With more than 25 years at the forefront of business sales, LINK Business Brokers has established itself as a leading authority in buying and selling businesses across Australasia.
With a strong presence throughout New Zealand and Australia, we provide specialised brokerage services across a broad range of industries underpinned by deep local knowledge, trusted relationships and proven systems.
Whether you’re a first time buyer, a seasoned investor or a business owner ready to scale, LINK offers the insight and support needed to make confident, informed decisions.
In particular, in today’s evolving economic landscape, business ownership is proving to be one of the most powerful and accessible wealth-building strategies available.
Business investment – a compelling case
Unlike many traditional investment avenues – such as term deposits, residential property or the share market – business ownership offers superior returns. Most well run small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand yield between 25 per cent and 33% on EBITDA – earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation. That’s up to seven times higher than returns investors might expect from bank term deposits in the current low interest environment.
What’s more, New Zealand offers one of the most investor friendly tax structures in the world. There is no capital gains tax on the sale of a business, meaning any increase in value achieved over the ownership period can be realised entirely by the owner on exit. It’s a financial structure that rewards growth, innovation, and hard work without penalising success.
Business ownership also gives investors the ability to build equity that can be leveraged for further growth. As equity builds in the business, it can be used to acquire additional businesses or assets, creating a compounding effect that accelerates wealth creation.
Compared to organic growth – often slow and capital intensive – strategic acquisitions can be a more efficient and scalable pathway to expansion.
Market ripe with opportunity
The market now presents a unique opportunity, particularly for those ready to act. Thousands of baby boomer business owners are approaching retirement, resulting in a wave of high quality, established businesses coming to market. As these businesses often have strong foundations, loyal customer bases and long term supplier relationships, they offer incoming owners a lower risk, ready-to-grow investment.
For current business owners, it’s an ideal time to consider growth through acquisition. Whether the goal is to expand geographic reach, broaden product lines or eliminate competition, acquiring an existing business can deliver rapid and measurable value. In many cases, this strategy proves more cost effective and less disruptive than growing from the ground up.
In this cycle, business ownership and acquisition are not just financially sound, they are strategically vital for those looking to futureproof their income and long term wealth.
Sideline dream, strategic investment
Life changing insights can come from the most unexpected places. Steven Matthews, GM and NZ business development manager at LINK Business Brokers, once found himself seated next to a young mechanic from Tauranga at an All Blacks test.
A casual chat revealed the young man worked full time and quietly dreamed of owning his own workshop. When Steve mentioned he was a business broker, he was met with the usual puzzled look usually followed by “What’s that?”
After explaining that he helps people buy and sell businesses – matching opportunity with ambition – the man, a mechanic, admitted it was something he’d considered but quickly dismissed. He didn’t see himself as ‘business material’, lacking financial knowledge and believing, as many Kiwis do, that ownership was only for the wealthy. Steve reassured him that wasn’t the case.
Business ownership isn’t about knowing everything from day one. Many functions, such as accounting, payroll, and compliance, can be outsourced. What matters most is the drive to learn, the courage to take calculated risks and a genuine commitment to growth.
Steve and the mechanic reviewed a small automotive business. Listed for $130,000 it was generating a $70,000 annual profit, more than he was earning. With a $50,000 deposit, funded by selling his car and jet skis, plus a family loan, he took the leap.
Twelve years on, Steve’s fellow rugby fan employs five mechanics, operates from larger premises and owns a business now worth more than $800,000 – that’s a $670,000 tax-free capital gain, earned not by climbing a corporate ladder, but by stepping into ownership.
For today’s young professionals, the traditional path of study, job, KiwiSaver, retirement, is looking less certain. Rising costs and stagnant wages challenge old assumptions about financial security.
Business ownership offers a powerful alternative. Yes, it comes with challenges, but it also brings independence, equity and exponential growth potential, all things a salary rarely delivers.
If you’re serious about building wealth, it’s time to think differently. Business ownership is no longer just for the corporate elite or seasoned entrepreneurs. With the right support, expert guidance and a clear plan, it’s an entirely realistic path for everyday New Zealanders.
The LINK advantage
At LINK, we understand that buying or selling a business is not just a transaction, it’s a life changing decision. That’s why our brokers combine industry insight with personal experience, offering a tailored, transparent approach every step of the way.
Whether you’re exploring your first investment, looking to scale through acquisition or preparing to sell and realise your hard-earned equity, our team is here to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
This is more than a moment, it’s a movement! And, there’s never been a better time to start building your future through business ownership.
Lisa Lloyd is the Sales Manager at LINK Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay & Wellington. She can be reached on 027 685 4556 or at lisa.lloyd@linkbusiness.co.nz
