Buy or Sell a Business in Des Plaines, IL

Des Plaines Economic Overview

Des Plaines benefits from its strategic location adjacent to O'Hare International Airport, one of the world's busiest airports. This proximity drives hospitality, logistics, and service businesses while Rivers Casino has added entertainment and dining opportunities.

The city has a diverse economy spanning manufacturing, retail, restaurants, and professional services. With excellent highway access (I-90, I-294) and Metra service, Des Plaines serves both local residents and the broader O'Hare business community.

Des Plaines Business Market Data

Metric	Value
Population	60,675
Total Businesses	3,200+
Average Business Sale Price	$275,000
Median Time to Sell	9 months
Top Industries	Hospitality, Manufacturing, Retail, Restaurants, Logistics
Region	Chicagoland (O'Hare Corridor)

Selling a Business in Des Plaines

Des Plaines' strategic location and diverse economy create solid opportunities for sellers:

Des Plaines Seller Advantages

O'Hare proximity: Airport-related businesses have strong demand
Casino traffic: Rivers Casino drives visitor volume
Transportation access: Excellent highway and transit connectivity
Diverse economy: Multiple industry sectors provide stability

Complete Selling Guide →

Buying a Business in Des Plaines

Des Plaines offers diverse opportunities for buyers seeking strategic locations:

Des Plaines Buyer Advantages

Strategic location: O'Hare access for travel-related businesses
Affordable entry: Lower costs than some neighboring suburbs
Diverse workforce: Access to multilingual talent
Growth potential: Ongoing development and investment

Complete Buying Guide →

Top Industries in Des Plaines

🏨 Hospitality

Hotels and airport services.

🍽️ Restaurants

Diverse dining options.

🏭 Manufacturing

Light manufacturing and distribution.

🛍️ Retail

Local and specialty retail.

Des Plaines Business Resources

Local Organizations

How Business Sales Typically Work in Des Plaines

Whether you are selling or buying in Des Plaines, the core stages match other Illinois Main Street deals—with local timing driven by leases, licenses, and how deep the local buyer pool is.

Preparation & valuation: Clean financials, a defensible SDE or EBITDA bridge, and a realistic price range. Statewide methods are covered in our valuation guide and 2026 valuation article.
Confidential marketing: Blind teaser, NDA, then detailed materials. Avoid broadcasting a sale to employees or competitors too early—see confidentiality.
LOI & exclusivity: Align price, structure, diligence period, and financing contingencies in writing. LOI guide.
Diligence & consents: Financial proof, contract assignment, landlord consent, and any Illinois license reapplications. Buyers should use a structured checklist (buyer diligence).
Closing & transition: Purchase agreement, bulk sales/tax coordination when applicable, funds flow, and a defined training period. Closing checklist · Bulk sales.

Des Plaines planning tips

Map every license and permit with transfer vs reapplication paths before you list or go under LOI.
Abstract the lease: remaining term, assignment clause, personal guaranty, and landlord timeline.
If the local buyer pool is thin, expand outreach to regional operators and Illinois searchers—not only city-limited portal filters.
Document customer concentration and owner duties; transferability often matters more than a polished storefront.

Full seller process → · Full buyer process → · All Illinois cities →

Educational only—not legal or tax advice. Confirm Illinois requirements with counsel and your CPA. About this site.

Buy or Sell a Business in Des Plaines, Illinois

Des Plaines Business Market at a Glance