Articles
If you are researching buying or selling a business, our Knowledge Centre is a great place to start. You’ll find it packed with articles and downloads that are a valuable resource when doing your homework and planning your next move. Read the latest advice and features from our business experts to get the answers you need.
Buying the Perfect Business
Buying the Perfect Business – Does it Exist and How do I Find it?
Handy Checklist for When You're Buying a Business
Buying a Business? Here’s a Handy Checklist
Top 5 Key Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs
Business leaders come from all walks of life, and every story is unique. Still, there are a few things top entrepreneurs have in common. These five traits are hallmarks of people who excel in business.
How Long Will It Take to Sell My Business
Exiting your business is a complicated process but rushing it can be costly. It takes time to find the right buyer and go through the process of finalising the sale. If you're looking to sell, you'll want to know what to expect along the way, and potentially how to speed things along without...
Going into Business. Buying In vs Starting Up
Going into Business: Buying In vs. Starting Up
Perth Is The Best Place to Own a Business
Western Australia’s economy was stumbling as the mineral boom seemed to go bust. However, it began to get back on track in 2018. There was year-on-year growth for the first time in four years in both household consumption and domestic growth. Business confidence also hit a seven-year high in 2...
Hot Industries in the Gold Coast Area
In 2013, the City of Gold Coast recognised that one of its biggest economic challenges was its narrow economic base. The city’s economy was built around traditional service-based industries like tourism, construction and retail, and to continue growing, the economy needed to transform. The Eco...
Hottest Businesses to Buy Right Now in the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is currently one of the hottest places to do business. It’s the third most populated area in Queensland and expected to grow 2.5 percent annually through to 2026. It has a Gross Regional Product of more than $16 billion and an average annual growth rate of 4 percent. This ou...
Business Sale Trends in Sydney
Sydney is a vibrant city of more than 5 million people that features good food, beautiful beaches and a great start-up culture. For business owners wanting to sell in the city, this is great news because so many people want to live there. However, selling your business comes down to more than just b...
Hottest Businesses to Buy Right Now in Melbourne
Melbourne’s star is on the rise. It’s been at or near the top of the list of the most liveable cities in the world for years and is set to be the biggest city in Australia by 2030. Victoria is worth 24 percent of Australia’s GDP and the population is growing, which is why Melbourne...
The Two Billion Dollar Small Business Fund. Your Questions Answered.
Australian small businesses that need a cash injection to fund their expansion dreams may find loans easier to come by in the near future. The federal government has announced the Australian Business Securitisation Fund (ABSF) and a plan for legislation to go before Parliament in early 2019. The Lib...
AU Consumer Sentiment Improves for the Third Month Straight
Consumer sentiment in Australia is on the rise, with December 2018 marking an increase for the third month straight. Some economists believe consumer sentiment is a self-fulfilling statistic: If surveys show confidence is up, then all consumers will spend more freely. This doesn’t take away th...
Normalising Your Accounts
Some business owners love doing their own financial accounting. Others have all their receipts stuffed in shoeboxes under the bed. Unfortunately for the shoebox filers, normalising your accounts is an important step in sale preparation. Normalising doesn’t mean filing your receipts correctly, ...
Don't Steal From Yourself When Selling Your Business
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make in the sale of their business can start years before they decide to sell. It’s slipping into a cash economy. You may think that taking cash from a customer or client and never declaring it is one way to minimise your tax, but in the end, you may...
Preparing for the Negatives
Your business is your baby. You’ve conceived the idea, turned it into an enterprise, nurtured the fledging, and now you think it can fly on its own, under the guidance of a new owner. Like all proud parents, you may have trouble admitting that your creation is anything less than perfect, but t...
If You Lose Focus When Selling Your Business...
Just deciding to sell your business can leave you feeling exhausted. This might be why so many business owners find their minds already on Waikiki Beach when the journey to a sale has barely begun.
Waiting Too Long to Sell Your Business
Business owners who are looking to sell often adopt a wait-and-see approach, which can be risky. Making a sale is not as easy as it appears, of course, but business owners who avoid waiting too long to sell their business may enjoy a more successful outcome.
