Selling your Occupational and Hand Therapy practice in New Hampshire is a significant decision. The market is active, presenting a unique window of opportunity for owners who are well-prepared. This guide offers insights into the current landscape, from valuation factors to key market trends. We will help you understand the path forward so you can make an informed choice about your future and your practice’s legacy.
Market Overview
The timing for selling your Occupational and Hand Therapy practice in New Hampshire is supported by strong market fundamentals. Nationally, the industry is experiencing robust growth, creating an attractive environment for both buyers and sellers. This positive trend is reflected locally in the Granite State.
Here is what the current market looks like.
- Impressive National Growth: The U.S. therapy market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 10.1% through 2032. This high growth attracts significant buyer interest, from private equity firms to strategic health systems.
- Strong Local Demand: New Hampshire’s demand for skilled therapists is clear. The average occupational therapist earns around $87,690, with Certified Hand Therapists commanding salaries near $94,338. This indicates a healthy, functioning market for therapy services.
- Active Sale Environment: Profitable and established Occupational Therapy practices are actively listed for sale in New Hampshire, some with annual revenues exceeding $500,000. This shows a liquid market where transactions are happening.
Key Considerations for Sellers
Beyond strong financials, sophisticated buyers look for well-run practices that are positioned for future success. As you prepare for a potential sale, focusing on a few key areas can dramatically increase your practice’s appeal and final valuation.
Operational and Clinical Excellence
Your practice’s value is deeply tied to its day-to-day operations. A stable, experienced team of licensed OTs and CHTs is a tremendous asset. Strong, documented referral networks from local physicians and health systems demonstrate sustainability. High patient satisfaction and a loyal patient base prove the quality of care you provide. Buyers are not just acquiring equipment; they are acquiring a reputation.
Regulatory and Financial Readiness
Ensuring your house is in order is critical. All therapist licenses must be current and in good standing with the New Hampshire Occupational Therapy Governing Board. Your financial records, from Profit & Loss statements to balance sheets, should be clean, clear, and readily available. Buyers will perform due diligence, and organized, transparent records build trust and streamline the process.
Market Activity
The market for therapy practices in New Hampshire is not just a concept. It is an active arena with real transactions. We see a growing trend where larger, well-funded groups and regional players are looking to expand their footprint in the Northeast. They are actively seeking well-run, profitable practices like yours to acquire. This creates a competitive environment for sellers. For an independent practice owner, this means you may have more options than you think. Navigating multiple interested parties to secure the best price and terms requires a structured approach. It is about turning buyer interest into tangible value for you.
Curious about what your practice might be worth in today’s market?
The Sale Process
Selling a medical practice is a structured process, not a single event. Understanding the key stages helps you prepare and maintain control from start to finish. When managed properly, this process protects your confidentiality and is designed to create a competitive dynamic that maximizes your final outcome.
| Stage | What It Involves |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | We begin by analyzing financials, clarifying your goals, and preparing a professional valuation. This phase ensures we go to market from a position of strength. |
| 2. Confidential Marketing | We identify and discreetly approach a curated list of qualified buyers. This is not a public listing. It is a targeted process to find the right strategic and financial partner. |
| 3. Negotiation & Offers | As interest builds, we manage negotiations to secure the best possible terms. We help you compare offers not just on price, but on structure, culture, and post-sale life. |
| 4. Due Diligence & Closing | The chosen buyer verifies all financial and operational details. We help you manage this intensive phase to prevent surprises and guide you through to a successful closing. |
Understanding Your Practice’s Value
Determining what your practice is truly worth is the foundation of a successful sale. While you may hear rules of thumb, like a multiple of annual revenue, a true valuation is far more sophisticated. It is a blend of financial science and market art. Buyers today look past simple revenue and focus on profitability, specifically Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). This metric reflects the true cash flow of the business. However, the final multiple applied to that number depends on many factors: your payer mix, reliance on a single therapist, growth potential, and the strength of your referral network. A professional valuation tells the compelling story of your practice’s future, not just its past.
Life After the Sale
The day you close the sale is a beginning, not an end. Structuring the deal correctly is critical for ensuring a smooth transition and protecting your financial future. Thinking about these factors ahead of time gives you more control over the final outcome.
You should have a clear plan for these key areas.
- Your Transition Role: Will you stay on for a period to ensure a smooth handover? Or are you seeking an immediate exit? Defining your desired role early helps find a buyer whose goals align with yours.
- Protecting Your Staff: Your team is a key asset. A good transition plan includes clear communication and incentives to ensure staff are secure and motivated under new ownership, protecting the legacy of care you built.
- Structuring Your Payout: Your proceeds may not be a single lump sum. The deal could include an earnout, where you receive additional payments for hitting performance targets, or rollover equity, where you retain a stake in the new, larger company. Each structure has different tax and risk implications that need careful consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current market growth trend for Occupational & Hand Therapy practices in New Hampshire?
The U.S. therapy market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 10.1% through 2032, and this strong national growth is reflected locally in New Hampshire, creating an attractive environment for both buyers and sellers.
What key factors do buyers look for in an Occupational & Hand Therapy practice when considering a purchase?
Buyers look for well-run practices with operational and clinical excellence, including a stable team of licensed therapists, documented referral networks, high patient satisfaction, and a loyal patient base. They also value clean and organized financial records and current licenses.
How does the sale process for an Occupational & Hand Therapy practice typically proceed?
The sale process is structured in four stages: Preparation (analyzing financials and clarifying goals), Confidential Marketing (approaching qualified buyers discreetly), Negotiation & Offers (securing the best terms), and Due Diligence & Closing (verifying details and completing the sale). This process protects confidentiality and maximizes outcomes.
What methods are used to value an Occupational & Hand Therapy practice in New Hampshire?
Practice valuation is based on profitability metrics like Adjusted EBITDA rather than just annual revenue. Factors influencing the multiple applied include payer mix, reliance on a single therapist, growth potential, and the strength of referral networks, providing a comprehensive picture of future potential.
What should sellers consider regarding their role and team after selling their Occupational & Hand Therapy practice?
Sellers should plan their transition role, whether staying on temporarily or exiting immediately, ensure a smooth handover to protect their team, communicate clearly with staff, and consider deal structures like earnouts or rollover equity that impact financial and tax outcomes after the sale.