Guide to Selling a Urgent Care Practice in New Hampshire

If you are an Urgent Care owner in New Hampshire, you are likely aware of the shifting landscape. The market is mature, and growth for larger groups now comes from acquiring practices just like yours. Selling is a great option for many owners, but it is a complex process that often takes six months to a year. This guide provides a clear overview of the market, the process, and what you can do to prepare for a successful sale.

The New Hampshire Urgent Care Market: A Time of Consolidation

The days of rapid expansion through new clinic openings are slowing down. Today, the urgent care market in New Hampshire is defined by consolidation. We see large hospital systems and private equity firms looking to grow by acquiring established, high-quality independent practices. This trend puts pressure on independent owners. You are likely dealing with shifting reimbursement models, complex regulations, and patient demands for more services at a lower cost. These factors make it harder to maintain profitability and can lead to burnout. For many, this changing environment makes it an ideal time to consider a sale and capitalize on the strong buyer interest.

Key Considerations Before You Sell

Selling your practice is a major life event. Before you dive in, it is helpful to think through a few key areas. Your personal goals are just as important as the financial details.

What Are Your End Goals?

First, clarify what you want from a sale. Are you looking for a clean exit to retire? Do you want to stay on in some capacity without the administrative burden? Or is your primary goal to maximize your financial return? Answering these questions helps shape the entire process and identifies the right type of buyer for you. Many owners find it valuable to start this process now, even if a sale is 2-3 years away. This allows you to prepare and sell on your terms.

Why Preparation is a 1-2 Year Process

Proper preparation is the single biggest factor in a successful sale. I’ve seen owners significantly increase their final sale price by starting early. This process involves organizing at least three years of financial records, cleaning up the physical plant, and resolving any outstanding legal or debt issues. Buyers pay for proven performance, not potential. The work you do in the one to two years before a sale demonstrates that your practice is a low-risk, high-value asset.

Who is Buying Urgent Care Practices in New Hampshire?

The current market is very active. Both regional hospital systems and national private equity groups are looking for well-run urgent care practices in New Hampshire to add to their networks. It is a seller’s market. Many practice owners are being approached directly with offers to merge or sell. While this interest is great, it also means you need to be prepared. The first offer is rarely the best one. Understanding the full range of potential buyers and creating a competitive process is the best way to ensure you receive the maximum value for the practice you have worked so hard to build.

What Does the Sale Process Involve?

From the first decision to the final signature, selling your practice is a structured journey. It is not a quick transaction. You should plan for a 6 to 12-month timeline. Each stage has its own challenges and requires careful attention to detail. An experienced M&A advisor manages this entire process, letting you focus on running your practice while they secure the best outcome. Below is a simplified look at the typical stages.

How is Your Urgent Care Practice Valued?

One of the first questions every owner asks is, “What is my practice worth?” The answer is more than just a number from your tax return. Sophisticated buyers value your practice based on a metric called Adjusted EBITDA. Think of this as your true cash flow. We start with your reported profit and add back things like your salary (if it’s above market rate), personal expenses run through the business, and other one-time costs. This gives a clear picture of the practice’s profitability. That Adjusted EBITDA is then multiplied by a number called a “multiple.” This multiple can range from 4x to over 8x, and it depends on your practice’s size, provider mix, and growth profile. A practice with multiple providers and strong growth will command a higher multiple than a solo practice. Most owners are surprised to learn their practice is worth more than they thought once their financials are properly presented.

Planning for Life After the Sale

The closing is not the end of the story. A successful transition plan protects your financial future, your staff, and your legacy in the community. Thinking about these elements early in the process is key.

Your Role in the Transition

Most buyers will want you to stay involved for a period of time, typically 6 months to 2 years, to ensure a smooth transition for patients and staff. This can be structured in many ways, from a full-time clinical role to a part-time consulting agreement. The right plan allows you to transition out on a timeline that works for you.

Deal Structure and Your Financial Future

How a deal is structured has huge implications for your future. Some owners want all cash at closing. Others are interested in “rolling over” a portion of their ownership (typically 10-30%) into the new, larger company. This gives you a “second bite of the apple” and can lead to another significant payday when the larger entity is sold again in the future. These structures can help you stay involved and are powerful tools for wealth creation.

Finding the Right Home for Your Team

For most owners, their practice is more than a business. It is a team that feels like family. Finding a buyer who shares your values and will take care of your staff is a critical part of the process. A good advisor helps you vet buyers not just on price, but on cultural fit, ensuring the legacy you built continues to thrive.