$18M Metal Fabrication Business in Houston - what's the catch? (Acquisitions Anonymous)

professional-advisory profile

August 12, 2025

by a professional-advisory in San Antonio, TX, USA

Hi folks, Will here from the Acquisitions Anonymous team. Today's episode looked at a self-described "cash cow": a $4.5M cash-flowing metal fabrication business in Houston, Texas, going for $18M. It’s only been around since 2020 but boasts a whopping 30% EBITDA margin. Sounds like a dream, right? But is it too good to be true? This business operates in the heart of Harris County, serving the oil and energy sectors with specialized machinery and a 30-acre facility. Despite its impressive financials, the listing’s emphasis on being an "add-on" acquisition raises eyebrows. Are there hidden dependencies or risks? Takeaways - **High Margins:** A 30% EBITDA margin is enticing, but the business’s short history could mean it’s riding a wave of demand that might not last. - **Real Estate Unclear:** The real estate is included as an option, but is the EBITDA reflective of market rent if it’s not purchased? - **SBA Financing Issues:** Given the recent changes in SBA rules, could financing be a stumbling block? - **Cyclicality Concerns:** With its ties to the oil industry, how vulnerable is the business to market fluctuations? - **Due Diligence Required:** The price seems low for such a cash-rich business. What’s the real story? You can listen to the whole episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbWKgrzgnFg And check out the business listing direct: https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/huge-cash-cow-metal-fabrication-business-w-strong-client-base/###-###-#### /
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Reply by a searcher
from Brigham Young University in Salt Lake City, UT, USA
These types of businesses get a quick 'pass' from me: short operational history, sales price doesn't reflect market norms etc. Additionally, always like to see how a business weathered economic storms (est###-###-#### makes me raise an eyebrow).
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Reply by a searcher
from Carnegie Mellon University in Livingston, NJ, USA
I'd ask my self the following 4 questions: 1/ Does longstanding relationship translate to long term contracts or agreements? 2/ What is the nature of fabrication here? Is it for new build out or is it a part of standard and regular maintenance? 3/ And what alternatives do the customers have here? 4/ Any barriers to entry, talent, capex etc.
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