Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations Research
Advisory Approach
Benchmark Business Sales & Valuations (Benchmark Corporate) is Australia's premier business brokerage firm, founded in 1999 on the Gold Coast and expanded nationally with offices in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin. The firm operates with a clear thesis: business owners deserve confidential, professional guidance when selling or acquiring businesses, with a process that respects the operational continuity of the business while maximizing transaction value.
In 2011, Benchmark established its Corporate division to serve the growing need for sophisticated advisory in larger transactions, particularly those involving public companies, stock market listings, roll-ups, and IPOs. This division specializes in off-market transactions, introducing businesses directly to vetted, targeted buyers while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process.
Sector Focus
Benchmark's transaction history demonstrates deep expertise across several key industry verticals. In childcare and education, the firm has completed numerous center sales ranging from $550,000 to $12.6 million, including both leasehold and freehold going concern transactions. Their supermarket and grocery retail practice, led by Executive Manager Mathew Hartley, is nationally recognized as the premier supermarket brokerage in Australia, with dedicated teams across all major cities.
The firm maintains strong capabilities in healthcare services, particularly medical practices and pharmacies, through specialists like Brian Sander who bring decades of healthcare transaction experience. Their personal services practice, led by John Kasapi, dominates the hair and beauty salon sector with specialized brokers who understand the unique dynamics of service-based businesses.
Benchmark also actively transacts in automotive services, cafes and restaurants, manufacturing, building and trades services, commercial property, and franchised businesses across food, hospitality, and retail sectors.
Deal Track Record
Benchmark maintains one of Australia's most comprehensive databases of business transaction data, with over 100 recorded sales in 2025-2026 alone. Recent completed transactions include:
- Childcare Centre - Freehold Going Concern: $12,600,000 (QLD, Oct 2025)
- Childcare Centre - Freehold Going Concern: $4,500,000 (QLD, Sep 2025)
- Childcare Centre - Freehold Going Concern: $3,100,000 (QLD, Aug 2025)
- Supermarket - Leasehold: $9,000,000 (QLD, Aug 2025)
- Supermarket - Freehold Going Concern: $3,200,000 (QLD, Jan 2026)
- Manufacturer: $1,500,000 (QLD, Dec 2025)
- Electrical and Refrigeration services: $1,350,000 (QLD, Dec 2025)
- Automotive parts - Freehold Going Concern: $1,700,000 (QLD, Aug 2025)
- Air compressor company: $1,034,000 (QLD, Sep 2025)
- Commercial Property: $1,200,000 (QLD, Feb 2026)
- Commercial Property: $830,000 (NSW, Sep 2025)
- Wastewater Management: $2,200,000 (WA, Jan 2026)
- Swimming pool contractor: $640,000 (WA, Jan 2026)
- Tour agency: $1,500,000 (QLD, Aug 2025)
Notable corporate transactions include Ian Haggerty's advisory on the sale of Akwa Worx & Akwa Facility Maintenance Pty Ltd to ASX-listed De.Mem Ltd, demonstrating the firm's capability in public company transactions and industrial services M&A.
The firm has completed 1,000+ transactions since 1999, with aggregate transaction value exceeding AUD $1 billion across all business divisions.
Process & Fee Structure
Benchmark's process emphasizes confidentiality first and foremost. For larger corporate transactions, the firm operates an off-market marketplace where businesses are introduced directly to vetted buyers without public listing, ensuring commercial operations remain secure during the sales process.
The standard engagement process includes:
- Initial consultation and business valuation
- Preparation of Information Memorandum with financial performance, future potential, and asset/liability positioning
- Marketing to Benchmark's national buyer database of 10,000+ qualified prospects
- Buyer qualification and due diligence management
- Contract negotiation and settlement coordination
The firm's 65+ brokers operating nationally provide unparalleled coverage, with local market knowledge combined with national buyer reach. Benchmark maintains relationships with solicitors, bank managers, accountants, finance brokers, and master franchisors to facilitate smooth transactions.
