How do I find a scaffolding or traffic control company for sale in Canada?

If you type either trade into a listings search, you may see very little. That does not mean nothing is for sale. A firm may be described by who it serves, not what it does, and some owners sell by word of mouth. A good search uses several routes at once and keeps a short, honest list of what you are looking for.

Search under the broader headings

Try construction services, site services, access equipment and contractor support, along with the trade name. Vary the words, since a listing might say temporary access, work-zone safety or road crews. Set up alerts so new listings reach you. Where a listing is unclaimed, the owner may not know it is public, so check carefully before you act on it.

Ask the people who use these firms

General contractors, utilities and paving firms hire these companies, so ask whether they know of owners who are thinking about retiring or selling. Their vendor lists show who is active. Equipment suppliers and insurance brokers also know the owners. Some buyers approach owners politely, explain what they want and keep the conversation confidential.

Work with a broker, and ask whom they act for

A broker who knows the construction trades can open doors. Ask whom the broker acts for on each listing, what they are paid, and whether they hold other mandates you should know about. A broker may act for the seller, so plan your own checks. This differs from searching for a rental yard, which is covered in finding an equipment rental business.

Keep a short screening list

• Which trade, and whether you want labour, equipment or both.
• The area you can realistically serve and supervise.
• The crew you would need to keep after the sale.
• Your financing plan, so owners take you seriously.