We are in very interesting times, with NY Stock exchange meltdowns, US debt ceiling machinations, riots in London, never a dull moment.

The market here in NZ is obviously reacting to these worldwide happenings but in the business sales arena things just seem to be trucking along. We have had three transactions over $3.5m this year, 2 negotiated acquisitions and a series of smaller transactions. We really could do with some new businesses to sell because we have actually sold everything that we have on the books.

Buyer interest still remains very strong, especially in the $1-5million enterprise value range. This is because there really isn’t a lot out there. If you look through the broker websites there just isn’t any quality businesses in that bracket. Supply and demand means that the good ones just don’t last.

Hopefully with September approaching we have the beginning of warmer temperatures. This usually is met with an increase is buyer interest. This could be, as it was last year, a frustrating time for business buyers with very little choice available and anything that is quality selling for pre-recessionary pricing due to the scarcity of competitive options.