Australia’s Business Brokers

From the beginning Ian Haggerty was very professional and in every conversation he demonstrated his industry knowledge and expertise as a broker. Des Pawelski , 12 Aug 2020 I have been in business for 51 years as cladding contractor with up to 100 employees who work in a factory and on larger commercial building sites. Two years ago I reached the stage where I felt that I should look to sell the business and started meeting with business brokers who advertised in the newspaper’s classified and on Google. None of the brokers seemed to genuinely understand my business or how to find a buyer. Late last year a competitor from another state phoned and said that he was interested in selling his business. He mentioned talking with a broker who was putting together a number of similar contracting businesses to sell to an investment group. Soon after, I was in contact with Ian Haggerty of Benchmark Corporate based in Queensland. From the beginning Ian was very professional and in every conversation he demonstrated his industry knowledge and expertise as a broker. Ian took the time to understand my position and then pointed out the advantages and pitfalls in selling my business. We discussed a marketing plan along with an Information Memorandum showing what the business had done in the past, the future potential and the asset/liability position. Things were looking promising. An advantage of the Benchmark organisation is that they have over 65 brokers operating throughout Australia and a huge buyer data base of potential buyers who have looked at businesses they had for sale in the past. From this pool we soon had prospective purchasers looking over the business, some expressed interest, others thought that the type of business was too hands on for them as every contract we perform is a bit different. In February the COVID virus struck causing major delays on a number of our larger projects, which caused significant cash flow issues. Things were looking grim and my hopes of a sale started to diminish. I consulted with a liquidator over insolvency concerns and administration was recommended (my cashflow had halved). Selling my business now appeared impossible - the employee accruals from long serving workers was a significant problem. I informed Ian that I had sought the advice of a liquidator and was intending on placing the company into administration. Ian strongly advised against taking such drastic action and recommended an immediate consultation with ReGroup Solutions, a firm of Turnaround Practitioners. Ian had worked with the ReGroup team previously and gotten excellent results. ReGroup Solutions provided excellent financial advice and guidance and I was able to regain control of trading operations. I then contacted some local businesses (who Ian had contacted previously) and was able to inform them that the crisis situation had been resolved and I was now able to continue trading whilst exploring offers for a sale of the business. Out of the multiple enquiries Ian received, we were left with two companies with serious offers on the table (despite this being around the time of the COVID virus outbreak). Ian collaborated with ReGroup Solutions and set about negotiating with the interested parties. Due to Ian’s involvement and assistance from ReGroup Solutions, we finally agreed a fair market sale of the business and the majority of employees jobs were saved. Ian went beyond the call of duty and negotiated a very reasonable two year consultancy position with the purchaser.   With the pandemic, these are very turbulent times. If you are concerned about succession or looking to sell your business, then I highly recommend Ian Haggerty from Benchmark. Ian is extremely adept at strategically managing the negotiations, assessing the genuineness of prospective buyers and then closing the best deal for his client. Ian’s approach was professional and he maintains strict confidentiality throughout. Ian understood the opportunity and potential for my business and then presented this to prospective buyers in the best light. Thanks Ian and Benchmark. Ian Haggerty receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Before joining the team at Benchmark (as a senior business broker), Ian was QLD State manager for Flow Systems (part of the Brookfield group) where he created dynamic growth opportunities for developers within the residential and commercial property markets. Prior to Flow, Ian was also at Trility, (part of Mitsubishi) Australia’s third largest water company, and was Head of Strategic Growth. Ian developed strategies for the company’s growth from 120 employees to over 400 employees today, including sourcing joint venture arrangements and value added acquisitions. 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.

Jon Collins , 01 Jan 2018 I was put onto Benchmark to help manage the salon buying sale process, I found them very helpful and driven to get the sale completed. They were very diligent and made sure the salon sale timeline was followed for a smooth and timely settlement. If you are thinking of buying then I suggest you talk to Benchmark

Our daughter contacted Bud regarding the possibility of listing our business for sale after coming across Benchmark’s advert on a google search. Bud was quick to respond and from the first chat was optimistic about listing and selling our business. Right through the process of listing, signing up and seeing the sale through to completion, Bud kept in regular contact with us, and made sure everything was in place for a smooth settlement and transition for the new owners.    Bud is friendly and always up for a chat, and we would thoroughly recommend Bud and the team at Benchmark to get the job done. - Leonie Combridge Gamil Baddour receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Bud (Gamil Baddour) came to Benchmark in 2004 after spending 38 years as a Senior Manager in several international Financial Institutions. He has owned and managed small businesses too.  In the first twelve months at Benchmark. Bud completed the most number of sales for Benchmark selling businesses such as Cafes. Takeaway Outlets, Food Stores. Newsagencies, Franchised Businesses, Manufacturing -and more. Get to know more about Gamil Baddour  and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Gamil Baddour is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

Magdaleine , 01 Feb 2018 I asked Nikki to sell my salon for me and what a result! I am delighted to be able to move on with all my travel plans and spending time with my grandchildren and the salon is now in the hands of a great dad & daughter team who will look after my clients well. Thank-you Nikki for taking care of everything and I wish you all the best. You really are the Queen of salon sales! Much appreciated!

Mary Kobovos , 13 Dec 2018 I have been looking to purchase a salon for number of years and after speaking with Benchmark they showed me the exact salon that suited my requirements. I am now absolutely delighted with my business and look forward in making it a success

"Benchmark were extremely helpful in following up on my requests and getting all the information we needed during the purchase. Benchmark were extremely helpful in following up on my requests and getting all the information we needed during the purchase. They really helped not just me but the lawyers as well. This enabled a smooth process and we even hit the settlement date on time. We are super excited in our new salon." - Johnathon Byun |  01 Jun 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.

Chris , 06 Feb 2020 I have always wanted to buy this salon and Nikki made it possible. At first, I was reluctant to share any personal details with Nikki but once I met with her, I instantly trusted her and opened. She helped me from start to finish and even pushed hard at the end when I wanted the salon to settle at a certain date and she promised she would make it happen. She did. She is a strong woman, working to help other strong women to achieve their dreams!

David Zampech has been such a tremendous help in bringing the exact buyer that our shop needed. Helped us through the paper work, and everything else that was needed right the way to settlement. I highly recommend David to do the same for you.   - Will Waterford | June 2022 David Zampech receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. David Zampech brings over 25 years of retail experience to Benchmark. David started his life on the family farm in the heart of the Lockyer Valley and eventually left to start a career in retail. David’s knowledge of supermarkets is only surpassed by his drive for success. In his downtime David is a keen fisherman, avid cricketer and enjoys playing mixed netball with his wife and 3 daughters.Get to know more about David Zampech and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. David Zampech is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

Paul , 13 Dec 2018 ” Thank you Michael. Thank you for your assistance and persistence with this Michael, I know we were not really in your “demographic” but we needed help with it and you did a great job. I would be happy to recommend you in the future. ” Kind Regards Paul

"Had a wonderful experience with John from Benchmark Business Sales, John worked hard to find the perfect buyer for my business and I felt supported the entire process. Thoroughly recommend!" - Rachel Walker | 08 Sep 2021 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.