquisition, and I own an ATM route myself.

These offer great cashflow, and are supremely recession-resistant.

If you can’t tell already...

I’m a massive fan of “boring” businesses.

The way I see it, they’re a hidden gem.

If you’re trapped in a 9-5 and have more money than time on your hands...

Just one smart investment into a boring, profitable, recession-proof business can set you on a path to achieving financial freedom in years, instead of decades.

If you’re interested in learning more, fill out our Investor Survey here and tell us what kinds of deals you’d like to hear more about.

Until then...

Keep an eye out for more acquisition tips and strategies every Tuesday and Thursday!