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The same-NAICS expansion carve-out - the roll-up operator's best-kept fact

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Quick Answer

An existing business acquiring another in the same 6-digit NAICS code, under identical ownership and in the same geographic area, is treated as an expansion with no minimum equity injection.1

What it is

Where an operating business acquires a business sharing its own six-digit NAICS code, with identical ownership, in the same geographic area, and the parties are co-borrowers, the SOP treats the transaction as an expansion rather than as a change of ownership — and no minimum equity injection applies.1

Operational context

Why It Matters

For anyone building a platform by buying more of what they already own, this is the most consequential financing fact available and it is buried in a Word document almost nobody opens. It changes the cash required per add-on, which changes how many add-ons a year is possible, which changes the strategy. Confirm each condition with your lender in writing before you rely on it.1

Common mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The same-NAICS expansion carve-out - the roll-up operator's best-kept fact in venture capital?

Where an operating business acquires a business sharing its own six-digit NAICS code, with identical ownership, in the same geographic area, and the parties are co-borrowers, the SOP treats the transaction as an expansion rather than as a change of ownership — and no minimum equity injection...

Why is The same-NAICS expansion carve-out - the roll-up operator's best-kept fact important for startups?

Understanding The same-NAICS expansion carve-out - the roll-up operator's best-kept fact is critical for founders navigating the fundraising process. It directly impacts deal terms, valuation, and the relationship between founders and investors.

Sources & References

  1. 1.A1-06 — SBA SOP 50 10 Version 8, eff. 2025-06-01 (.docx)SBA SOP 50 10 Version 8, eff. 2025-06-01 (.docx)Gov / statistical primary(An existing business acquiring another in the same 6-digit NAICS code, under identical ownership and in the same geographic area, is treated as an expansion with no minimum equity injection.)primary · A1 · operating-compliance · rule

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