Maintaining Confidentiality Throughout the Sale Process
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when planning to sell your business is not keeping the plan secret. Staff, customers, and sellers have built relationships with you, and many people don't like change. Rumours that ownership is changing hands, can have staff looking for new jobs, sellers ...
Seeking an Unrealistic Appraisal of Your Business' Value
Pricing is crucial to selling your business. The right price draws in buyers, but the wrong price turns them away. Many owners make the mistake of overpricing their business. An unjustified value can make buyers walk away — for good. And if buyers walk away, your business is sitting on the mar...
Why You Should Buy or Sell a Business in North Queensland
In 2015 the Australian Government released a white paper titled “Our North, Our Future”, focused on developing the northern part of the country. The paper recognised opportunities in the north that were not being fully realised.
Why Perth is Ideal for Business Owners
The mining boom brought abundance to certain parts of Australia, and Western Australia was a state that experienced the rush. People were flying in to Western Australia for work, everyday Aussies were taking advantage of the property boom and the government had royalty money coming in. Unfortunately...
Why You Should Buy or Sell a Business in Brisbane
Brisbane has beautiful weather year-round and 86 per cent of residents say it’s a great place to live, so it’s no surprise that businesses are interested in setting up shop there. Greater Brisbane’s economy is worth $162 billion, and 49 per cent of Queensland’s economic outpu...
How to Find the Perfect Business to Buy
As business brokers, we like to believe that there is a buyer for every business, if it makes a profit. How long it would take to find a buyer and how much they are prepared to pay for it depends entirely on how the business is presented, how the business is marketed and how the business is valued. ...
How to Sell A Business Quickly
There are times when a business owner needs to sell their business quickly. This could be due to health or financial reasons, or even a change in circumstances. Most business brokers agree that businesses generally take 6-12 months to sell, but what if you can’t wait that long?
Questions You Need to Ask Before You Buy a Business
If you’re thinking of buying a business, it’s important to do your due diligence.
Read This If You're Planning on Selling Your Business
Whether you’re still considering whether or not to sell your small business or the decision is set in stone, there are several steps to complete along the way before the final signature is written.
Why It's Smarter to Invest in Business Rather Than Property
Any type of investment is a risk, but there are some more favourable than others. There are two main types of investments to consider: business investments and property investments. Business investments are considered a more favourable option over property investments for several reasons.
5 Steps to Increase the Value of Your Business by Making It Owner Independent
Many reasons exist for why you should try to make yourself redundant in your own business.
Australia's Excellent Climate for Buying and Selling Businesses
People looking to buy a business will find that Australia’s strong economy, technological investment and government initiatives offer them fertile ground to continue to grow their new enterprise. For those getting ready to sell, the same benefits continue to bring new buyers into the market.
Selling Your Business with a Business Broker
Selling a business is a big deal so finding the right person to help you along the way is crucial.
Franchises in Australia
It seems like every time franchises make the news, it’s not good press. Caltex have recently announced that they’re moving away from the franchise model after the Fair Work Ombudsman found that three-quarters of their sites were breaching workplace laws. Other franchises, including Domin...
Tasmania Investment Opportunities
Tasmania is the smallest of Australian states, but that doesn’t mean it has less to offer. In fact, when it comes to investment, Tasmania offers a great business environment and plenty of opportunities while giving investors an enviable lifestyle in a landscape that attracts tourists from arou...
Benefits of Buying an Online Home Based Business
The spread of the internet has made online, home-based businesses a very attractive option for new business owners. In fact, home-based businesses are currently the fastest growing form of business start-up.
Analysing Your Business as an Investment
What’s your business worth to a buyer? Treat your business as an investment and it just might pay off.
Must Know Rules to Buy a Business in Australia
Are you looking to buy a business? Australia is somewhat infamous for having a long list of rules and regulations regarding business investing. Although it can be frustrating—and sometimes difficult to keep pace—these laws are ultimately there to keep everyone safe and maintain a high st...