Buyer Network
Benchmark's buyer network spans 10,000+ registered prospects including private investors, strategic acquirers, public companies, and offshore buyers. The firm's off-market listing service introduces opportunities directly to qualified buyers who have been vetted and are actively seeking acquisition opportunities.
For corporate transactions, Benchmark has relationships with ASX-listed companies, private equity firms, and industry consolidators executing roll-up strategies. The firm's national presence means a business listed in one state can be marketed to qualified buyers across Australia, maximizing the pool of potential acquirers.
Competitive Positioning
Benchmark differentiates through:
- National Scale with Local Expertise - 65+ brokers across 7 offices with deep local market knowledge
- Specialized Divisions - Dedicated supermarket, childcare, healthcare, and corporate M&A teams with industry specialists
- Award-Winning Team - Multiple AIBB and REIQ award winners including John Kasapi (National Business Broker of the Year 2025) and Mathew Hartley (REIQ Business Broker of the Year 2017)
- Off-Market Expertise - Confidential transaction process for larger businesses requiring discretion
- Transaction Data - Australia's most comprehensive database of business sales, providing market intelligence for pricing and buyer identification
- Integrated Services - Valuation, exit strategy planning, and transaction execution under one roof
Not a Fit If
Benchmark typically declines:
- Businesses below $50,000 in value (minimum threshold)
- Start-ups with limited operating history
- Businesses with significant unresolved legal issues
- Sellers seeking public auction processes (Benchmark focuses on targeted, confidential sales)
Team
The firm's leadership includes senior professionals with decades of combined experience:
Brian Sander - Director with 40+ years in business sales, Fellow of the Australian Institute of Business Brokers, Inaugural winner of the Sir Robert Torrens Award for industry service. Specializes in franchising, food & hospitality, and pharmacy/medical practice sales. Previously Managing Director of Sander & Associates before merging with Benchmark.
Lincoln Bridge - Benchmark's highest-selling agent, specializes in corporate M&A including sourcing, target identification, and contract negotiation for multiple acquisitions, roll-ups, and IPO roll-ups. Expert in structured earn-outs and complex acquisitions.
Ian Salter - Senior Business Broker since 2005, licensed in QLD and NSW. Serves on REIQ and AIBB industry committees. Background in owning and operating multiple businesses since the 1980s, with professional sales training from global organizations.
Ian Haggerty - Senior Business Broker, formerly QLD State Manager at Flow Systems (Brookfield group) and Head of Strategic Growth at Trility (Mitsubishi). Extensive experience in corporate development, joint ventures, and value-added acquisitions. Led the sale of Akwa Worx to ASX-listed De.Mem Ltd.
Mathew Hartley - Executive Manager of the Supermarket Sales Division with 35+ years of industry experience. Former Regional Manager at Metcash and owner/operator of IGA and Supa IGA stores. REIQ 2017 Business Broker of the Year Excellence Award winner. Leads dedicated supermarket teams across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Gold Coast.
John Kasapi - AIBB National Business Broker of the Year 2025, specializes in hair and beauty salon transactions with 15+ years of industry experience. One of Australia's most recognized salon brokers.
The broader team includes 65+ brokers and support staff across all Australian states and territories.
Geographic Coverage
Benchmark maintains offices in:
- Queensland: Brisbane (1015 Wynnum Road, Cannon Hill), Gold Coast (166 Ashmore Road, Benowa - Head Office)
- New South Wales: Sydney (5 Alexander Street, Crows Nest)
- Victoria: Melbourne (80 Market Street, South Melbourne)
- South Australia: Adelaide (Suite 24, 213 Greenhill Road, Eastwood)
- Western Australia: Perth (Unit 7, 8 Clive Street, West Perth)
- Northern Territory: Darwin
The firm provides truly national coverage with local market expertise combined with a unified national buyer database and marketing platform.