The Big (Yet Little) 5

How Five Practices once overlooked by corporate buyers are suddenly back in the game!

Just two weeks ago, I brought 13 practices to market, and here’s the surprising part: five of them had previously been told “no” by corporate buyers, yet now they’re on the radar. 

In this blog, I’m pulling back the curtain on what shifted—what took these practices from “not viable” to “in the running.”

If you’ve ever been told your practice isn’t a fit for corporate acquisition, this might change your perspective.

The Power in Numbers

Here are the key factors that helped the “Big (yet little) 5” attract corporate interest:

1. Geographic Location

One practice was considered too small: a solo-doctor clinic grossing just under $1M. On its own, it wasn’t viable. But it’s near a hub of two practices that are being offered so now corporate groups are eyeing, making it valuable as part of a cluster.

2. Recruiting & Staffing

Another practice is in a highly desirable recruiting area. Corporations know they can pull from a strong pool of doctors. Even as a solo-doctor practice, it became viable because:

• Groups may already have a management team nearby.

• The location helps them scale quickly.

  
  

3. Facility

A third practice had only one doctor but an exceptional facility. Just down the road, another corporate-owned clinic was operating out of a cramped, outdated building. The opportunity for a merger, moving one book of business into a better facility, suddenly made this practice very appealing. 

Tip: Corporations often look for chances to consolidate or migrate smaller, outgrown clinics into larger, modern facilities.

4. Timing & Appetite

Corporate interest fluctuates. Factors like:

• Cash flow & capital available (Are they flush with funds or temporarily pausing?)

• Pipeline saturation (Do they have too many deals about to close?)

• Upcoming mergers/rollups (Are they prepping for a larger acquisition?)

All of these influence whether a smaller practice suddenly becomes a priority. 

5. Market Forces

Shifts in multiples, buyer appetite, and PE group strategies can instantly change desirability. What was once dismissed might suddenly fit a larger corporate puzzle. 

Why This Matters

The “little guy” practices, the ones often told they’re too small or don’t fit the model, can gain traction when paired strategically with others. Safety in numbers, stronger recruiting pools, better facilities, and market timing all add leverage

This gives owners:

• A shot at selling to corporate groups when they once had no chance.

• New pathways to explore, especially with an experienced broker guiding them.

Final Word

Like a safari guide navigating rough terrain, my role as a broker is to spot opportunities where others see roadblocks. If your practice has ever been told it’s “not a fit,” it may simply be about timing, positioning, or the right grouping.

The Big (yet little) 5 are proof that doors can open where you least expect them.

Check out our African Adventure page to see exclusive pictures from our team's recent South African Safari: https://www.practicesalesadvisors.com/african-adventure