Australia’s Business Brokers

Boyan Ristovski , 18 Mar 2019 Thank you very much for all you support during the process. We could not have asked for a better broker or a more patient person to deal with during the long 6 month process it took to get to settlement but we are extremely happy with the outcome.  You were always available for us and we appreciate that. Thank you to you and your company for seeing this trough to the end.

ReGroup Solutions , 12 Aug 2020 Ian’s client was a director who had been in business for 51 years as cladding contractor. The Company had up to 100 employees working from owned factory premises and on-site at large commercial building sites nationally. The Director had been thinking of succession and made contact with Ian to investigate the sales potential of his long-standing and reputable business. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis struck and the Company’s supply chain was severely impacted. The Director sought the advice of a registered liquidator, who recommended external administration. The Director’s hopes of achieving a positive sale quickly diminished and the position with the bank meant there was now a serious risk he would lose his family home.  Operating nationally, Benchmark has a huge database of prospective buyers and Ian had already generated significant genuine interest by drafting an impressive Information Memorandum and selectively negotiating with several key interested parties. Ian was concerned over the liquidator’s advice to his Client. The Director was being pressured into placing the company into voluntary administration (which Ian could see was premature and too drastic). Ian had identified his Client’s potential and felt that any insolvency procedure would unnecessarily destroy the company’s goodwill and asset values.  ReGroup Solutions would like to give a huge thanks to Ian for referring his client, the Director, to us for a second opinion. After conducting our preliminary analysis, ReGroup Solutions advised the Director on his capacity to utilise the ‘insolvency safe harbour’ under section 588GA. The new legislation, effective since September 2017, provides directors with protection from insolvent trading personal liability whilst they explore a range of restructuring and turnaround strategies. This enabled the Director to continue trading his business so that a ‘going concern’ sale could still be actively pursued by Ian. This meant Ian could still maximise the outcome for his Client by continuing his strategic negotiations.  ReGroup Solutions provided initial crisis management advice and then proceeded to investigate the various restructuring and turnaround options with the Director. The insolvency Safe Harbour provided the director with breathing space and enabled Ian Haggerty to continue his negotiating with key interested parties. The team at ReGroup Solutions worked closely with Ian Haggerty throughout the entire process – despite being an extremely complex matter, made worst by the COVID crisis, we’re delighted to say that Ian successfully negotiated a tremendous outcome for his Client!   Ian lead the way in agreeing a sale of his Client’s business, assets and the large factory premises. This not only meant the majority of workforce kept their jobs but the indebtedness to the bank could also be fully satisfied. The Director’s home was no longer at risk and Ian’s Client stands to walk away with potential surplus of $1.5m. The deal stands to return 100c in the dollar to trade creditors. Ian even secured his client a two year consultancy position with the purchaser - and at an exceptional rate! Ian’s Client can now take a well-deserved step back, with his impeccable reputation intact.   On a personal level, it was an absolute pleasure collaborating with a skilled negotiator such as Ian. The very purpose of the insolvency Safe Harbour is to help the director find a ‘better outcome’ for all stakeholders by utilising a skilled team of professionals. In this particular case, Ian was able to get an outstanding outcome for his Client on multiple levels. This was despite the extremely difficult and volatile market conditions.  Congratulations to Ian Haggerty on what has ended up being a landmark Safe Harbour win for his Client! Ian Haggerty receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Ian was the Managing Director/Owner of Pipe Shield, a specialised pipeline inspection, maintenance, rehabilitation company. Ian sold his business to Veolia. He has also worked internationally for companies such as Trafalgar Water Inc., where he was a consultant to a number of North American companies within the utilities, services and water industries where his main role of operations was in mergers and acquisitions, consolidation proposals, market analysis, securing funding for growth, and new technology introduction and acceptance. 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 truly got the best service When I decided to sell I initially approached John however I decide to go with another broker but they never delivered. Fast forward another 4 years from that day and I went back to John who finally got my business sold. Benchmark are expensive but I truly got the best service and thanks to the Benchmark salon team for their diligent management of the process. In hindsight I should have gone with John Kasapi 4 years ago 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." - Kim and Bill Forbes  13 Dec 2018 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.

Gino , 01 Jun 2018 I contacted Benchmark when I was looking for a business to run “under management” and they showed me one that had literally just come onto their books that morning that they thought would be perfect for me. Benchmark walked me through the numbers & provided comparisons too. They took time to educate me about the way to get the best from the salon. Benchmark introduced me to the current owner, who had similar skills & background, which put my mind at ease. I understand that my broker looked at the best businesses for me to run & matched that perfectly. Well Done Benchmark – you nailed the brief!

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! 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.

Anne-Marie & Craig , 13 Dec 2018 My husband and I were on the lookout for a fully managed business as an investment and as a gentle entry into the small business world. We were lucky enough to come across Nikki who was extremely patient in helping us navigate the unfamiliar terms and environment. As novices in the small business world but experienced in general business we found her to be extremely knowledgeable and she answered all our queries without hesitation and with such a supportive approach. We believe she was out to represent both vendor’s and purchaser’s interests and to make the process as smooth as possible. We are very pleased to have started our journey and highly recommend Nikki as a broker

Job Well Done, I listed our Equipment Hire business with Brian Sander from Benchmark’s Adelaide Office. Brian handled the sale with professionalism and skill. He kept me informed along what at times was a tricky process through to the ultimate final settlement. I would happily recommend Brian and the Benchmark team if you are looking to sell a business in Adelaide or South Australia. - Gordon Elley | July 22. 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.

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

I can now see why John Kasapi is the best business broker in the country. He it truly outstanding at what he does and how he delivers amazing service. It is impressive to see how easily he made the sale go so smoothly. His pro-active approach was refreshing – not once did I have to ring him to find out what was happening with the process. He would even call me to touch base if he didn’t have an update – just to keep in touch! I’m also buying another salon business at the moment though a different business broker and I can see the difference between the two is so wide. I have dealt with a few different business brokers over the past few months, and some have actually lost their client a potential sale due to lack of communication. I still have not completed the other business purchase yet which was started 6 weeks before this one. I can understand that John really has the process down pat and just makes it so easy to move through the many steps that need to be completed. When I am ready to purchase another business in the next 6 months I will not hesitate to work with John again. Thanks John! 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.

"I had meet with a few other brokers previously & was loosing confidents about listing my business that I had worked so hard in building over the past 17 years as they didn’t seem to understand its value to me, Keith however was on the same page from our meeting on day one & stayed on the pulse even during these unprecedented times,. His clear communication throughout the listing/sale was comforting knowing id made the right decision to list with him & the overall process seemed to flow nicely, i’d highly recommend trusting Keith with the sale of your business." - Joel Lane | December 2020 Keith Brewster receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Keith brings a wealth of business success both as a small business owner and in corporate management of multi-national companies. •A 12 year career in the office equipment industry as State Sales Manager and State Manager leading his state to number one position for multi-national corporates such as Ricoh DBE and Oce.  •Keith was the Principal and founder of a specialised development site and investment sales agency on the Brisbane CBD fringe that became a market leader in this marketplace. •Having built a track record of business success Keith travelled the country as a sales trainer. •Keith has had a stella career in sales from the beginning of his sales career in real estate and office equipment sales, rising to the top of the sales ladder in both markets. 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.