A Business brokerage is the office of a business broker.

Upon signing a listing contract with the seller who wishes to sell their business, the brokerage attempts to earn a commission by finding a buyer for the sellers' business at the highest possible price on the best terms for the seller.

To help accomplish this goal of finding business buyers, a business brokerage commonly does the following:

• Market Knowledge - Business Brokers make their living selling businesses. They are in the market on a daily basis conversing with Buyers. A local business broker understands the local market as well as what a business is worth.
• Ensures Confidentiality - Brokers have established systems in place to protect the confidentiality of a business.
• Appraisals - Most business owners have no idea what their business is worth. Certified Business Brokers are trained in business valuation and can help business owners understand the true value of all their hard work and sacrifice.
• Listing the business for sale to the public, often on a Multiple Listing Service, in addition to any other methods.
• Based on the law in several states, providing the seller with a business condition disclosure form, and other forms which may be needed.
• Preparing necessary papers describing the business for advertising, pamphlets, tours, etc.
• Advertising the business. Advertising is often the biggest outside expense in listing a business.
• Being a contact person available to answer any questions about the business and to schedule showing appointments
• Ensuring buyers are pre-screened so that they are financially qualified to buy the business; the more highly financially qualified the buyer is, the more likely the closing will succeed.
• Saves time and stress
• Negotiating price on behalf of the sellers. The seller's agent acts as a fiduciary for the seller. By not being emotionally tied to the transaction, Business Brokers are in a position to more effectively negotiate on a Seller's behalf. This may involve preparing a standard offer to purchase contract by filling in the blanks in the contract form.
• In some cases, holding an earnest payment in escrow from the buyer(s) until the closing. In many states, the closing is the meeting between the buyer and seller where the business ownership is transferred and the businesses name is conveyed.

A Business brokereage attracts prospective buyers in a variety of ways, including listing limited details of available businesses on their websites and advertising in business newspapers and magazines. Brokers also directly approach prospective buyers and sellers to gauge interest.