Australia’s Business Brokers

ReGroup Solutions , 12 Aug 2020 Ian’s client was a director who had been in business for 51 years as cladding contractor. The Company had up to 100 employees working from owned factory premises and on-site at large commercial building sites nationally. The Director had been thinking of succession and made contact with Ian to investigate the sales potential of his long-standing and reputable business. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis struck and the Company’s supply chain was severely impacted. The Director sought the advice of a registered liquidator, who recommended external administration. The Director’s hopes of achieving a positive sale quickly diminished and the position with the bank meant there was now a serious risk he would lose his family home.  Operating nationally, Benchmark has a huge database of prospective buyers and Ian had already generated significant genuine interest by drafting an impressive Information Memorandum and selectively negotiating with several key interested parties. Ian was concerned over the liquidator’s advice to his Client. The Director was being pressured into placing the company into voluntary administration (which Ian could see was premature and too drastic). Ian had identified his Client’s potential and felt that any insolvency procedure would unnecessarily destroy the company’s goodwill and asset values.  ReGroup Solutions would like to give a huge thanks to Ian for referring his client, the Director, to us for a second opinion. After conducting our preliminary analysis, ReGroup Solutions advised the Director on his capacity to utilise the ‘insolvency safe harbour’ under section 588GA. The new legislation, effective since September 2017, provides directors with protection from insolvent trading personal liability whilst they explore a range of restructuring and turnaround strategies. This enabled the Director to continue trading his business so that a ‘going concern’ sale could still be actively pursued by Ian. This meant Ian could still maximise the outcome for his Client by continuing his strategic negotiations.  ReGroup Solutions provided initial crisis management advice and then proceeded to investigate the various restructuring and turnaround options with the Director. The insolvency Safe Harbour provided the director with breathing space and enabled Ian Haggerty to continue his negotiating with key interested parties. The team at ReGroup Solutions worked closely with Ian Haggerty throughout the entire process – despite being an extremely complex matter, made worst by the COVID crisis, we’re delighted to say that Ian successfully negotiated a tremendous outcome for his Client!   Ian lead the way in agreeing a sale of his Client’s business, assets and the large factory premises. This not only meant the majority of workforce kept their jobs but the indebtedness to the bank could also be fully satisfied. The Director’s home was no longer at risk and Ian’s Client stands to walk away with potential surplus of $1.5m. The deal stands to return 100c in the dollar to trade creditors. Ian even secured his client a two year consultancy position with the purchaser - and at an exceptional rate! Ian’s Client can now take a well-deserved step back, with his impeccable reputation intact.   On a personal level, it was an absolute pleasure collaborating with a skilled negotiator such as Ian. The very purpose of the insolvency Safe Harbour is to help the director find a ‘better outcome’ for all stakeholders by utilising a skilled team of professionals. In this particular case, Ian was able to get an outstanding outcome for his Client on multiple levels. This was despite the extremely difficult and volatile market conditions.  Congratulations to Ian Haggerty on what has ended up being a landmark Safe Harbour win for his Client! Ian Haggerty receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Ian was the Managing Director/Owner of Pipe Shield, a specialised pipeline inspection, maintenance, rehabilitation company. Ian sold his business to Veolia. He has also worked internationally for companies such as Trafalgar Water Inc., where he was a consultant to a number of North American companies within the utilities, services and water industries where his main role of operations was in mergers and acquisitions, consolidation proposals, market analysis, securing funding for growth, and new technology introduction and acceptance. Get to know more about Ian Haggerty and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Ian Haggerty is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

"John Kasapi has delivered an exceptional price for our business in a tough challenging market. Not only did he deliver a sensational result. He was critical in managing the sales process and throughout. There was moments through the transition I thought this would never happen. Communication between the buyer and seller was excellent and while managing two very difficult lawyers on either side. if you are looking at selling a good business in Sydney, I would not look anywhere else, but John Kasapi from Benchmrk . Thank you very much look forward to having a beer with you." Peter Theochari. John Kasapi receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. John Kasapi specialises in the sale of hair and beauty salons across all states in Australia. He has more than 15 years of experience working in the hair and beauty industry – so he really knows and understands the industry and the marketplace much better than most. Get to know more about John Kasapi and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. John Kasapi is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

Dennis , 13 Dec 2018 Working away from home when selling a salon is not easy but Benchmark took care of everything. They set up viewings after hours, confirmed all arrangements along the way and liaised with my conveyancer, which helped the process. Thanks Benchmark for finding a great buyer for the salon and I can now concentrate on my other business more knowing that the salon is in good hands. Appreciate you coordinating everything! Thanks for your service

Nicole , 13 Dec 2018 WOW– what a journey! I contacted Nikki 18 months ago when I was pregnant with my second child and she helped me find a buyer for my salon. I decided that I could cope and was reluctant to sell so I changed my mind! Nikki advised me that 2 kids (talking from her own experience) was a lot to handle but understood my decision. After the birth of my son, I realized that I just wanted to spend time with my young family and so my first call was to Nikki. She brought a couple of buyers through and we found the “right fit’ when Amy came along. I knew my clients would love her. Today, Amy bought my salon and I can now relax & enjoy bring my time with my beautiful children. Better still, Nikki negotiated that I still work in the salon one day a week but with flexibility! Thanks Nikki for the perfect result. I am delighted with the outcome

