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.

Steve and Robyn Aird, 20 Jan 2020 - We appointed Glenn Irving of Benchmark Business Sales and Valuations as our broker. We could not have been happier with the result we achieved in the sake of our hardware business. Selling a business is tricky and the regular meetings that were conducted during the contract process kept our sale on track all the way through to the final settlement. We were so happy that we then asked him to sell our commercial property. Glenn Irving and his team brought me a buyer within 2 weeks. Great job and we could not recommend Glenn and his team strongly enough. Glenn Irving receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Glenn Irving showed his flair in this area of design and invention by developing his own patents, design registered and trademark products through his own companies, with many unique products being sold in many different countries. This has translated into a solid knowledge of intellectual property processes and asset management. 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.

Adrian Giacoboni , 21 Nov 2018 Without the correct process and guidance the risk of damage to value and reputation is high. Glenn Irving representative of Benchmark business sales is a man that leaves no stone unturned. His attention to detail and process ensures that the sale is successfully completed. Glenn is calm methodical and professional.  I have no hesitation in recommending Glenn to anyone wanting there business SOLD.  5 stars. Glenn Irving receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Glenn Irving showed his flair in this area of design and invention by developing his own patents, design registered and trademark products through his own companies, with many unique products being sold in many different countries. This has translated into a solid knowledge of intellectual property processes and asset management. 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.

Kate Mcdonald , 01 Apr 2018 I recently returned from living overseas and I knew I wanted to jump straight into running my own business. I came across an advertisement on the benchmark website and the broker so easy to talk to. He showed me a number of salons and when I finally made the decision to buy and I stepped into the business I knew It was meant to be!! We had a quite few issues to overcome but when the going got tough Benchmark was always at the end of the phone helping the process along and answering all my questions, this is the start of my business empire!!! Thanks Benchmark.

Keith was always a pleasure to deal with. He was always very responsive and made the sales process a lot easier for all parties involved. We would highly recommend him! Rebecca Williamson. Keith Brewster receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Keith's 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.

"We have built a solid business relationship with John and Benchmark over the last few years and have complete confidence in him as a broker. We regard our company as one of the best in the business and we wouldn’t consider using any other broker other than John, he holds the same values as us towards our business and it’s as if he is part of our company, he always has our best interests at the forefront. During this transaction John sold one of our flagship stores and from the very beginning John was impressively professional which allowed us the time to continue running the other 200 stores we have. John’s number one attribute is his determination to get the result that is best for all parties, his knowledge of the industry is second to none and I wish I had his contact list!!! He has endless qualified buyers and that’s all we needed to know, that if one buyer doesn’t work out he has another person waiting in the wings. Great work John thanks once again." - Tony Lattouf, Joseph Lattouf, Emad Nayef and Romina Fiore | 01 Feb 2018 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.

M. Joshi & D. Shukla , 13 Dec 2018 ”The service was exceptional from day 01, didn’t had any issues in buying this small business. The broker, Shreyansh was prompt to all our queries and supported us in all the areas. Sale process was was smooth too, without any issues. From the purchase offer to the settlement of the business, we were clear and had no doubts with what was happening, it was simply perfect. We would like to thank Shreyansh Shah and the Benchmark team for an extraordinary service and would like to recommend our fellow mates who are willing to buy business.”

Dear Lincoln and your whole group, thank you for all your trouble free assistance. What ever you said, was fulfilled. Any queries I had, were promptly answered. I will certainly have no hesitation in recommending your firm. A big thank you , once again. Yours faithfully, J. Jassal. Lincoln Bridge receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. With an unblemished reputation as a leading specialist, he has a superb track record, for assisting both buyers and sellers. Lincoln is thoroughly familiar with all current regulations, and legislation of specific industries, and has a broad understanding of the intricacies within specialized sectors. Additionally, you can also read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Lincoln Bridge 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.

John O – Seller , 25 Jun 2019 “Sylvia has been totally professional, knowledgeable and there at every twist and turn. We had a number of problems along the way and each time Sylvia kept the sale on track and took action to get the deal done. At times our emotions got the better of us but Sylvia made us feel that we were in safe hands. Sylvia, actually found a buyer quickly for our Salon and we settled within 4 months, the purchaser is the perfect fit for my Skin Clinic, allowing me to walk away with confidence and knowing my clients will be in good hands. I strongly recommend Benchmark Salon Sales.