What Buyers Want in a Staffing Agency in 2025—and How to Attract Them

• Proven Financial Performance: Buyers want consistent revenue growth and strong profitability. They typically look for two years of solid financials, with EBITDA margins of 10-15% for mid-sized firms. If your agency serves high-demand sectors like tech or healthcare, you’re already a step ahead.
• Niche Expertise: Specializing in high-growth areas—like tech, healthcare, or gig economy staffing—makes your agency stand out. For example, the U.S. IT staffing market is projected to grow from $37.89 billion in 2023 to $52.21 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.49% (source: Market Research Future).
• Balanced Client Portfolio: A diverse client base reduces risk. Buyers shy away from agencies overly dependent on one sector or client, especially with economic uncertainties like high interest rates potentially slowing spending in late 2025.
• Scalable Systems: Agencies with efficient processes and technology—like AI for candidate sourcing—are more appealing. Buyers want firms they can scale without major overhauls. AI-sourced candidates are 14% more likely to pass interviews, giving tech-forward agencies an edge (source: SHRM, 2024).
• Strong Talent Retention: A robust talent pipeline and high retention rates signal long-term value. Offering perks like earned wage access (which 77% of workers say reduces stress, per a 2024 ADP survey) can set you apart by boosting retention.

• Large Staffing Firms: Giants like Adecco and Randstad are snapping up smaller agencies to expand into niches like tech or healthcare. They target firms with revenues of $10M-$100M. One buyer in SAB’s database is seeking a U.S.-based, tech-focused agency up to $100M with strong financials.
• Private Equity Firms: PE firms are drawn to the industry’s steady cash flow. They look for agencies with EBITDA above $2M and scalable models, especially in the gig economy, where 36.6 million U.S. workers were independent in 2023, up from 15.8 million in 2020 (source: Statista).
• Regional Players: Mid-sized firms in high-growth regions like the Sun Belt are acquiring to diversify. 
• Tech-Driven Buyers: Staffing platforms and tech-focused buyers prioritize agencies with AI tools or remote interviewing capabilities. With 67% of talent acquisition professionals citing AI as a top trend for 2025 (source: LinkedIn Talent Solutions), these buyers want to integrate tech-savvy agencies into their ecosystems.

• Show Off Your Financials: Highlight consistent growth and profitability. If you’re in a high-growth sector like IT, share your revenue trajectory to grab attention.
• Emphasize Your Niche: Specialize in growing areas like healthcare? Showcase your expertise. Healthcare staffing is booming, with a projected need for 203,200 new nurses annually through 2031 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• Diversify Your Clients: Reduce risk by serving multiple sectors—like tech, healthcare, and manufacturing. A balanced portfolio reassures buyers in uncertain economic times.
• Adopt Technology: Invest in AI tools for sourcing and onboarding. A tech staffing agency we worked with increased its valuation by 15% after implementing AI, cutting placement times by 20%.
• Boost Retention: Use flexible payment options like earned wage access to keep candidates happy. Highlight these efforts to show buyers your agency’s staying power.