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Practical Advice When Buying or Selling a New Zealand Business

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About Richard Jacobs

I have spent more than 30 years working in business ownership, general management, sales, marketing and operations. That experience gives me a practical understanding of how businesses operate, where value is created and what buyers look for.

I have also bought and sold businesses myself, so I understand the pressures, uncertainty and decisions involved from both sides of a transaction. I am a licensed business broker and a Certified Business Advisor through the Australia and New Zealand Institute of Business Advisors.

My approach is direct, evidence-based and commercially realistic. I work closely with owners to assess value, prepare the business for market, identify credible buyers, manage negotiations and help protect value through due diligence and settlement.

I am particularly comfortable working with established small and medium-sized businesses, including engineering, manufacturing, distribution and service businesses.

Whether you are ready to sell now or simply want to understand your options, I can provide a confidential and realistic assessment of your business and the likely path to market.

Business Brokerage Services

Accurate Appraisal & Preparation

Provide straight, evidence-based business value advice grounded in current SME sales.

Recast earnings so buyers assess real, maintainable profit, not noise.

Identify value weaknesses and fix what can be improved before going to market.

Give honest advice on timing, even if that means recommending patience.

Position the business to attract capable buyers, not speculative enquiries.

Targeted Marketing & Buyer Outreach

Personally target strategic and well-funded buyers.

Screen every enquiry to protect confidentiality and your time.

Manage buyer expectations early to avoid unrealistic negotiations later.

Maintain control of process, leverage, and communication.

Keep momentum without compromising commercial discipline.

Request a Confidential Appraisal

Negotiation, Due Diligence & Settlement

Assess offers on structure, certainty, and risk — not just price.

Anticipate due diligence pressure and manage it calmly.

Work closely with your advisers to ensure commercial terms are preserved.

Protect against late-stage value erosion.

Stay engaged through settlement and practical handover.

A Snapshot of Businesses Sold

Testimonials

  • Rikki Glass

    “I would like to thank you for the professional way in which you assisted us with the sale of our business recently. Throughout the entire process you took the time to not only understand the details of our business but also understand our personal needs, which included, if possible, the opportunity for us to stay in the business.”

  • Roy Bell

    “From our initial interaction to the final closing of the deal, Richard's professionalism and experience were clear. He was not only responsive and thorough but also exceptionally proactive in addressing potential hurdles, making the complex process of buying a business smoother than I could have anticipated.”

  • Phil Cookson

    “Richard did an excellent job in selecting and vetting potential buyers. He found us a buyer who was not just a good match for our company’s culture but also saw the importance of keeping family members involved in the business as part of the sale agreement. His approach was practical and focused, ensuring a deal that worked well for everyone involved.”

  • Andy Ferguson

    “What a true professional Richard is. I had no idea how to estimate its value, yet Richard researched it thoroughly and read the market just right and got it spot on. For anyone who wants a salesman who genuinely listens to you, allays your fears and anxieties, guides you with incredible patience and reassurance I cannot recommend Richard Jacobs of Barker Business Brokers enough.”

Don't Skimp on Due Diligence - It Could Cost You Thousands!

Exiting Your Business in 2024: A Strategic Blueprint for Business Owners

Top 9 Considerations Before You Buy a Business

What It Took Me to Succeed As A Top Business Broker

Mastering the Art of Business Acquisition Negotiations: Strategies for a Successful Outcome

Warning: The Profit and Loss Statement Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story!

Resources

You Never Know Where the Buyer Will Come From

Key Insights and Predictions for the Local Business Market in 2025

The Importance of Due Diligence in Business Sales

Expert Advice on Choosing the Right Business to Buy

How to Boost Your Business's Sale Price

Maximising Your Exit: A Strategic Guide to Selling Your Business

Opportunities in New Zealand

I connect business owners and qualified buyers across New Zealand, with a particular focus on established small and medium-sized businesses.

Whether you are preparing to sell, seeking an appraisal, or looking for the right acquisition opportunity, I provide practical guidance and manage the process with discretion..

Get in Touch

Whether you are considering selling, seeking an appraisal, or looking to buy a business, contact me for a confidential discussion..

Inquire now