Anne-Marie & Craig , 13 Dec 2018 My husband and I were on the lookout for a fully managed business as an investment and as a gentle entry into the small business world. We were lucky enough to come across Nikki who was extremely patient in helping us navigate the unfamiliar terms and environment. As novices in the small business world but experienced in general business we found her to be extremely knowledgeable and she answered all our queries without hesitation and with such a supportive approach. We believe she was out to represent both vendor’s and purchaser’s interests and to make the process as smooth as possible. We are very pleased to have started our journey and highly recommend Nikki as a broker

“I found out about Benchmark because they came highly recommended from an Industry contact. We initial listed with them however we couldn’t get the money we wanted. They suggested taking the business off the market and building it up the to be more profitable, to be able to sell and achieve the price we wanted. 8 months later we increased the figures and listed the business with them at a higher price. They delivered a buyer instantly and got us the money we wanted. They were fantastic in guiding us through the process and keeping all parties on track throughout the Christmas period especially when the lawyers were on holiday. I will definitely be recommending Benchmark to all of my fellow hair salon owners if they decide to sell.” - Tanya Lam | 18 Mar 2019 John Kasapi receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. John has always been involved with the hair and beauty industry all of his working life, and he offers an in-depth knowledge to all buyers and sellers. He enjoys helping people achieve their dreams, whether it be buying, selling or investing. John really understands that in many cases, a business can be a major asset, so he likes to ensure that the process, whether it be buying or selling, is “smooth sailing” for everyone concerned. Get to know more about John Kasapi and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. John Kasapi is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

"It’s amazing that Ashmore Carpets was sold the first time around over 20 years ago. Bruce did a great job then and we knew he was the person to contact when we decided to sell again. Once we listed the business with Benchmark and met Keith, we knew it was only a matter of time until he found the right buyers. From the beginning, we were very impressed with Keith’s professionalism and attention to detail. Nothing was too much trouble. His positive attitude and experience with dealing with obstacles that occurred, such as the buyers obtaining a new lease were second to none. He was always contactable and always followed up every step of the sale process. If anyone is considering selling their business, large or small, we would thoroughly recommend Keith and the team at Benchmark Business. Thank you again Keith. It was a pleasure working with you and best wishes for the future."  - Alan and Donna Weatherall | July 2021 Keith Brewster receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Keith has an enviable reputation at Benchmark, built upon these principles. Testimonials and Google reviews from both buyer and sellers attest that this is what his clients can expect. He has a thorough understanding of the sales processes for business sales of both small to large businesses, across many sectors, with a principal focus on sales in the automotive sector. Away from work Keith enjoys long distance bike rides, fun runs and is a regular gym junkie. He enjoys a wine with social tennis, whilst at the same trying to keep the ball between the white lines. Get to know more about Keith Brewster and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Keith Brewster is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

"Every time I buy a salon, I immediately go to Benchmark salon sales, they are the guys that have the best salons and know everything about the industry. We have purchased numerous salons from them and this is the biggest and best yet. Even my lawyer couldn’t speak more highly of him quoting in an email “John Kasapi is a super star agent”.  Benchmark are the trusted name in salon sales throughout the country and have delivered Another great business to me and I look forward to the next one." - Ketan Shiyani | 08 Apr 2019 John Kasapi receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. John has always been involved with the hair and beauty industry all of his working life, and he offers an in-depth knowledge to all buyers and sellers. He enjoys helping people achieve their dreams, whether it be buying, selling or investing. John really understands that in many cases, a business can be a major asset, so he likes to ensure that the process, whether it be buying or selling, is “smooth sailing” for everyone concerned. Get to know more about John Kasapi and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. John Kasapi is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

Without his experience and understanding of the structure of the sale, it my have ended in a no sale. Keith was so very helpful in helping both side of the sale with great communication and he pushed when he had to push to get the sale over the line. I would recommend Keith's services to everyone i know. Thank you Keith i am in the company now and we are really moving forward. Thanks Mate see you on the next business purchase. Kind Regards Lloyd Penrose 1st Glass Australia Pty Ltd Keith Brewster receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Keith brings a wealth of business success both as a small business owner and in corporate management of multi-national companies. His career has been about creating successful business outcomes for all parties in different contexts. As an entrepreneur running his own property development company it meant finding opportunity personally and then finding a way to make it work. As a State Manager it meant managing large teams of ambitious salespeople whilst also managing the needs of customers and those of the corporation. Get to know more about Keith Brewster and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Keith Brewster is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

Jessica & Tom , 13 Dec 2018 We highly recommend Nikki Katz for a sale of the business. You know you are in the right hands selling a hair or beauty salon. Nikki knows the industry and does all the hard work for you. Even with the ups and downs you can go through selling a business Nikki will hold your hand and walk you through it