For several years now, Quebec has been experiencing a significant wave of business transfers. In 2025, this reality is more tangible than ever. Thousands of entrepreneurs are approaching retirement age, and many are looking for someone to pass the torch to. This context paves the way for a growing phenomenon: business transfers .
According to data from the Centre de transfert d'entreprise du Québec (CTEQ), more than 34,000 owners plan to sell their businesses in the coming years. For the next generation of entrepreneurs, this represents a concrete gateway into the business world. For sellers, it's an opportunity to maximize the value of their business after years of work. But for both parties, it's still important to be well prepared.
Entrepreneurship as a way forward
Taking over a business rather than starting one from scratch is increasingly seen as a realistic, accessible, and less risky solution. By taking over an already active SME, the entrepreneur benefits from an existing customer base, established revenues, an existing team, and sometimes even contractual relationships or expertise that are difficult to replicate.
Entrepreneurship is also becoming increasingly relevant due to current challenges: an uncertain economic environment, labor shortages, and limited access to startup financing. In this environment, starting over rather than starting from scratch is becoming a winning strategy.
Particularly affected sectors
The dynamics of transfers are not uniform across sectors. Some are particularly exposed due to the aging of their leadership and the lack of internal succession planning. Professional services (B2B and B2C), manufacturing, retail, agri-food, and franchised restaurants are among the most affected.
On trnsfr.ca , we see a significant concentration of businesses for sale in these sectors. It is therefore possible, from now on, to have a clear vision of the type of businesses available for takeover, sorted by sector and level of complexity.
What is still holding back takeovers?
Despite growing interest, several obstacles still slow the transfer market. On the seller side, a lack of preparation is often the culprit: insufficient documentation, excessive reliance on the founder, or unrealistic expectations about the company's value.
On the buyer side, challenges often lie in financing, negotiation, or even the difficulty of identifying companies that are actually available. Information is sometimes scattered, legal processes lengthy, and the framework lacks standardization.
To overcome these limitations, trnsfr provides free tools such as business valuation AI , an EBITDA calculator , as well as essential legal templates (letter of intent, non-disclosure agreement, offer to purchase). These resources aim to make the process more fluid, transparent and supervised.
A market transformation in 2025
Fortunately, there are clear signs that the transfer market is becoming more structured. More and more companies are being put up for sale with solid documentation: detailed financial statements, succession plans, organizational charts, and client history.
Buyers, for their part, have access to centralized platforms like trnsfr , which facilitates networking and access to analytical tools. Specialized brokers are also better supported, and networks of experts support complex transactions.
Even among financial institutions, there is a greater appetite for recovery financing, particularly in cases where a company already generates predictable cash flows.
Taking over a business is also an act of economic continuity
Behind the numbers and business models lie very real challenges. Taking over a business also means avoiding the closure of a local business, the disappearance of local expertise, or the loss of twenty jobs.
In 2025, many entrepreneurs are choosing this path not only for economic reasons, but also for the positive impact they can have on their communities. It's a form of responsible entrepreneurship, rooted in Quebec's reality.
If you're interested in exploring this avenue, check out our selection of recovery-ready businesses , and use our tools to assess their potential.
Are you a seller? Prepare for your transition
A successful transfer isn't something that can be left to the last minute. Sellers who begin the process at least 12 to 24 months before the sale increase their chances of success, reduce contentious negotiations, and maximize their value.
The Sell with trnsfr page allows you to publish a complete business profile, accompanied by free tools and personalized advice to promote your project.
Are you a buyer? Here’s how to get started
Before making an offer, it's essential to understand a company's true value. With our EBITDA calculator , you can quickly estimate a target's profitability. Then, you can structure your approach using our business buying guide and our series of legal templates.
Business takeovers are a process that requires dedication and support. Trnsfr also supports brokers and professionals who facilitate these transactions on a daily basis.
2025: a pivotal year
It's no longer an emerging trend: business transfers have become a major issue in the Quebec economy. It represents a unique opportunity for those who wish to become entrepreneurs while limiting risk, and a strategic challenge for managers seeking to plan their exit.
Whether you're thinking about it, actively searching, or simply curious, trnsfr gives you access to everything you need to make this transition a success.
