The decision to sell your Occupational & Hand Therapy practice is one of the most significant in your professional career. In Oklahoma City, a growing market and strong demand for specialized therapeutic services have created a unique window of opportunity for owners. This guide provides a clear overview of the current market, key valuation drivers, and the strategic steps necessary to navigate the sale process, ensuring you secure the legacy and financial future you have worked so hard to build.
Market Overview: The Oklahoma City Opportunity
The market for Occupational and Hand Therapy practices in Oklahoma City is robust, supported by both national trends and local economic strength. For practice owners considering a sale, these conditions are highly favorable. Buyers are actively seeking established practices with a strong community presence and a clear path to continued growth.
Here are three key drivers making OKC an attractive market:
- National Industry Growth. The entire US therapy services sector is on an upward trajectory. This national tailwind gives buyers confidence in the long-term stability and profitability of the industry, making your practice a more attractive asset.
- Strong Local Demand. Oklahoma City is experiencing a consistent demand for skilled occupational therapists. This is visible in job postings and therapist assignments, signaling a healthy patient pipeline and a need for the specialized services your practice provides.
- Positive Demographics. A growing population and a stable labor force in the Oklahoma City metro area mean a reliable patient base for years to come. Sophisticated buyers and investors look for this a key indicator of sustainable revenue.
Key Considerations for a Successful Sale
While market conditions are favorable, a buyer’s decision hinges on the health and organization of your specific practice. Preparing your practice for sale is not an overnight task. In fact, the most successful sales we see are for owners who begin preparations 2-3 years in advance. Buyers want proof, not potential. They scrutinize every detail, from your financial records to your team’s stability. Key areas of focus include financial transparency, demonstrating clear revenue and profit margins, and operational stability, shown through a qualified staff and low turnover. Furthermore, ensuring your practice is fully compliant with the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision is non-negotiable. Properly documenting these strengths is how you turn a ‘good’ practice into a premium acquisition target.
Understanding Current Market Activity
You do not have to look far to see that the market is active. A quick search on business sale platforms reveals a steady stream of therapy practices listed for sale, confirming a liquid market for owners. More importantly, capital is available. Lenders are actively financing practice acquisitions, which empowers a new generation of buyers to enter the market and lets existing groups expand. These buyers, from private equity groups to individual therapists, are sophisticated. They are not just buying a job; they are investing in a business. Understanding what they prioritize is key to positioning your practice effectively.
| Buyer Type | Primary Focus | What This Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Private Equity / MSO | Scalability & EBITDA | They will pay a premium for clean financials and a multi-provider, system-driven operation. |
| Local Competitor | Market Share & Synergies | They are looking to absorb your patient base and may value your location highly. |
| First-Time Owner | Turnkey Operation & Owner Support | They need a stable practice with a smooth transition plan and are willing to pay for it. |
Navigating the Sale Process
Selling your practice is a structured process, not a single event. It begins long before you speak to a potential buyer. The first step is a professional valuation to understand what your practice is truly worth. Next comes preparation, where you organize your financials and operations for buyer scrutiny. Only then does Confidential Marketing begin, where your advisor discreetly presents the opportunity to a curated list of qualified buyers. Once interest is established, you move into Due Diligence. This is the most critical phase and where many deals fail. Buyers will meticulously verify every aspect of your business. A well-managed process, guided by an expert, anticipates their questions and provides clear documentation, ensuring a smooth path to a successful closing.
How Your Practice is Valued
Practice owners often underestimate their practice’s true market value. Your worth isn’t just a percentage of revenue. Sophisticated buyers use a more precise method that we use for every client, focusing on profitability and future potential.
It Starts with Adjusted EBITDA
The foundational metric is Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). This is not the profit number on your tax return. We start with your stated profit and then “normalize” it by adding back one-time or owner-specific costs. These can include your above-market salary, personal vehicle leases, or other discretionary expenses. This simple process reveals the true cash flow of the business, which is what a buyer is actually purchasing. Many owners are surprised to find their Adjusted EBITDA is significantly higher than their net income.
Applying the Right Multiple
Once we establish your Adjusted EBITDA, we apply a valuation multiple to determine your practice’s Enterprise Value. This multiple is not a guess; it is determined by several factors: scale, payer mix, growth rate, and your reliance as a provider. A multi-therapist practice with efficient systems will always command a higher multiple than a solo practice entirely dependent on the owner. Getting this multiple right is part art, part science, and is based on real-time data from recent transactions in the therapy space.
Planning for Life After the Sale
A successful transaction is defined by what happens after the closing. Your legacy, the well-being of your staff, and your financial security all depend on a well-designed post-sale plan. This often includes a structured transition period where you help guide the new owner, ensuring continuity of care for your patients and stability for your team. This support is often a key selling point for buyers. Beyond the transition, it is critical to understand the financial implications. The headline price is not what you deposit in the bank. We help our clients model their net proceeds after taxes, fees, and any debt repayment. Thinking through these details beforehand ensures there are no surprises and that the sale fully achieves your personal and financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is now a good time to sell an Occupational & Hand Therapy practice in Oklahoma City?
The Oklahoma City market is robust with strong local demand, national industry growth, and positive demographics. These factors create a favorable environment where buyers are actively seeking established practices, making it a great time to sell.
What are the key factors that buyers look for when purchasing a therapy practice in Oklahoma City?
Buyers prioritize financial transparency, operational stability, and compliance with the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. They also look for proof of profitability (Adjusted EBITDA), low staff turnover, and a stable patient base.
How is the value of my Occupational & Hand Therapy practice determined?
Value is primarily based on Adjusted EBITDA, which normalizes profit by adding back one-time or owner-specific expenses. This figure is then multiplied by a factor influenced by practice scale, payer mix, growth rate, and owner reliance to calculate Enterprise Value.
What types of buyers are active in the Oklahoma City therapy practice market?
There are three main buyer types: Private Equity or MSO buyers who focus on scalability and EBITDA; local competitors looking to expand market share and synergies; and first-time owners who value turnkey operations and owner support during transition.
What steps should I take to prepare my practice for sale?
Begin preparations 2-3 years in advance by organizing financials, ensuring operational stability, maintaining a qualified and stable team, and achieving full compliance with relevant licensing boards. Professional valuation and confidential marketing through an expert advisor are also essential for a successful sale.
