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.

"Thanks, you John for your helping in getting us our first skin clinic business. We had a few sticking points in the process however John solved the problems with a few creative solutions. Thanks again for your help." - Anil Thomas | 06 Feb 2020 John Kasapi receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. John really prides himself on offering his clients exceptional customer service, combined with his wealth of sales and industry knowledge. He has “been there and done that”, as he has owned his own business, and he has worked in many top salons around the world – and has experienced everything this industry has to offer. 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.

Sam , 06 Feb 2020 Thank you, Nikki, for everything you have done in finding my salon for me. It only goes to show you how good you are when I am already on the phone looking for my next salon to buy and came straight to you. You have sent me some further salons and taking your advice as always. Yes, I look forward to our next deal.

"I have been looking to buy a hairdressing salon and contacted Benchmark. John was my broker, I knew exactly what I wanted, (and what I didn’t want). John knew which salon would be perfect for me and didn’t waste my time with salons I wouldn’t be interested in for the sake of showing me salons. I am so incredibly happy with my purchase ;-) On top of that throughout the process John was very helpful and kept me informed on a regular basis of how the purchase was progressing. It’s great owning my own boutique Salon again...  (sixth) and John was the person who found the salon that suited my needs" - Rebecca Kratz  | 19 May 2020 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.

Vicki & Dea , 13 Dec 2018 Thanks Benchmark for all your assistance when we were buying our salon. Although seasoned hairdressers, we had not bought a business before and you walked us through the process step by step, answered all our questions efficiently along the way. We are really happy that we are now the proud owners of our own salon and we look forward to showing you what we have done with the place! Thanks again for your help

"Well it was an eventful business sale, initially we had a contract on my business but the first buyer could not come up with the money a day before settlement which was a disaster however Iain and John assured me that they had another two buyers who would look at the business. I was very disappointed at this stage but Benchmark continued to dig deep and deliver another buyer who was able to settle on the business. I did find the whole process quite stressful however in the end Benchmark did deliver the sale and I'm now able to move on with the next chapter. Thanks for seeing the sale through to completion." - Marianne Zanca | 08 Apr 2019 John Kasapi receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. John really prides himself on offering his clients exceptional customer service, combined with his wealth of sales and industry knowledge. He has “been there and done that”, as he has owned his own business, and he has worked in many top salons around the world – and has experienced everything this industry has to offer. 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.

Selling a business is often a complicated process and can easily end up with a result that you don't expect. Would recommend to anyone that is considering selling their business in the next 12 months to talk to Michael about the steps you need to take in order to get the best possible outcome. Michael offers a professional service that makes the process a lot easier, preparing your business for sale, advertising and promoting the business, and negotiating with potential buyers -Sean McHugh | May 2022 Michael Vitullo receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. With his knowledge and success in business, he offers genuine opportunities for both sellers and buyers to realise their goals and targets. Michael believes buying and selling business is about trust, professionalism, communication, transparency and the art of creating possibilities. Get to know more about Michael Vitullo and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Michael Vitullo is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

"We initially tried to buy a business which in the end the seller didn’t want to sell, we thought this was crazy but John referred us onto a new one that came on the market and this one worked out to be a better fit. It was an absolute delight in chatting to John during our salon hunt and he guided us so professionally throughout the entire time and now my partner has her dream salon. Thanks again and good luck with the cricket." - James Polland | 05 Feb 2020 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.

Name undisclosed , 25 Sep 2020 Jacob's professionalism and knowledge is very impressive - he is a very skilled operator. He went above and beyond to assist in the process and with handover/ operational matters to ensure the transaction completed. Jacob Reeson receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Specialising in the sale of service stations across Australia, Jacob has direct relationships with the big name oil companies that are key to getting the business/property the maximum exposure and best outcome. Through his time spent at Benchmark Business Sales, Jacob has dealt with Freehold Sites to Commission Agencies, New & Existing Leases and Franchises – BP, Viva/Shell, Caltex, United, Puma, Metro, Liberty and many more Independents. Get to know more about Jacob Reeson and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Jacob Reeson is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

I spoke to John a few years ago and when it was time to sell, I immediately reached out to him. We listed and sold in a very short period and he had the perfect buyer ready to go. As we approached settlement, the buyer communicated to me that they were in the process of purchasing another business with a different broker. The buyer was highly impressed and appreciative that our transaction transpired so quickly and seamlessly. This was down to John’s efficiency, management and expertise. John was outstanding and an absolute pleasure to work with. He achieved a phenomenal price, and an amazing result! -Jayne Fenton | March 2022 John Kasapi receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. John really prides himself on offering his clients exceptional customer service, combined with his wealth of sales and industry knowledge. He has “been there and done that”, as he has owned his own business, and he has worked in many top salons around the world – and has experienced everything this industry has to offer. 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.