Acquisition financing pays for the purchase price of an operating business, its assets, inventory, and goodwill. These loans fund buyouts of retiring owners, franchise purchases, partner buyouts, and strategic acquisitions that expand your footprint. In Hartford, we've brokered acquisition loans for buyers taking over established restaurants along Franklin Avenue, machine shops in the South Meadows industrial corridor, and multi-unit franchises in the Greater Hartford suburbs.
Lenders typically finance 70 to 90 percent of the purchase price, depending on the deal structure and your equity injection. You'll need cash for the down payment, closing costs, and working capital reserves. The loan term usually mirrors the useful life of the assets you're acquiring.
Lenders evaluate both you and the business you're buying. Your credit history, industry experience, and management track record matter. The target company's cash flow, profitability trend, customer concentration, and asset quality matter even more. Most business acquisition lenders want to see at least two years of tax returns and financials from the seller, plus a clear transition plan.
SBA 7(a) loans remain the most flexible tool for small business acquisition financing, especially when the seller owns real estate or the deal includes intangible assets. Conventional acquisition loans move faster but demand stronger borrower profiles and larger down payments. Franchise acquisition financing often qualifies for expedited SBA review if the brand is on the registry.
We start by reviewing the purchase agreement, the seller's financials, and your equity position. Then we shop your file to acquisition financing lenders in our network who close deals in Connecticut. We explain which structure works best for your situation: SBA 7(a), conventional term loans, or a bridge loan for business acquisition if timing is tight and you need interim funding before permanent financing.
Hartford buyers benefit from our relationships with lenders who know the local market. A buyer pursuing a decades-old tool-and-die shop in the Parkville neighborhood faces different underwriting than someone acquiring a café in West Hartford Center. We position your file to highlight the target company's Hartford-area customer base and your plan to retain key employees through the transition.
Bring the signed letter of intent or purchase agreement, three years of business tax returns and financials from the seller, your personal financial statement, and your resume. We'll also need a brief narrative explaining why you're the right buyer and how you'll grow revenue post-close. If real estate is part of the deal, an appraisal and environmental Phase I will be ordered during underwriting.
Expect 45 to 90 days from application to funding for SBA deals, faster for conventional acquisition loan structures. Closing happens at the title company or attorney's office, and funds disburse directly to the seller or escrow.
Visit our Hartford, CT commercial lending hub to explore other programs, or check our Service Areas page to confirm we broker in your town. We also arrange SBA 7(a) loans, commercial real estate financing, and equipment financing for businesses across Hartford County.
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