Buy the Right Business — at the Right Price, with the Right Terms
If you’re targeting an acquisition valued at $1M–$50M+, Wyse Advisory helps you source opportunities, assess risk, validate earnings, and negotiate terms that protect your downside.
- Confidential sale, merger or acquisition pathway
- Senior broker led from first call to settlement
- Access to off market buyers & exclusive listings
- Transaction strategy + deal structuring support
Book a Confidential Buyer Calll
Paid appraisals and valuations available if required.
Your details remain confidential.
Why buying now is a serious advantage (for prepared buyers)
The Australian “businesses for sale” market is active and visible — SEEK Business alone lists 17,000+ businesses and franchises for sale at any given time, which means buyer choice is broad, but quality varies.
At the same time, operating conditions have been uneven. The ABS reported operating profits fell 8.6% in 2023–24, reflecting cost pressure and tighter trading conditions in parts of the economy — conditions that often motivate owners to consider a sale earlier than planned.
We’re also seeing heightened stress in weaker operators. AFSA (citing ASIC) reported 14,722 corporate insolvencies in 2024–25, the highest recorded level since 1999–2000.
For buyers, this doesn’t mean “buy distressed at any cost” — it means opportunities exist for disciplined acquirers who can quickly separate strong cashflow from hidden liabilities.
Globally, deal conditions improved through 2024 as liquidity returned and private equity remained active in M&A (PitchBook notes PE buyers’ share of global M&A value rose in 2024).
The takeaway: buyers with funding clarity and a process can move faster and negotiate better.
Who we help
We work with buyers who want more than a listing feed:
Owner-operators stepping up to a larger platform
Growth-minded businesses seeking bolt-ons and geographic expansion
Investors and family offices targeting reliable cashflow
Corporate buyers pursuing strategic acquisitions and integration synergies
If you’re looking at recurring revenue, defensible margins, and management depth, you’re in the right place.
The biggest acquisition mistakes (and how we prevent them)
Overpaying for “reported profit”
We validate normalised earnings (EBITDA/SDE) and separate real profit from one-offs, owner add-backs, and timing effects.
Buying customer concentration risk
If revenue is tied to a handful of clients, contract terms and churn risk must be priced correctly — or restructured into the deal.
Ignoring working capital, capex, and balance sheet reality
A “good EBITDA” business can still be a bad deal if the business needs constant cash injections, fleet/tooling replacement, or inventory funding.
Weak diligence on compliance and contingent liabilities
Employment, safety, regulatory, tax, leases, supplier rebates, warranties, and disputes can materially change the deal.
Getting the structure wrong
Price is only one lever. Terms matter: earn-outs, vendor finance, retention clauses, restraint provisions, and transition support all shape risk.
Why Buy an existing Business?
Skip the risky startup phase and generate income from day one.
Established Brand & Customer Base
Leverage existing goodwill and loyal customers.
Proven Business Model
Reduce uncertainty with tested processes and systems.
Easier Access to Financing
Banks and investors are more likely to fund established businesses.
Step 1: Define Your Business Goals
Before diving into business listings, clarify what you’re looking for. Ask yourself:
• What industry interests me? (Hospitality, retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, etc.)
• What is my budget? (Consider both purchase price and working capital.)
• What level of involvement do I want? (Hands-on management vs. passive investment.)
• What skills or experience do I bring? (Matching your expertise to the business increases success rates.)
Our comprehensive planning engagements start by jointly assessing your profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow. Access our secure data rooms to upload documents or link your accounts electronically.
Step 2: Search for Businesses for Sale
Once you know what you’re looking for, start exploring business listings. You can find businesses for sale through:
Brokers list high-quality businesses that are fully vetted.
Websites like SEEK Business, BusinessesForSale.com, and commercial real estate platforms.
Tap into insider opportunities.
Contact business owners in your preferred industry to see if they’re open to selling.
💡 Tip: A Certified Professional Business Broker (CPBB) can provide exclusive listings and help you access off-market opportunities before they go public.
Step 3: Evaluate Business Opportunities
Review profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and tax returns for the last 3-5 years.
This metric helps you understand real profitability.
Is the business growing, stable, or declining?
Is revenue dependent on a few key clients, or is it well-diversified?
Analyse the business’s market share and industry trends.
Are processes well-documented and scalable?
⚠️ Warning: If financials are unclear or inconsistent, proceed with caution. This could indicate poor management or undisclosed liabilities.
Step 4: Conduct Due Diligence
Due diligence is a critical step in buying a business. It involves verifying financials, legal matters, and operational details before signing the contract.
Ensure revenue, expenses, and profit margins are accurate.
Check business registrations, licenses, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
Identify any long-term agreements or dependencies.
Assess employee obligations, salaries, and workplace culture.
If the business operates from a physical location, review lease terms.
Hiring an accountant, solicitor, and business broker ensures a thorough due diligence process and protects you from hidden risks.
Step 5: Secure Financing
If you don’t have enough capital to buy a business outright, financing options include:
Traditional financing for established businesses.
The seller may offer a payment plan over time.
Partner with investors for funding.
Check for industry-specific funding programs
A business broker can assist in structuring a deal that aligns with your financial situation.
Step 6: Negotiate the Deal
Once you’ve completed due diligence, it’s time to negotiate the terms of the sale. Key considerations include:
Ensure it reflects true market value
Determine whether you’re buying the company’s assets or shares.
Some deals include performance-based payments.
Will the seller stay on for a transition period?
Prevents the seller from opening a competing business.
A Certified Business Broker ensures you get the best deal and avoid overpaying.
Step 7: Finalise the Purchase & Settlement
Once negotiations are finalised, work with your solicitor and broker to draft the sales contract. Steps include:
Traditional financing for established businesses.
Updating registrations, ABN, and tax details.
The seller may train you on operations and introduce you to key stakeholders.
Funds are transferred, and you officially take over.
🎉 Congratulations! You are now the owner of a business and ready to grow and scale your investment.
FAQs – Buying A Business
What size acquisitions do you advise on?
Typically $1M–$50M+ value, including growth acquisitions and strategic bolt-ons.
Do you help with off-market opportunities?
Yes — where appropriate, we run targeted outreach aligned to your acquisition criteria.
How do you help me avoid overpaying?
By validating normalised earnings, identifying risk, and negotiating structure (not just price) so the deal remains bankable and durable.
Can you work with my accountant and lawyer?
Absolutely. We coordinate diligence so financial, legal and operational risks are covered without stalling the deal.
Real Results from Real Business Owners
Why Work with a Business Broker?
A Certified Professional Business Broker (CPBB) simplifies the business-buying process by:
Access to exclusive and off-market businesses.
Valuation & Negotiation
Ensuring you don’t overpay.
Due Diligence Support
Identifying risks before you buy.
Legal & Financial Guidance
Connecting you with the right professionals.
📢 Looking for the perfect business to buy? Work with an experienced business broker today to find the best opportunities and secure a profitable investment.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Business Purchase a Success
Buying a business in Australia is a significant financial decision. By following this step-by-step guide, working with professional advisors, and conducting thorough due diligence, you can confidently purchase a business that aligns with your financial and lifestyle goals.
