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.

"I was recommended to talk with John through a valued industry contact. I must admit It took a while to find the right buyer but once we did I couldn’t have had anyone better look after the sale and the process.  I was super anxious throughout and I had the added pressure of the world wide pandemic of the corona virus shutdown looming on us, amazing job! John did a phenomenal job to keep the buyer engaged and to complete the deal even thou he faced a one of the biggest obstacles in our lifetime. If it wasn’t for John I would have never ever achieved this result, his services are worth every cent." 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.

Jacob Rudge, May 2021 - I cannot recommend Mark highly enough, his knowledge of business and his inherent integrity shone through in every aspect of our dealings with him and we will certainly continue the relationship in years to come. We first contacted Mark when we decided to spread our wings and join the ranks of Australia's VET infrastructure. Mark anticipated our needs and requirements and placed us with a Vendor uniquely suited to our needs and brokered the deal expertly. There was never a moment of uncertainty and Mark and the team at Benchmark guided us through every step of the purchase with ease and ensured all parties were satisfied in a timely manner and everyone walked away from the deal happy. Kudos Mark and the team at Benchmark Business Sales and Valuations. Mark Crapper receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Mark’s achievements in business ownership, business development and consulting are impressive, to say the least.  His drive has always been the pursuit of betterment and growth, for himself and for others.  “Working with business owners and helping them achieve their goals are incredibly satisfying,” he insists. Though initially qualifying as an electrician, Mark’s instincts took him straight into small business ownership.  Starting as a partner in one of the earliest Donut King stores in Australia, he went on to spend 20 years developing a home-grown Australian brand into the largest and most successful food franchise brand in its category in Australia. Get to know more about Mark Crapper and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Mark Crapper is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

Gino , 05 Feb 2020 Bought the salon through Nikki a year or so ago and decided that I would go back to my old career, so contacted Nikki for her help in selling it. She helped with all the negotiations with the buyer and made the whole thing go smoothly. She sold the salon in a matter of weeks! Benchmark Salon Sales

"Thanks "Captain John" it was a huge help having you by my side all the way through the process. We could not have done this without you. We are nervous, but more excited about our new venture, it is something I have wanted to do for some time so thanks for making it happen. Hope your you enjoy the bottle of Captain Morgan rum! Benchmark Salon Sales  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." - Jo/Andy Lowen | 08 Apr 2019

Seller , 29 Sep 2020 She was the obvious choice when I decided to sell due to family commitments and she stepped up straight away. She had a lot of the paperwork still on file and quickly moved to finding a buyer. The buyer made an offer and I accepted – then Covid-19 hit! Due to the uncertainty the buyer pulled out. Nikki advised that she would return her deposit but would speak to her when everything calmed down. Nikki re-engaged the buyer, the buyer agreed to proceed and Nikki reinstated the contract.  The outcome was that my salon sold yesterday and I am delighted. Nikki did an excellent job at keeping the buyer updated and she assessed the timing perfectly to resurrect the deal AND got me a great result too! If I had another broker working on this (with less skill and experience), I am not sure the outcome would have been the same. Delighted!

“I used another broker before Benchmark and they did nothing. John and Iain jumped straight on board and worked their magic!! The business was only listed for 2 days before they had a buyer interested and committed. The process was interesting especially as I was overseas but we managed to get through it successfully. I’m happy as I haven’t had to say goodbye to the business I’ve been able to stay on and work part time for the new owner a great result for all parties” - Maria Chadwick | 18 Mar 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.

"Fantastic result achieved by John Kasapi selling my 2 barber shops to 2 different buyers in 2 different locations. I cannot rate him more highly. I initial listed with a local broker and I only wish I knew about John first.  Throughout The deals on both shops it was great chatting to John and understanding the steps along the way to get them sold. Even when we had some difficult moments john handled it with ease and control. It was really was great having a such a professional represent us and Consistently deliver.  I am the barber biz magazine editor and would not hesitate to recommend John to all sellers wanting to sell their businesses." 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. 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.

We contacted Tu Nguyen from Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations after our previous business brokerage firm tried to sell our takeaway business with no luck and lack of communication. Tu was very informative from the onset and had a lot of knowledge and experience in selling businesses and he guided us through the whole sale process through to settlement without any issues. He was always available anytime of the day and even on weekends when we needed to speak with him. Nothing was too hard for Tu, and we felt very comfortable and in good hands with Tu and would highly recommend him and Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations to any potential sellers looking to sell their business. - Gordon & Rita

Name undisclosed , 13 Dec 2018 "When selling a business there is one word that matter more than any other; SOLD! And Jacob got to use it. Jacob is very pleasant to deal with, built great report with the enquires and ultimately the buyer. Jacob felicitated the sale of a business I had owned for 23 years, there was quite a bit to arrange to not only list it but to also get it SOLD. I highly recommend Jacob to assist in the sale of your business." Jacob Reeson receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Jacob Reeson is known within Benchmark’s offices as a young gun, with plenty of business experience (for his age), and lots of common-sense. He has demonstrated expertise in negotiations skills, and being a 100% performance based broker. He has the determination to make his future in this profession. 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.