- By Daren Leng, Senior Business Broker, ABC Business Sales
Talk of deep-pocketed overseas buyers snapping up Kiwi businesses is common, but how much of it is true?
The reality is this is more isolated, rather than the norm.
While interest from offshore is real, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, health, tech, and food exports, most New Zealand business sales (especially under $10 million) are still driven by local buyers.
Immigration hurdles, due diligence from afar, and limited access to funding often reduce offshore interest to enquiry only.
That said, overseas buyers can be real players when the business has stable and experienced staff, strong IP, and scalable systems.
These buyers are often Kiwis returning home or migrants with business visas already approved.
Whilst returning Kiwis are looking for businesses that are managed or semi-managed, with healthy returns, many of the migrants are looking for low risk, and lower cost businesses, to satisfy their requirements.
The key takeaway? Don’t list your business with the expectation of a foreign windfall.
Instead, focus on what makes your business attractive to all buyers – strong financials, robust systems, and a clear growth story.
If an overseas buyer comes knocking, that’s a bonus, not the plan.
- For more guidance, contact Daren Leng at ABC Business Sales – Your Business Broker of Choice.
- Daren Leng, Senior Business Broker, ph 021 0278 6045 or email darenl@abcbusiness.co.nz.
