Buy a Liquor Stores Business in Canada
Buy a BC private liquor store with full LCRB licence transfer support.
About This Industry
BC's private liquor store market (LRS — Licensee Retail Store) is one of the most regulated and most lucrative acquisition targets in Canada. The licence itself often carries 60-80% of the deal value.
Market Snapshot
Typical Deal Economics
Typical Price Range
$1.2M - $5M
SDE Range
$200k - $800k
Multiple Range
3x - 5x SDE
Working Capital
3-6 weeks of inventory
Why Buy in This Industry
- LRS licence is a transferable, scarce asset
- Strong daily cash flow
- BC LDB pricing structure protects margins
- Limited LRS supply = strong demand from buyers
- Excellent immigration-linked acquisition target
Key Risks to Diligence
- LCRB licence transfer process (60-120 days)
- BC LDB pricing changes
- Loss-prevention and shrinkage
- Lease cost relative to revenue
- Location-specific demographics
Growth Opportunities
Post-acquisition opportunities we target with our clients in this industry.
British Columbia Specifics
BC private liquor stores operate under the LRS licence regime governed by LCRB. Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Kelowna, Nanaimo, and Victoria all have active LRS resale markets. Licence value alone often exceeds $1M.
Our Edge in This Industry
Services We Apply
Business Valuation
Defensible valuation of the target using SDE, EBITDA multiple, and DCF — calibrated to Canadian comps.
09Due Diligence
Coordinate accountants, lawyers, and specialists through 30-60 day deep diligence.
18Closing
Coordinate the closing day: funds flow, share/asset transfer, licenses, leases, payroll, banking.
21Immigration Buy
Buy a business that qualifies you for BC PNP Entrepreneur, OINP, AAIP, or Start-Up Visa.
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Ready to Buy a Liquor Stores Business?
Start with a free 30-minute Discovery Call. We will review your situation, share what is realistic in this industry, and recommend next steps.
Free Discovery Call