Seven Steps to Prepare Your Business for Sale
If you want to achieve the best outcome, the sale of a business isn’t something that can, or should, happen overnight. In fact, readying your business for sale is something that should take some time and careful preparation, starting a few years out from the sale.
Advantages of Buying an Established Bar or Night Club Compared to Building One From Scratch
Many of us have dreamt of owning our own bar, club or restaurant. In reality, only the brave will take the leap and make it happen.
Huge Economic Growth with the Sunshine Coast's New City Centre
The Sunshine Coast's new City Centre at Maroochydore offers business owners the opportunity for huge growth, no matter the business. It includes a large and growing market and ample investment opportunities, and it's reflective of a growing economy in the Sunshine Coast that's turning th...
Who Should Be On Your Sales Team
Selling your business is a big undertaking. You’ve spent many long hours, over months and years, building a successful enterprise. It’s important to be well-compensated for all the time, energy and stress you’ve put in, and that means it’s important to choose the right team t...
How to Use Your Marketing Budget to Facilitate a Successful Business Sale
Spending resources, time and money on a marketing campaign is critical for a successful sale of your business. Marketing lets you get the word out that your business is for sale and when a campaign is carefully crafted, with a little bit of help from experts, it can end up being wildly successful; r...
How to Choose an Honest Business Broker
Don’t get caught out working with an unscrupulous business broker—learn to spot the warning signs to minimise risk.
Is It Easier to Start a Business or to Buy One
Whether you want to start a business or buy one, there are pros and cons for each approach.
Best Foot Forward. How to Sell Your Business
If you’re going to sell your business for the best price possible, you should present it in the best light.
Traps to Look for When You Sell the Business
Not all would-be purchasers are created equal and nowhere is this more obvious than when you come to sell the business.
Choosing the Best Business to Buy
Looking for a business to buy? Here’s how to decide if an opportunity is right for you, and how to secure the best deal possible.
How a Business Broker Can Help You Secure the Best Deal
Starting a business in Australia or selling one can be a challenging process, unless you have the right people on your side.
How to Buy an Investment Business in Australia
Are you an overseas investor who wants to buy an investment business in Australia? Follow this six-step guide.
How and When to Sell a Mature Business
When selling a mature business, it’s important to understand the different opportunities and how they vary from selling a start-up.
Value Drivers for Gyms & Fitness Centres
Whether you are in the early stages of considering selling your business, or you have already made the decision to sell, there are a number of significant factors that can impact the end result. The following list outlines the key value drivers that consistently have the most impact on the value of ...
Selling A Childcare Business
It is essential to plan the sale of your business and get your 'house' in order. A meeting with a childcare specialist Broker will guarantee a smooth sales process and achieve the best sales price by preparing your business in advance for the sale by maximising its efficiency, earning potent...
Vendor Finance the Answer for Buyers & Sellers
For business owners wishing to sell, an effective way to achieve a sale at the best possible price could be is for the vendor (seller) to finance part of the sale. Vendor finance is used more often than you might think to achieve a business sale and it can present tremendous opportunities for buyers...
Fixing the work side of work life balance
Work-life balance can seem like a myth when you are in the grip of building or running your own business.
Purchasing a GP practice - Why conditions are favourable now for buyers
Whether individuals are considering purchasing an established practice or starting one from scratch, the current economic climate is trending toward one that’s favourable for buyers. The demand is high for quality GPs and specialists throughout Australia, and making the decision to purchase a ...
Selling a Small Business
If you want a decent price for your small business, there is much more to the sale than advertising it on a few websites when you’re ready to get out. Rather, to maximise the selling price of your business, you must begin the sales process much earlier.
How to sell an online business
One of the most important things to think about before selling any business is to think about the person you’re selling to. Put yourself in the buyer’s seat. It’s well-known that people buy things based on emotion. As the seller, finding a way to appeal to someone’s emotions ...
