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.

Mick navigated methodically through the sale of our business. He was professional, willing and in control of the process. Mick is a nice guy who is very easy to work with and kept us in the picture throughout the full 6 month process. We had a good experience with Benchmark. - Christopher Exindaris | August 22. Mick Godwin receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Mick Godwin has started, grown and successfully sold his own business and through that process saw a huge opportunity to better serve other business owners in the sales process. Currently undertaking a Masters in Business, majoring in finance and strategy, Mick has over 10 years of experience in business management and entrepreneurship. With the unique advantage of combining practical and academic experience, Mick enjoys investigating and understanding a company's value in the market by researching and understanding value further than what the company's written down value suggests it is worth. Get to know more about Mick Godwin and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Mick Godwin is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

"We were put in contact with Benchmark through a third party and had no pre conceived ideas of what to expect, and what the process of selling the business would involve. After meeting Brian i was immediately put at ease with the decision to sell and deal with Benchmark. The process was quite smooth (even though we were listed through the worst of the COVID period) and the sale went ahead quite quickly. Brian was a pleasure to deal with and would definitely recommend Benchmark to anybody choosing to sell their business. Thank you Very Much." Paul Leadbeater | Pool Care Pty Ltd. Brian Sander receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Brian is selling businesses throughout South Australia – and will be looking at taking on listings in the Northern Territory. Brian Sander is one of Australia’s most experienced business brokers, Brian has been selling businesses for over 35 years. He was Managing Director of Sander & Associates before the merger of his business with another business broking firm in September 2002. In January 2014, Brian opened Benchmark’s Adelaide office. Brian’s early training was general real estate, then in the commercial field, where he was employed by a large international company. Get to know more about Brian Sander and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Brian Sander is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

"I'm delighted with this fantastic result. John Kasapi found the absolute best buyer to purchase my business And it seems that the same buyer will now buy my building. I had my business for many many years and really wanted someone to take it over that would care for the clients as well as I did and deliver a professional haircutting services so to achieve this is unreal. I was recommended to John form Pavlos the founder of Biba and at first I didn’t know whether John could get the job done for me however he pulled out a rabbit from his magical hat and delivered.  Thanks again." - Sash Alexander Culakovski | 01 Jun 2019

Shaun Murray, 12 Aug 2021 - I want to thank Glenn and his team at Benchmark for making my first business sale such a great experience. I would be recommending them to anyone who is looking to sell their business. Glenn Irving receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Having started his business career as an apprentice craftsman in the field of glass & neon light production, he worked his way up through the ranks from apprentice to craftsman, onto production manager, then across into sales; and finally to owning his own signage, neon and plastic manufacturing business. Get to know more about Glenn Irving and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Glenn Irving 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!

"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.

Catherine McLoughlan, 29 August 2021 - Michael was invaluable in the process of selling our property. His enthusiasm and professionalism ensured that our property was presented positively to prospective buyers and he efficiently dealt with any problems that arose. Michael was always approachable and listened to any input that we had regarding the sale. We would recommend Michael and the Benchmark team to anyone selling commercial properties. Michael Vitullo receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Michael Vitullo is a Fellow of CPA, and a member of the AIBB (Australian Institute of Business Brokers) with over 30 years’ experience in a diverse range of senior management roles in various industries. 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.

Sarah Withers , 01 May 2018 Benchmark helped in finding our first hair salon. They have been instrumental, professional and easy to deal with. They made our life so easy and smooth from start to finish. Benchmark have been very supportive and honest from the start. They have such a proactive approach. We would definitely recommend them and for any business purchase or sale process.

"We received a post card in the mail and I was initially skeptical of this as it said that John had someone wanting to buy my business, however I gave John a call and he appraised the business and he said his buyer was keen. Within two days we had done an inspection and I received an offer. At the start I wanted to be in control but quickly discovered that I needed to leave it to the expert. John was a master at getting the job done and managing the process until the very end. I am extremely happy, I got a fantastic price, smooth quick sale and I got to stay on as a hairdresser with the new owner. It was truly the result that I didn’t even contemplate was possible until I spoke with John. I was quite emotional about selling my pride and joy but John held my hand through the entire process and I highly recommend selling through Benchmark." - Larissa Thripp | 05 Feb 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.