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.

Shweta Khan , 24 Aug 2018 - Glenn Irving did a fabulous job with the sale of the business to us as we couldn’t be happier with his professionalism and friendly nature throughout the whole process and highly recommend him to anyone looking to sell or buy a business. Thanks so much ! Glenn Irving receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Glenn Irving brings over 35 years of manufacturing, production, design; as well import/export and offshore product creation experience, to the Benchmark Business Sales and Valuations team. 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.

"I was recommended to talk with John through a valued industry contact. I must admit It took a while to find the right buyer but once we did I couldn’t have had anyone better look after the sale and the process.  I was super anxious throughout and I had the added pressure of the world wide pandemic of the corona virus shutdown looming on us, amazing job! John did a phenomenal job to keep the buyer engaged and to complete the deal even thou he faced a one of the biggest obstacles in our lifetime. If it wasn’t for John I would have never ever achieved this result, his services are worth every cent." 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.

I would recommend Ian to anyone wanting a professional, caring and extremely diligent agent to take your sale to a successful conclusion. Thank you Ian you are a gem! - Tony Norrie | 16 August 22. Ian Salter receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Ian is dedicated to producing the best result possible for his clients through the application of hard-earned knowledge, experience, and insistence upon the upholding of professional standards. He also interacts frequently with a network of like-minded professionals, such as Solicitors, Bank Managers, Accountants, Finance Brokers, State Managers, National Managers, and Master Franchisors, not only to assist with the sale process for either a Buyer or Seller, but also to stay in touch with industry changes. Get to know more about Ian Salter 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 Salter is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.

Bernice , 30 Jun 2020 OMG, what a ride! In the middle of Covid-19, Nikki achieved a sale which at times, with lockdown, we thought was never going to happen. It just goes to show. Persistence can prevail even in the trickiest of markets and market was exceptional. Most brokers would have given up. Nikki, your job was to bring me a buyer. Despite the challenges of me being a first-time seller, and the market being mid-covid-19! You did it…...I believe a match made in heaven. I am excited to sell and he is excited to buy! The buyer is exceptional, it truly is a good match. I am confident that I have sold the salon in good faith, that my staff will be looked after and the salon will thrive, under the new ownership. That it will continue to flourish was so important to me. Thank you Nikki

"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 | 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. 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.

"A fantastic broker to deal with. I was delighted when I first spoke to John as many other brokers would not give me the time of day when I enquired. I'm really happy how john helped me get all the way to the finish line even through these uncertain times I am truly excited to start my salon journey." - Zoi Mlinaric | 19 May 2020 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.

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.

Nila and Bruce , 18 Mar 2019 Nila and I are very proud to endorse Benchmark as exceptional business brokers.  Their attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile was second to none.  This was our first experience in purchasing a business and lessons learnt with the assistance of Benchmark was huge. I recommend anyone who is a novice in this world to engage their company to guide you through all the unknown pitfalls of purchasing an existing business. Thank you and I wish you all the best in the future.

“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.