Where to sell a business quickly
You’ve invested thousands of hours into your business. You’ve worked weekends and evenings, overcome countless staffing and financial challenges, and haven’t taken a holiday in years. Now, whether due to retirement, illness or favourable economic conditions, you’re ready to s...
Get creative in business
Being creative in business is often associated with a creative job, be that in corporate aspects of design or innovation. But you can be creative in your business practice regardless of what the business does. Being creative in business can be as simple as creating wealth—and as satisfying as ...
Active Investing in Business
Looking to invest in an Australian business? Before you take any further steps, read this. There is a significant difference between passive and active investing. Choosing the right path for you can lead to smart ways to mitigate risk.
Secrets to job satisfaction
It’s fair to say that most people spend more time at work than they do with friends or family, so job satisfaction is high up the list of priorities when it comes to being happy. Sadly though, many people report feeling dissatisfied with work, but here are a few clues as to how you can turn th...
Where to buy a business
Here’s one vital piece of advice for those wondering where to buy a business: cheap doesn't mean a bargain. Likewise, even great return on investment doesn't necessarily mean a bargain. It all comes down to the buyers and their specific needs.
How to sell a business fast
Many people believe that financial hardship is the leading factor, but we know it’s not the only reason. These guidelines won’t just help you, the seller, to sell your business swiftly and easily, they’ll also benefit the buyer. It’s a win-win. Let’s start with how you ...
The truth about mentoring and business ownership
Many mentors claim they learn most through teaching. What degree of truth lies in that depends largely, I suspect, on both the personality and the motivations of the individuals concerned.
My franchisee is out of control
My question is: How do franchisors monitor the management style of the Franchisee?
How to achieve scale in your business
The most scalable businesses are businesses that sell software programs, businesses that you have the IP for, whether it's a gateway or subscription based, where you can sell the product multiple times. You press ‘control/copy’ and off you go.
Surviving business partnership failure
One of the most common reasons we have for listing a business is partnership failure. Often people will say, "I just want to sell my share" or "I'm looking for a new partner." Of course, it is much more complicated than that. I'd have a better chance of taking them to a p...
How to position your business for sale and achieve maximum value
Only about 5 percent of vendors that we work with have properly prepared their business for sale. Most often they come to LINK when they are burnt out, in ill health, or have simply decided it’s time to retire. Here’s a guide on how to and when you should go to market.
Selling a Start-up
How to maximise the price when selling a business you started from scratch
Three “Golden Rules” When You Want to Buy a Business
Most people start the process by looking at what’s for sale on commercial websites. We suggest taking a few steps back to start with and get a better understanding about a few key matters before you start your search. It will save you a lot of time, ensure you don’t miss out on the right...
Where do I go to find real businesses for sale?
The best way to achieve a successful outcome is to ensure that a business is sellable. LINK is only paid on the successful completion of a sale, so we need to make sure our vendor is a serious committed seller. Many of our business have had already been valued by our team prior to market and our bro...
TOPSHOP Collapse & What it Means for Australian Retailers
Topshop joins the growing list of clothing retailers who have gone into administration over the past eight months. Among them are Herringbone, Rhodes & Beckett, Marcs, David Lawrence, kids wear chain Pumpkin Patch and Payless Shoes. Several of these operations continue to perform well in other c...
The Myth: A business is worth only what someone will pay for it
The first question raised by business owners looking to sell their business usually revolves around valuation - that is "What is my business worth?"
The 2017 Federal Budget’s Impact on Businesses
The recent delivery of the 2017 Federal Budget for Australian businesses has focused on two themes, adjusting infrastructure spending and the prospect of lowering taxes. The outcomes of these subjects have been met with a positive response particularly from small business owners who are happy to hea...
Preparing Your Business For Sale - Top Tips From A Broker
You’ve poured your time and energy into growing your business, and it’s likely become one of your most valuable assets.
Buying a Franchise System
I am often asked “what is the perfect business,” or “what business would you buy?” The truth is there is no such thing as the perfect business. Every business will have a “fishhook” in it somewhere. So with this in mind, what stands out as a great busine...
