FOR OWNERS
We provide a thoughtful path for business owners ready to see their companies carried forward by the next generation of owner-operators — the Lab One team itself.
A lasting home for exceptional BC businesses and the people who built them.
Selling a business is personal. We understand that most owners care as much about who will run their company next as what it sells for. At Lab One, we provide a permanent home for enduring small businesses — run by experienced operators who share your values and steward what you’ve built for decades to come.
Committed Capital
We invest our own permanent capital to buy and build small businesses we can hold for decades. No exit clocks, no fund pressures — just patient ownership and a long view.
Small Business Expertise
We’ve spent our careers running and growing small businesses. We understand the daily realities of payroll, customers, and reputation — and we thrive in that environment.
Proven Operators
Every company we own is led by a seasoned operator who rolls up their sleeves. We don’t just acquire businesses — we run them, grow them, and take responsibility for their people.
Legacy with Intention
We’re builders at heart. When we buy a business, we aim to preserve what makes it special while giving it the resources, leadership, and stability to thrive for generations.
What We Buy
- Geography: Vancouver Island preferred. Western Canada considered.
- Annual Profit (EBITDA¹): $750k – $4.0M (recycling and waste businesses from $250k+).
- Sectors: Most industries except commodity extraction and real estate holding.
- Who We Typically Buy From: Primarily family or founder-owned businesses with owners looking to retire. We typically buy the entire company and build on its legacy.
- Diversification: Stable earnings with a broad customer base (no single customer >20% of revenue).
We require at least two of the following: Established businesses with steady earnings, a broad customer base, plus two or more of the following:
- Repeat customers or steady demand (whether through contracts, maintenance work, or regular re-orders)
- A reliable team that can run day-to-day without the owner needing to be in every decision.
- A ‘secret sauce’ (something you do better than anyone else, like specialized know-how, reputation, or unique way of operating).
- A strong local or regional reputation where customers and competitors alike know you as the go-to name.
¹ Not sure about EBITDA? Many owners use SDE. If you are paying yourself through the business, we will translate SDE to EBITDA on the first call.
Whether owners are looking to fully exit or step into a new role, we are committed to being the purchaser of choice for retiring business owners in Western Canada.
Transaction Types
Legacy Buyout
For owners ready to fully transition (100% sale) while ensuring their team, culture, and customers continue to thrive for decades.
Legacy Transition
For owners planning an exit over the next 2–7 years. We often structure a two-step sale that allows for a smooth handoff while preserving your legacy.
Growth Partnerships
For owners who want to stay involved but bring in a partner to share risk and fuel expansion — typically retaining 25–49% while we help scale operations.
Add-on Acquisitions
For our existing portfolio companies seeking strategic add-ons or bolt-ons to accelerate growth and strengthen their position in the market.
Our
Process
We're ready when you are - though a simple, transparent, and thoughtfully managed process, we can buy your business in under 90 days.
Typical Steps
A short conversation to understand your business, your values, and what a successful transition looks like. Our goal is to see if we’re the right long-term fit — or, if not, to be a helpful sounding board and point you toward other trusted professionals.
We sign a straightforward two-way confidentiality agreement so both sides can speak openly and share information safely.
We request only the essentials — basic financials and a high-level overview of operations. We respect your time and focus on what truly matters.
After reviewing the information, we present a clear term sheet outlining valuation, structure, and key terms. If everything aligns, we both sign a short Letter of Intent (LOI) — a mostly non-binding agreement that confirms our mutual understanding of price and terms before entering due diligence. It ensures both sides are aligned early, reducing surprises later.
Over the next 30 – 60 days, we verify the key drivers of your business. In the first few weeks, we focus on the one to three areas that matter most to confirming our understanding of the business. Once those are validated, the rest of diligence is largely confirmatory. We keep requests concise and minimize disruption for you and your team.
We finalize the purchase agreement and complete the transfer of funds. From there, our focus shifts to continuity — ensuring your people, customers, and community are well supported for the long run.
Contact our investment team
We’d love to learn more about your business and what you’re exploring next.
Every discussion is confidential and handled directly by our partners — no intermediaries, no pressure, just an open and honest dialogue about whether we’re the right fit.
You can reach our investment team directly at
legacy@labonecapital.com.
Alternatively, you may complete our mutual NDA and contact form below, and someone from the investment team will respond.
Mutual NDA
This mutual nondisclosure agreement (the “Agreement”) is effective as of the date below between Lab One Capital Corp., Suite 1750, 1055 W. Georgia St., Vancouver, BC V6E 3P3, and [Company Name], [Company Address].
Purpose. We intend to discuss a potential transaction (the “Opportunity”), which may involve disclosure of Confidential Information.
Confidential Information. Confidential Information is non-public information disclosed in any form that is designated as confidential or that a reasonable person would understand to be confidential, including copies and notes. Confidential Information does not include information that: (1) is or becomes public through no breach by the recipient; (2) is received from a third party without breach; (3) was already known to the recipient; or (4) is independently developed without use of Confidential Information. We may share Confidential Information with our Affiliates and Representatives who need to know and are bound to keep it confidential; we remain responsible for their compliance. We will protect Confidential Information with at least reasonable care.
Required disclosures. If disclosure is required by law, regulation, or legal process, the recipient will, where legally permitted, give prompt written notice and reasonably cooperate at the discloser’s expense to seek protective treatment.
Use limits; no obligation. We will use Confidential Information only to evaluate the Opportunity. No license is granted, information is provided as-is, and neither party is obligated to proceed with any transaction.
Return or destruction. On written request, the recipient will promptly return or destroy Confidential Information, except archival backups and legally required or preexisting policy-based retention.
Publicity. Neither party will disclose the existence or terms of this Agreement or that discussions are occurring, except to Representatives or as required by law.
Acknowledgement. Except for the confidentiality restrictions above, nothing in this Agreement limits either party from operating or investing in any business, including one that may compete with the other, or from evaluating or transacting with third parties.
Term. Obligations apply for two years from disclosure. Provisions on remedies, notices, governing law, assignment, and survival continue as needed to give effect to this Agreement.
Remedies and governing law. Breach may cause irreparable harm. A party may seek injunctive relief. Neither party will be liable for consequential, incidental, indirect, special, or punitive damages under this Agreement. This Agreement is governed by the laws of British Columbia, and disputes will be heard in Vancouver courts.
Assignment. Neither party may assign this Agreement without the other’s written consent, except to a successor acquiring substantially all assets of the assigning party.
Notices; counterparts. Notices may be delivered by email and are effective on receipt. This Agreement may be signed electronically and in counterparts.
Ready to start a conversation?
Sign our mutual NDA below to begin discussions.