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.

"Thank you John. I have now sold down my chain of salons over the last 10 years. It was a very emotional experience for my partner and I to do so therefore. We put all our trust and faith in John to get the job done and I must say it was an amazing whirl wind event.  With extensive due diligence, finance difficulties and 2 shopping centre leases to get through we were constantly worried that we would never see the end. But with john's expertise we finally reached settlement after he helped the buyer to successfully jumping over these hurdles. I strongly recommend that you have John in the middle of any business transaction he is a real problem solver and miracle worker." - Matt Glyn | 06 Feb 2020 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.

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.

Seller Sarah , 25 Jun 2019 “I contacted Nikki when I was pregnant with my first baby and asked her to help me sell my beautiful salon. She came highly recommended as my best friend’s mum also sold their salon through Nikki 6 months ago so I knew I was working with the right person. She took care of the whole sale process from start to finish and I sold my salon on the very day my baby was born! I cannot wait to start the next stages of my life and a massive thank you Nikki for taking care of everything and for minimising the stress of it all for me - allowing me to concentrate on my baby boy.

Tom Calderwood , 10 Oct 2019 Thank you Troy Foran for the determination and professionalism with the regards to the sale of my business  The whole process was daunting to me in the beginning and I was not confident that I would get the outcome I wanted. Appointing you as my broker was certainly the right decision. You kept me apprised of any developments and updates and was always very flexible time wise in meeting with potential buyers and myself. You never intentionally got my hopes up ("There are no guarantees until the money's in the bank" you would say). As it turned out there were complications with a purchaser who signed an agreement however never honored it. You immediately went straight back to work and revamped the ad for our business and generated a tonne of new interest which resulted in a new purchaser within only a few months. Thank you for your professional service and I would certainly recommend Benchmark to anyone intending to sell their business.

"We have been dealing with john for a while and unfortunately missed out on a salon we really loved however as soon as John listed another salon in the area he was on the phone to let us know and now I believe this was a better business opportunity for us. We are delighted to have found ourselves a great business in the heart of New Farm thank you for your help." - Carrie Barham | 11 Sep 2019 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.

Mark , 01 Feb 2018 I contacted Nikki after finding her as the agent for many salons in Sydney. She found me a great salon that suited my needs. Nikki and I worked together from there as she broke down the information about the salon of interest. She assisted with all aspects of the purchase, despite me sometimes being overseas and in hard to reach areas. She facilitated all the negotiations with landlords and vendor on my behalf and also recommended a solicitor that she works with to help with the contract. Great salon- great job Nikki. Thanks for all your help

"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.

Dennis , 13 Dec 2018 Working away from home when selling a salon is not easy but Benchmark took care of everything. They set up viewings after hours, confirmed all arrangements along the way and liaised with my conveyancer, which helped the process. Thanks Benchmark for finding a great buyer for the salon and I can now concentrate on my other business more knowing that the salon is in good hands. Appreciate you coordinating everything! Thanks for your service

Peter Mills , 12 Aug 2020 Our dealings with Benchmark have been via our Broker Russell Brockie. Russell has been outstanding in all dealing's around the sale of Icon Training Academy. It's been a pleasure working with him in not only business but has a person, a wonderful man. His level of communication are outstanding. Russell Brockie receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Russell Brockie joined Benchmark in 2006.  And, for almost all of that time, he has specialised in the accredited education and training space.  He is therefore one of the most experienced RTO sales brokers in Australia. Before joining Benchmark, Russell enjoyed a successful career in the hospitality industry. For more than twenty years, he held senior positions in deluxe hotels and resorts in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia Get to know more about Russell Brockie and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Russell Brockie is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.