Licensed NSW Business Agent · LINK Business Sydney
Business Broker
Sydney
A business broker in Sydney values your business, markets it confidentially, screens buyers and manages negotiation through to settlement. In NSW a broker must hold a licence under the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002. Richard Matthews is licensed through LINK Business NSW.
Confidential business sales across Greater Sydney and NSW — independent valuations, structured process, and a qualified buyer pool.
29
Completed campaigns
NSW & national
75.9%
Valid offer rate
Per listed business
Day 77
Peak lead velocity
Average across campaigns
What We Do
What does a business broker in Sydney do?
A licensed Sydney business broker manages the full sale process — from confidential valuation through to settlement — so you can keep running the business while the sale is underway. The broker's job is to maximise your sale price, protect confidentiality, and keep the deal alive through due diligence.
In NSW, anyone charging a fee to sell a business must hold a current licence under the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002. Richard Matthews holds a current NSW licence through LINK Business, Australia's largest business brokerage network with offices across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
The process typically runs in five stages: valuation, confidential marketing, buyer qualification, negotiation and heads of agreement, and due diligence through to settlement. Each stage has specific risks — price leakage, confidentiality breaches, deal collapse during due diligence — that an experienced broker manages on your behalf.
Services
Full-service business brokerage in Sydney
Business Valuation
Independent valuation using SDE and EBITDA multiples benchmarked against current Sydney market data. Includes a written valuation report.
Learn moreConfidential Marketing
Blind-profile campaigns across SEEK Business, BizBuySell, and a private buyer database of qualified NSW buyers. No public disclosure.
Learn moreBuyer Qualification
Every buyer is pre-qualified for financial capacity and industry fit before receiving an Information Memorandum. No time-wasters.
Learn moreNegotiation & Heads of Agreement
Structured negotiation to achieve the best price and terms. Heads of Agreement drafted and reviewed before solicitors are engaged.
Learn moreDue Diligence Management
Coordinating accountants, solicitors, landlords, and financiers through the due diligence period to keep the deal on track.
Learn moreSettlement & Handover
Managing the final settlement checklist — lease assignment, staff transfers, supplier notifications, and training period coordination.
Learn moreSectors
Industries we sell in Sydney
The focus is on established SMEs with $500K–$10M in revenue. Industrial, manufacturing, and logistics businesses across Greater Western Sydney are a particular specialty — sectors where buyer demand is strong and valuations are supported by real transaction data.
- Industrial & Manufacturing
- Logistics & 3PL
- Trades & Construction
- Professional Services
- Healthcare & Allied Health
- Hospitality & Food Service
- Retail & E-commerce
- IT & Technology Services
- Import & Distribution
- Mining & Resources Services
Your Broker
Richard Matthews
Licensed NSW Business Agent · LINK Business
Richard Matthews is a licensed NSW business agent operating through LINK Business — Australia's largest business brokerage network. He specialises in SME sales across Greater Sydney, with a focus on industrial, manufacturing, logistics, and trades businesses.
With 29 completed campaigns and a 75.9% valid offer rate, Richard brings a data-driven approach to pricing, marketing, and negotiation. Every campaign is run with full confidentiality — no public disclosure until settlement is imminent.
Coverage
Business broker across Greater Sydney
Active across all major Sydney commercial and industrial precincts. Local market knowledge means accurate pricing and faster buyer matching.
Fees
What a broker costs
Business broker fees are usually success-based — meaning the broker is paid when the sale completes, not before. This aligns the broker's interest with yours: they only earn if the deal settles.
The fee structure and any conditions are agreed in writing before you sign an engagement letter. Before committing to any broker, ask for their full fee schedule in writing and ask specifically whether any upfront fees, marketing fees, or retainers apply in addition to the success fee.
Comparison
Selling privately or with a broker
You are not legally required to use a broker to sell your business in NSW. Some owners sell privately — directly to a buyer they already know, or through their accountant or solicitor. The table below sets out the main differences.
| Factor | With a broker | Selling privately |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer reach | Marketed to a pool of pre-qualified buyers plus portal advertising. | Limited to buyers you already know or can find yourself. |
| Confidentiality | Managed under NDA; blind profile protects identity until buyer is qualified. | Harder to control; risk of staff, customers or competitors finding out. |
| Valuation | Independent valuation benchmarked against comparable transactions. | Self-assessed; risk of under- or over-pricing. |
| Negotiation | Broker negotiates at arm's length; protects price and terms. | Owner negotiates directly; emotionally difficult and time-consuming. |
| Due diligence | Broker coordinates accountants, solicitors, landlord and financiers. | Owner manages all parties while still running the business. |
| Cost | Success-based fee agreed upfront; no fee if the deal does not complete. | No broker fee; accountant and solicitor costs still apply. |
Quick Answers
Broker licence, fees and process
Does a business broker in NSW need a licence?
Yes. Under the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002 (NSW), anyone who charges a fee to sell a business must hold a current licence. You can verify a licence on the NSW Fair Trading register. Richard Matthews holds a current NSW licence through LINK Business.
What is a success-based fee?
A success-based fee means the broker is paid only when the sale completes and funds are transferred at settlement. If the deal does not proceed, no fee is payable. The fee amount and any conditions are agreed in writing before you sign an engagement letter.
Can I sell my business without a broker in NSW?
Yes. There is no legal requirement to use a broker. Some owners sell directly to a known buyer, or through their accountant or solicitor. A broker adds value through buyer reach, confidentiality management, independent valuation, and negotiation — but the decision depends on your circumstances.
How do I check if a broker is legitimate?
Check that the broker holds a current NSW licence on the Fair Trading register. Ask for their fee schedule in writing before signing anything. Ask for examples of comparable businesses they have sold in your sector and price range. A reputable broker will provide all of this without hesitation.
Buyer's Guide
How to choose a business broker in Sydney
Check the licence
Any broker charging a fee in NSW must hold a current licence under the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002. Verify the licence number on the NSW Fair Trading register before signing anything.
Ask for sector-specific transaction data
A broker who has sold businesses in your sector will have real comparable data — actual multiples, time-to-sell, and buyer type. Generic brokers often over-price to win the listing, then reduce the price after 90 days.
Understand the fee structure upfront
Ask for the full fee schedule in writing before signing. Understand whether there are any upfront marketing fees or retainers in addition to the success fee. The fee structure should be agreed in writing before you sign anything.
Test their buyer database
Ask how many qualified buyers they have for your sector and price range. A broker with a live database of pre-qualified buyers will generate inquiries in the first two weeks. A broker without one will rely entirely on portal advertising.
Confirm confidentiality protocols
Ask exactly how they protect confidentiality. Every buyer should sign an NDA before receiving any business information. The marketing profile should contain no identifiable details — no business name, no specific address.
FAQ
Common questions about business brokers in Sydney
Related
More resources for Sydney business sellers
Ready to talk to a Sydney business broker?
Confidential, no-obligation conversation. Richard will give you a realistic valuation range and an honest view of the current buyer market.