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.

“Wow wow wow they truly are the best in the business. Benchmark delivered record sales on two of my best stores and were an absolute delight to deal with. My sale was a seamless and I can definitely see why they are the best in the country. When it's time to sell my chain there I will be calling Benchmark. They had the buyer straight away and we put two of my sites to contract and managed the entire process which involved lease negotiable, name agreement, product distribution contracts and so much more. Benchmark are full service brokers and go above and beyond. Yes I'm impressed!” - Chernae Noonan - Seller | 25 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.

Shane Ayre , 13 Dec 2018 “I would just like to say a very big thank you to you personally and to Benchmark for handling the recent and very successful acquisition of Akwa Worx & Akwa Facility Maintenance Pty Ltd to ASX listed De.Mem Ltd. The whole process was very quick and efficient and the drive from you with my instructions to do was done in a very professional manner. Once again thank you and I would have no concerns giving recommendation to any of my colleges should they wish to go forth with a sale.” Ian Haggerty receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Ian Haggerty has almost 30 years business experience working throughout Europe, the Middle East, North America, Australia and New Zealand. Ian is a dedicated business professional who’s approach towards business includes private business owners as well as corporate business owners, and participates at all levels of business interactions. With significant business experience gained from owning his own businesses and time spent in the corporate world; his strengths are identifying short and long term growth opportunities as well as understanding the diversity of exit strategies and succession planning available to business owners. 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.

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.

Buyer , 25 Jun 2019 “I spoke about a year ago enquiring about a hair salon in the western Suburbs. We discussed location and she told me I had just missed a couple of salons in the area now under contract. I told her what I was looking for and she promised to call me if she had the “right fit’ of salon for me. About 2 month ago, she called me and invited me to look at something. She provided all the information quickly and we made an offer. Today, I am now the proud owner of a stunning new salon and I am so delighted that Nikki and I spoke as it is just perfect for what we were looking for. Nikki, I appreciate you keeping me in your mind and matching us to the right salon. I hope to work with you again in the future”

"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.

Sam from Benchmark assisted in the selling of our business of 35 years. In what could have been a stressful and emotional period. Sam's calm demeanor and unwavering support was invaluable. He was always accessible and eager to answer any of our concerns. The result was the sale of our business. A job well done!  - Sandra Glynn

"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.

I really can’t thank John enough for his determination in seeing this through over a most difficult time that I’ve ever seen in 45years of hairdressing. 35 of those years in business and selling in this climate has been challenging. Well…. You certainly showed us all, that “Determination” is your middle name! After having 2 other brokers attempting this feat and not being successful I was ready to give up. Then I spoke to John and he brought back all my faith in being able to sell my business and go into retirement. Thank you again. You certainly are the broker I would recommend to any of my friends that are ready to sell and move into a new face in life.  -Tatjana Vaupel | May 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.

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.