Purchasing an established business is sometimes characterized as risky. But if you do your due diligence, with the help of professionals, you will have more confidence.
I suggest for people to looking at businesses with tangible assets, and a healthy growth outlook.

Keep in mind the following points while looking:

How pleased are the current customers? Growing the customer numbers is a good strategy. Independently evaluate the current sales, to see if and how you can increase them.

Is the current market at it's peak, or is it still going to grow? Stay away from businesses with poor market outlook. Purchasing a business in a market that has peak is a good way to run into problems in the future.

What is associated with the brand of the company? Is the branding of the company successful? If the company's brand promise is not keeping clients coming back, it may not be worth investing in the business.

How well is the business run by management?

If your looking to buy a business in South Africa, look at industries like gas station for sale, hotels for sale, motels for sale, laundromat for sale, liquor stores for sale, restaurants for sale