Succession Planning for Retirees
Retiring from your business which you have built up for many years can not only be an emotional milestone but also a financial and legal challenge. Getting it right is important for your future well being in retirement, as well as the continuation and growth of your business.
Getting Business Structure Right
Business ownership is an exciting journey, and it is always wonderful to see people taking the leap for the first time into owning their own business, whether starting from scratch, going into a franchise, or purchasing an established business.
Selling a Business Valued at Over $1 Million
It is crucial to seek professional advice when selling a substantially sized business. As the owner of such a business, you may have a considerable fraction of your total income bound in your business. With help from our experienced senior brokers you can avoid unnecessary issues involving mishandle...
Buying a Franchise Business
To even begin considering purchasing a business in Australia, you must become acquainted with the franchise sale process.
Preparing your Business for Sale Using a Business Broker
Considering selling your business but not sure where to start? Our approach will give you tips on the best time to sell and how to get the most money for your business.
Finding the Perfect Franchisee
A great amount of thought needs to go into defining the profile of your “perfect franchisee”. Each business will require different skills and personalities from their franchisees. You must understand prospective franchisee’s attitudes, core values and habits. With this information ...
Key Considerations when Purchasing an Accommodation Business
Structural change to the accommodation sector of the tourism industry over the past 20 years has opened up business and investment opportunities across a range of accommodation types, operating arrangements and price levels.
Would You Buy Your Own Business?
As business brokers we are talking to business owners everyday and it’s amazing how few know the value of their business or that there may well be a queue of buyers if their business came to the market. Surprisingly (to many it seems), demand for businesses is very strong. This demand comes fr...
What to look for when buying a business
A business purchase is often an expensive exercise and can be motivated by a variety of needs including the expansion of an existing business, personal independence, return on investment or security of income. Regardless of the reason, investigating the business through a detailed due diligence proc...
Planning a Business Purchase
Buying a business may seem daunting at first, but with a little forethought, you can bring clarity to the process and make it a learning experience and a chance to ask yourself some big questions. The following are suggestions for an orderly approach, and you may be surprised at how simple this can ...
Surviving the Due Diligence Process
So as a business owner you have decided to sell your business to either move on or retire. You are keen to achieve best value for your business and have engaged LINK to manage the sale process.
The Advantages Of Franchising
If you are keen to own your own business then now is the time to start looking.A successful business requires the right ‘formula’ which is made up of everything from product range, promotional strategy and pricing, to location, resourcing and the use of technology and systems. This is th...
How to Avoid Bad Business Deals
The biggest myth in business sales is that only bad businesses are on the market. There are lots of reasons why people want to move on from their existing, well run business. Surely, as a business broker it is our job to get the phone ringing! Businesses advertised for sale always boast of all the g...
Brand Value
How important or valuable is your brand? In the last quarter of the 20th century there was a dramatic shift in the understanding of the creation of shareholder value. For most of the century, tangible assets were regarded as the main source of business value. These included manufacturing assets, lan...
Preparing your Wholesale Distribution Business for Sale
Most wholesale distribution businesses will be either ‘sales driven’ or ‘logistics drive’. It is important that a buyer understands what their personal strengths are, ensuring whichever the biggest driver is, they are the right person for the business.
Selling your Business is a Process, not an Event
The post WW II baby boom (1946 – 1964) has frequently been described by demographers as a pig passing through a python. The baby boomer’s impact on our society has created a myriad of opportunities and impacts as they’ve travelled through their different life phases. With this demo...
Being A Business Broker – The Best Job in the World
After a long and varied career spanning some 40 years (including shearing sheep, agricultural research, running a sheep and beef farm, production manager for an agricultural chemical plant, development, operations and general manager for a foam plastics and polyester fibres company through to owning...
Adding Value with S.O.P
The existence of a Standard Operating Procedures manual (S.O.P) brings about many benefits for an organisation. The advantages of a system in place for any organisation cannot be denied. When the system is put in writing and when it is continuously monitored, it reaps more benefits. This is exactly ...
