Australia’s Business Brokers

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.

Zoe , 01 Feb 2018 I had contacted Benchmark just before my lease ran out and I was planning to close the salon as I wanted to concentrate on my young family. The purchaser ended up being a customer of the salon and our broker helped get her through leasing, finance etc etc by explaining to her what was involved. The result was excellent as I have now sold my salon to a great girl and I have come out with some money to allow me to relax and enjoy my time off with my baby. Best result that could have happened. Thanks Benchmark for helping me thorough it.

"Benchmark were extremely helpful in finding my ideal salon. It was great to have an industry person to deal with throughout the transaction and I could call them anytime to bounce off ideas.  I will be in touch for my next one. Thank you for making the dream a reality" - Kathleen Sibley | 18 Mar 2019 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.

"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.

Eki/Melissa , 13 Dec 2018 Thanks Benchmark for your persistence in delivering the sale and getting us price we wanted. Great effort and job well done.

Steven Peter , 18 Mar 2019 I first came across Benchmark when purchasing the Greville Clinic in October 2018, During the negotiations for this purchase my broker displayed consideration for both the vendor and the myself, always displaying attention to detail, efficiency and a solution-oriented mindset, making the process entirely seemless. Benchmark pursued all requests for more detailed information in a timely manner and kept me updated on the status of these requests. They were extremely supportive and considerate in all areas of the business purchase and it has been a pleasure to conduct business with you.

Lynn , 13 Dec 2018 Amazing job Benchmark – we can now happily move on with our new-found retirement. After some ill health and moving away, I found it ever more difficult to run the salon and that’s when Benchmark stepped in to help! They set up a viewing and called a number of their buyers and negotiated everything from start to finish. Great achievement and great result. I am grateful for your help and appreciate everything you have done for me and now I can relax and let me salon go to a great new owner

We have sold a few times using benchmark - they have been excellent, supportive and thorough, throughout the whole process. John's communication is five-star and his knowledge of business a godsend in any tricky selling situation. Annie Thorpe. 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.

As an experienced buyer and seller of businesses I have dealt with many business brokers. It is with that background that I can confidently say that the service provided by Ian Salter is second to none. Ian’s attention to detail and genuine care to get the best result for all is unquestionable. This was particularly evidenced when an issue with the business purchase remained unresolved many weeks after settlement, Ian continuously pursued all parties until the matter was resolved. I would have no hesitation recommending Ian Salter to anyone looking to buy or sell a business. ” Regards, S. Sneddon 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. 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.

"This was my first business and I had a general understanding of the process however Benchmark guided me through the leasing process and talked in great length to the agent to get me approved. This is my first business and I'm so happy to have the experience and knowledge from Benchmark to help me get into my dream salon. I'm super excited for this new chapter in my life." - Kayla Brown | 08 Apr 2019 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.