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.

" A big thanks goes out to Keith and the team at Benchmark. His knowledge of the industry and ability to follow through on leads enabled us to obtain the sale we were looking for. He kept us up to date on every detail and ensured everyone knew what was required. He was by our side, helping us until the sale was finalised. Could not have asked for more." - Mark Glover | 6 Sep 2021 Keith Brewster receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Keith's career has been about creating successful business outcomes for all parties in different contexts. As an entrepreneur running his own property development company it meant finding opportunity personally and then finding a way to make it work. As a State Manager it meant managing large teams of ambitious salespeople whilst also managing the needs of customers and those of the corporation. 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.

J. Hoppe , 13 Dec 2018 ” I first met Michael from Benchmark Business after I made a phone call to enquire about Benchmark Business, systems and ended up making an appointment to meet with Michael, that was in August 2013. Michael travelled from Brisbane to Toowoomba to meet with me and I was able to find out what he thought he could to sell our business and he found out all he could about our business, my husband, myself and why we wanted to sell. I was quite impressed with what Michael thought he could do to sell our business but I had to convince my husband to go with him as after having a couple of not so good experiences with other big name brokers and feeling ripped off he was very hesitant. Michael was persistent and rang me on average every two months for a chat and to see how we were going and did not pressure me at all. I got so used to his calls if he missed ringing I would ring him and touch base as I did not want to lose contact with him as I felt I could trust him to do the right thing when we were ready to list our business. Early in 2015 we were ready to list the business and property for sale so Michael came and met with my husband Graham and myself and everything went from there, there was only a small fee for the putting together of the business information memorandum for prospective buyers to view, this I felt he had done a great job putting together, the information in it was spot on. There were a few interesting enquiries and many discussions with Michael and I always felt comfortable with him and knew he understood where I was coming from so trust was growing for both of us then in the end of March and early April thing started to get interesting with lots of information going back and forth for several interested parties and by June we thought we had a buyer but then they backed away just before settlement in July, what a disappointment for us and Michael as we had worked so hard. Michael followed up with another party that had shown quite good interest and with lots more to-ing and throwing of information and much patience from both Michael and ourselves we finally got an offer we were happy with and accepted and things progressed from there and Contracts were signed and our business was sold on the 4th of December 2015. During 2015, our eldest daughter was seriously ill and I had to spend many months in Cairns caring for her, which made it very hard at times, but Michael always asked how she was and how I was coping and offered great support, this I greatly appreciated. During the time spent working with Michael over two years to achieve a successful sale, I felt we had built a bond of respect, trust and honest with each other and a friend ship had formed between us which I hope continues for many years. I am thankful I went with my gut feelings and put my trust in Michael of Benchmark Business. ” Yours sincerely J. Hoppe

Peter Gimpel 09 Aug 2021 - When we decided to sell our family Electrical Contracting company, we contacted Benchmark Business Valuations and were very please to be given Mr Glenn Irving as our business sales broker.  Glenn was tireless in chasing down leads and eventually we were matched up with a first class buyer for our small business.  Glenn was meticulous in hosting pre settlement meetings in the board room in house and also was able to recommend an excellent small business lawyer to complete all the necessary transactions for the completion of the sale.  The settlement of the sale of the business was guided to an excellent conclusion by Glenn and his team. We have no hesitation in recommending Glenn and his team to anyone wanting to buy or sell a small business. Glenn Irving receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Glenn has a passion for rugby with a keen interest in thoroughbred horses and bloodstock. His greatest wish is to see happiness, health, success and personal growth for his children and family. If you are thinking about selling your business, Contact Glenn Irving today. 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.

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.

Maria Chadwick , 13 Dec 2018 I used another broker before Benchmark and they did nothing. John and Iain jumped straight on board and worked their magic!! The business was only listed for 2 days before they had a buyer interested and committed. The process was interesting especially as I was overseas but we managed to get through it successfully. I’m happy as I haven’t had to say goodbye to the business I’ve been able to stay on and work part time for the new owner a great result for all parties

"My plans changed and I took a year away from looking then a year later I made contact with John again to see what business he had that would be an ideal investment for my requirements. He guided me with such professionalism and we looked at quite a few options until I found the perfect fit. It’s been a quite a journey with many obstacles that we overcame.  John has been fabulous in getting what I needed and helping me through the process. I’m super excited and so glad I bought my business through John." 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.

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.

Angela Jankovic , 21 Feb 2019 It is with pleasure to write this reference for Belinda who is assisting me with selling property on the Gold Coast. I have only known Belinda for a few months but can express my appreciation and gratitude towards the way she has assisted me through the process of selling a property. It can be quite daunting at times, but Belinda just knows how to take that pressure off you by her wisdom and knowledge of the industry. Belinda is very efficient when it comes to communication, always keeping me up to date on whatever is transpiring, which is very important to me, thus displaying confidence in her ability in selling property. She is passionate about her industry and the Benchmark slogan of “We value your business, you’ll value our experience” is exactly what Belinda provides. I have no hesitation and recommending Belinda to any prospective client wishing to sell their business/property, requiring the services of a woman whose honesty and integrity are beyond question. Angela Jankovic

Name undisclosed , 13 Dec 2018 "When selling a business there is one word that matter more than any other; SOLD! And Jacob got to use it. Jacob is very pleasant to deal with, built great report with the enquires and ultimately the buyer. Jacob felicitated the sale of a business I had owned for 23 years, there was quite a bit to arrange to not only list it but to also get it SOLD. I highly recommend Jacob to assist in the sale of your business." Jacob Reeson receives another Benchmark Business Sales Review. Jacob Reeson is known within Benchmark’s offices as a young gun, with plenty of business experience (for his age), and lots of common-sense. He has demonstrated expertise in negotiations skills, and being a 100% performance based broker. He has the determination to make his future in this profession. Get to know more about Jacob Reeson and his accomplishments by clicking the "View Profile" button below. Additionally, you can read other Benchmark Business Sales Testimonials from the "Broker" section above. Jacob Reeson is a business broker at Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations.