As we head into 2026, strategic business acquisitions in Australia remain a highly attractive path to growth—especially when choosing the right sector. Drawing on the latest ABS data (2023–24) and IBISWorld forecasts, here are the Top 5 industries primed for acquisition in 2026.
| Industry | Revenue (2025)* | Employment Share | Key Growth Drivers |
| Professional & Technical Services | $324 b | 9% | Consultancy & tech demand |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $217 b | 16% | Ageing pop. & public funding |
| Construction | $568 b+ | 9% | Infrastructure & residential |
| Agribusiness | $358 b | 2.2% | Export demand & productivity gains |
| Accomm. & Food Services | $461 b | 6.3% | Tourism & consumer spending |
Why it matters: The sector ranked among the top‑5 largest by both employment (~1.32 million jobs, 9.2% of the workforce) and revenue (AUD $324.5 b in 2025) .
Growth outlook: Strong demand in consultancy, legal, engineering, IT & digital services. Professional services revenue is forecast to climb steadily into 2026 .
Acquisition appeal: These businesses often come with stable recurring contracts, enabling immediate cash flow and scalability through add‑on services.
Scale: With more than 2.23 million
employees (15.6% of workforce), it's Australia's largest
employer.
Source: theaustralian.com.au
Revenue strength: The Health Services industry saw $217 b in revenue in 2025, while overall earnings in health care/social assistance remained resilient.
Future drivers: Australia's ageing demographic supports continued expansion in aged care, allied health, and community services.
Why buy? These firms offer recurring revenue, high demand, and policy support—ideal for investors seeking stability.
Size & impact: The construction sector contributes over
AUD $568 b and commands around 9.2% of
employment
Source: abs.gov.au
Momentum: ABS seasonal data shows building activity and capital expenditure remain strong; New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland dominate growth
Acquisition logic: Mid‑tier construction and trade businesses represent accessible entry points into a robust pipeline of residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
Economic weight: At roughly AUD $358 b in revenue (2025), agribusiness ranks third among Australia's largest industries.
Productivity uplift: Productivity gains and strong export demand, especially in beef, grains, and horticulture. Significant MFP improvements noted.
Strategic benefits: Family‑owned farms and agritech ventures offer niche acquisition opportunities, aligned with rising global food demand and sustainability trends.
Rising turnover: ABS reports show a notable +3.8% monthly growth to April 2025.
Labour market share: Over 6% of Australian workers are in hospitality.
Acquisition potential: With domestic tourism and consumer confidence rebounding, opportunities abound in cafés, restaurants, and boutique accommodation.
Recurring revenue: The largest 3 sectors offer predictable cash flow and long-term contracts.
Policy tailwinds: Health, aged care, agriculture, and infrastructure are bolstered by government support and grants.
Post-pandemic rebound: Hospitality and related consumer services are experiencing renewed growth.
Fragmented markets: Many small- and mid-sized businesses exist—ripe for consolidation via platform acquisitions.
Financing friendly: Strong EBITDA margins and asset backing in these sectors support attractive financing terms.
Due diligence: Scrutinise client concentration (especially in health & hospitality), regulatory compliance, workforce pipelines, and equipment valuations (construction/agriculture).
Operational risk management: Transition planning, tech stack compatibility, and compliance due diligence are critical.
Valuations: Expect WACC-based multiples; health, professional and agribusiness often attract 5 - 8× EBITDA.
Integration strategy: Consider bolt-on acquisitions to bolster service offerings or regional networks.
Looking ahead to 2026, acquisitions in Professional & Technical Services, Health Care, Construction, Agribusiness, and Accommodation & Food Services offer compelling value. These sectors blend scale, recurring revenue, strong demand, and favourable macro‑trends.
For Australian business brokers and buyers, now is the time
to strategically position acquisition pipelines in these high-potential
industries. Detailed due diligence and targeted execution will drive successful
outcomes in the evolving market landscape.
