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Source

Rankings are computed from the U.S. Small Business Administration's public 7(a) loan files, released under the Freedom of Information Act and refreshed by the SBA each quarter. Files used: FOIA - 7(a) (FY2010-FY2019) as of September 30, 2026 (csv) FOIA - 7(a) (FY2020-Present) as of September 30, 2026 (csv).

What counts as an acquisition

Loans the SBA records with a business age of "Change of Ownership". Rankings cover FY2024–FY2026 (20,769 loans). Lenders are ranked by number of loans, then dollars.

Local industry pages with fewer than 10 approvals can be opened through the market explorer. The public sitemap includes local profiles that meet that sample threshold.

Limits

These are approvals, not closings, and some approved loans are later cancelled. Loan amount is not purchase price. Deals financed without an SBA 7(a) loan do not appear. Rates shown are initial rates and most 7(a) loans are variable. A ranking is a record of past activity, not a recommendation, and nothing here is financial advice.

Acquisition Lender Index is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the SBA or any lender listed.

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