Hospitality Conversions - Value in Buying an Existing Business
There is real value in buying an existing hospitality business that may not be performing, for you to convert into your dream business.
Starting a New Venture vs Buying an Existing Business
Many people find the notion of owning a small business intoxicatingly exciting. The idea of starting something new, creating a product or service, establishing a brand and reaping the success, all have a potent appeal, but are rarely grounded in the true reality. That reality of dealing with busines...
Buyers Bootcamp - Are You In Good Shape To Buy A Business?
At LINK we work with many buyers and understand that at the best of times buying a business can be a complex, time consuming and sometimes a daunting process. In the current sellers’ market there is an additional pressure to contend with – competition from other buyers.
Top Tips For a Smooth Business Transaction
When selling your business, all you need is a smooth business transaction with no hassle, no surprises or hidden costs involved!
Advantages of Franchising
If you are keen to own your own business then now is the time to start looking. All indications are that business is on the upward trend and so there is no better time than now.
Watch Out for the 7 Deadly Sins When Selling a Business
If a sale is achieved it will inevitably be at a significant discount.
Failing To Plan Is Planning To Fail - The Benefits Of Business Planning
The process of creating a business plan forces you to step back, and take an objective look at your business.
Are you Getting Value for Your Money? Do Your Due Diligence
Some aspects of a business are more valuable than others. There are some aspects that you simply can’t live without. For example, whilst an owner of a café can easily replace a coffee machine if it fails, it may not be as easy to replace the taste of their particular coffee blend, which...
Buying or Selling Businesses: Price & Value
When buying or selling a business usually the first thing on the vendor or the purchaser’s mind is the price. That is, what is the value of the business and what should the price be? The value of a business is made up of different components which can each be managed to maximise the va...
Key Considerations when Selling a Multi-Divisional SME Business: Break it Up or Sell Whole?
A business with more than one division may generate a better return for the vendor if it is broken up and sold in parts rather than as one complete entity; but, as you may expect, there are many considerations in solving this particular equation - and some of these are briefly discussed below.
A Career in Property Management
Management Rights businesses have been around since the mid 1970’s and are found mainly in Queensland, but increasingly in NSW, Victoria and to a lesser extent other states. In the 1970’s property developers “discovered” Queensland and now, the skyline is dotted with resident...
Look Forward To A Successful Business Sale
You’ve built up a sizeable business. It’s profitable and still growing, but you know there’s more to life than 65 hour weeks. You’re an “empty nester” and keen for more golf and extended vacations. You’re ready to sell. However, your financial advisor tells ...
Buying a Substantial Business
At LINK our dedicated corporate division facilitates the sale of businesses valued between $1 million and $50 million. Our senior brokers have vast knowledge in the field of substantial business sales and will work alongside you to help you find a business that suits your needs.
Should Your Company be on the Acquisition Trail? Part One
Should your company be on the acquisition trail? Written by Mark Ostryn, Mergers & Acquisitions Facilitator, LINK Sydney
Why Use a Broker? Advantages of Using a Business Broker to Sell Your Business
Like many business owners, you might find it hard using a Business Broker as you are probably used to managing every aspect of your own business. But using a Business Broker has many advantages.
Valuing Your Business for Sale
LINK’s corporate division sells privately owned businesses, focusing on acquisition, divestment and facilitation. In recent years we have been able to sell more than 200 businesses, each over $1 million.
New North Queensland Office
Our newest office has just opened in Northern Queensland, and we’d like to introduce our new brokers Wendy Treacey and Eddie Treacey.
Maximising the Return on the Sale of Your Business
For many business owners, it’s only when the contract negotiations commence and requisitions or warranties are being sought by a prospective purchaser’s solicitor, that problems inherent in the business are flushed out.
LINK Business Australia Annual Conference – 16 & 17 March 2016
The LINK Business Australia Annual Conference was held on the 16th & 17th of March 2016
Managing Director for LINK Australia announced
Australian Institute of Business Brokers announces Mark Jason’s appointment as Managing Director for LINK Australia.