For over 33 years, Johnston Business Sales has stood as a benchmark of excellence in the Queensland business brokerage industry. We are the trusted partner for business owners who value a legacy of integrity, deep industry expertise, and a steadfast commitment to proven results.
Deciding to sell a business is one of the most significant financial and personal decisions a business owner will ever make. It is a process that demands more than just a transaction; it requires a partnership built on trust, transparency, and expert navigation. Johnston Business Sales is one of Queensland’s most respected brokerages, established on a foundation of unmatched expertise and a dedication to delivering outcomes that truly matter.
Founded by Gary Johnston more than 27 years ago, the firm has solidified its reputation as a trusted name in business sales. From our base on the Gold Coast to the bustling market of Brisbane and throughout the entirety of Queensland, we have spent decades helping business owners transition successfully to the next stage of their lives. We understand that you are not just selling a company; you are monetizing years of hard work and sacrifice.
When you choose Johnston Business Sales, you are choosing a firm that prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring that your hard work is represented with the professionalism and attention it deserves.
Leadership Built on Decades of Authority
The quality of a brokerage is defined by the experience and standing of its leadership. At Johnston Business Sales, you are supported by a team led by one of the industry's most distinguished figures.
Gary Johnston brings a wealth of authority and respect to the table. His distinguished career is marked by significant achievements that demonstrate his deep understanding of the market mechanics that drive successful sales. Gary previously led Queensland’s award-winning Associated Business Sales at Bundall, a tenure that serves as a testament to his ability to drive success in competitive environments.
Beyond his personal success as a broker, Gary has been a pivotal figure in shaping the standards of the industry itself. He has served as the Chairman of the Business Brokers Chapter of the Real Estate Industry of Queensland (REIQ). His commitment to excellence extends to the next generation of professionals, having spent time training future brokers through both the REIQ and the Gold Coast Office of State Development.
This is the caliber of expertise you access when you work with us. Gary’s vision was clear from the very start: to focus relentlessly on quality service rather than volume, delivering unmatched support to every single client. This vision remains the guiding principle of our firm today.
The Boutique Difference: Quality Over Quantity
In a marketplace often dominated by high-volume agencies that operate like factories, Johnston Business Sales stands apart through a deliberate and strategic choice: The Boutique Approach.
Unlike high-volume brokerages that stack hundreds of listings in the hopes that a small percentage might sell, we deliberately manage a select portfolio of 20–30 quality businesses at any one time. This is a conscious decision designed to benefit you, the seller. By strictly limiting our client list, we ensure that we can provide a level of service that volume-based agencies simply cannot match.
Personalised Service You are never just a number in a database. Our boutique model allows us to maintain close, personal contact with our clients. We are available, responsive, and deeply invested in your specific outcome.
Sharper Attention to Detail Because we are not juggling hundreds of files, we have the bandwidth to understand the intricacies of your specific business. We take the time to learn your operations, your financials, and your unique selling points. This attention to detail is crucial when defending your value during negotiations with potential buyers.
A Powerhouse Team Our boutique approach is backed by substantial experience. When you engage us, you benefit from a collective force of over 100 years of combined business knowledge. We leverage this century of experience to navigate challenges, identify opportunities, and secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Comprehensive Services for a Seamless Transaction
Selling a business is a complex process involving financial analysis, marketing strategy, and high-stakes negotiation. Johnston Business Sales provides a complete, end-to-end suite of services designed to handle every aspect of the transaction professionally.
Our experienced team provides the guidance necessary to turn a business asset into a successful sale. Our core services include:
Professional Business Appraisals
Understanding the true market value of your business is the critical first step. We provide professional appraisals that give you a realistic and competitive understanding of your business's worth, ensuring you go to market with a price that attracts interest while maximizing your return.
Strategic Exit and Succession Planning
Ideally, a sale is planned well in advance. We assist business owners with strategic exit and succession planning, helping you prepare the business for sale. This preparation ensures that when you are ready to sell, the business is primed to achieve its maximum value.
Tailored Marketing and Advanced Advertising
Finding the right buyer requires more than a simple listing. We execute tailored marketing campaigns designed to reach the right audience for your specific industry. This includes advanced web-based advertising solutions that ensure your business is seen by qualified prospects locally and nationally.
Complete Brokerage and Negotiation
We handle the heavy lifting of the transaction. From the initial inquiry to the final contract, we provide complete brokerage services. Our team are expert negotiators, working tirelessly to bridge the gap between buyer and seller to achieve a deal that works.
A Proven Track Record Across Diverse Industries
Experience is not just about time served; it is about the results achieved. For more than three decades, Johnston Business Sales has successfully sold hundreds of businesses.
We have facilitated transactions for a wide range of enterprises, from small local businesses to major companies with values exceeding $10 million. Our expertise is not limited to a single niche; we have a demonstrated history of success across a variety of demanding sectors:
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Manufacturing and Industrial Businesses: We understand the complexities of production, machinery, and industrial assets.
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Wholesale and Distribution Operations: We are experienced in selling businesses focused on logistics, supply chain, and B2B sales.
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Online and E-commerce Enterprises: We successfully sell digital-first businesses, understanding the unique metrics that drive value in the online economy.
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Iconic Gold Coast Establishments: We have a history of handling the sale of well-known local landmarks, preserving their legacy.
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Brisbane and Queensland-wide Businesses: Our reach and success extend across the entire state.
The Johnston Difference: No Sale, No Fee
We believe that a broker should be as invested in the sale as the owner. That is why Johnston Business Sales operates on a strict performance-based model.
No Sale, No Fee.
This is our commitment to you. It ensures that our goals are perfectly aligned with yours. We are motivated to sell your business because we do not get paid until you do. Clients choose us because we consistently deliver on our promises with:
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Transparent and Competitive Fees: We believe in clarity and fairness regarding costs, so there are no surprises.
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Fast, Efficient, and Professional Transactions: We respect your time and aim to move the process forward without unnecessary delays.
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Detailed Due Diligence: We focus on thorough preparation and due diligence to ensure that when a buyer is found, the deal stands up to scrutiny.
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High-Quality Information Packages: We present your business in the best possible light with professional information packages that answer buyer questions upfront.
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Nationwide Reach: We provide access to qualified buyers across Australia, offering nationwide representation from our Gold Coast base.
Built on Reputation, Trust, and Client Success
In the business of business sales, reputation is everything. We are proud to state that 98% of our business comes from referrals and repeat clients.
This statistic is the strongest endorsement of our work. It signifies that the business owners we have helped in the past were so satisfied with the outcome—the price achieved, the smoothness of the process, and the integrity of our team—that they trust us enough to recommend us to their peers. Our strong relationships and results-driven focus mean that owners feel secure trusting us to handle their most valuable asset.
Operating through a modern virtual office model, we remain agile and accessible, servicing clients across Queensland and Australia. This ensures that regardless of your location, your business receives the attention and expertise it deserves.
Johnston Business Sales represents Quality, Experience, and Results. If you are considering buying or selling a business, do not leave your legacy to chance. Partner with a brokerage that limits its intake to ensure you get maximum attention, and works on a performance basis to ensure you get results.
Contact Gary Johnston and his team today to experience the boutique brokerage difference.
