Business Broker | Trade, Financial Services & Health | Christchurch
Bring the right buyers to your business, backed by deep Christchurch market knowledge.
Gerard joined ABC Business Sales in 2024, bringing more than 30 years of experience owning, operating and investing in businesses, on top of a career as a self-employed Investment Adviser and, before that, a commercial banking executive.
In under two years he has completed 10 business sales worth a combined $3 million+, with results spanning trade businesses, financial services and health practices across Canterbury and further afield.
A standout result | Insurance business | Auckland
Gerard successfully managed the sale of a nationwide insurance business that had been listed with another brokerage for more than a year without success.
He recognised the business needed to reach a specialist niche buyer and tailored his marketing approach accordingly. At the same time, he managed the vendor's expectations on what a realistic offer would look like in the current market. Interest came from across New Zealand as well as Australia and the UK, giving the vendor real choice rather than a single offer.
Three early offers came in well below the vendor's expectations, from buyers who saw it as a standard insurance broking business rather than recognising what made it different. After four months on the market, Gerard secured the right buyer who understood the value of the business, a large insurance operation that ultimately offered more than double the early offers.
From there, Gerard brought the two sides together, helping both parties communicate their positions and come to an agreement, with significant movement from each.
The deal closed at 4.1 times earnings, structured with deferred payments over 12 months and hands-on vendor support through the handover.
For the vendor, the result meant a confidential process, genuine buyer competition, and a sale price that reflected what the business was actually worth.
Gerard's track record
Here's what that experience means for you: fair pricing, backed by real numbers, and a process built to get the right result for both sides.
- 10 businesses sold, combined value $3 million+
- 9 sales in Canterbury, 1 in Auckland •Deal range: $100K to $1M+
- Average time from listing to conditional sale: 6 months
- Active database of 800+ buyers, sellers and referral sources
See Gerard's latest activity and Canterbury market insights on LinkedIn.
What clients say about Gerard
"Gerard was like a knight, he met with me initially under no obligation, he assessed all aspects of my company and then presented to me an attractive selling process. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Gerard and 100% recommend him to assist to sell your business." — Belinda, ABC Business Sales Vendor
Clients describe Gerard as thorough and hands-on from first contact to settlement, with a sharp eye for filtering out unqualified buyers. They also point to his work ethic and the seamless, professional way he sees a transaction through to close.
Let Gerard's specialist knowledge work for you
Gerard brings hands-on experience across these key areas, and more, shaped by 30 years actually owning and running businesses.
- Trade businesses: plumbing, electrical/heat pump, building & contracting, property maintenance, commercial cleaning
- Financial services and insurance broking
- Health services and medical practice sales
- Business appraisals grounded in financial fundamentals
- Finding and carefully screening suitable purchasers
Gerard's background & experience
Before broking, Gerard was a self-employed, accredited Investment Adviser, and before that a commercial banking executive with a major bank. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business and a postgraduate diploma in Business Finance.
That finance and banking background gives him a genuine read on business fundamentals: cash flow, valuation drivers, what actually makes a deal work. Not just how to market a listing.
Combined with more than 20 years living and working in Christchurch, he brings deep local market knowledge and strong connections across the Canterbury business community.
What happens when you list with Gerard
Your first conversation with Gerard is free and no-pressure, just an honest look at what you want to achieve and whether ABC is the right fit. If you go ahead, a second meeting within about a week covers the appraisal, listing price, timeline, and fees, so you know where you stand before committing to anything.
From there, Gerard protects your time. Every prospective buyer is checked for proof of funds, relevant experience, and a signed confidentiality agreement before they get anywhere near you.
Owners naturally want to know who's likely to buy a business like theirs. Gerard talks that through early: usually an experienced operator in trade businesses, and in financial services, often a larger firm or adviser growing their client base.
He stays closely involved right through to settlement, with regular check-ins and hands-on support through negotiation and due diligence, working for a result that's fair to both sides.
Recognition and Awards
ABC Business Sales – Rising Star 2025
REINZ Excellence Awards – Business Broking Rising Star 2025
Talk to Gerard about selling your business
Get a no-obligation appraisal and learn what your business could be worth in today's market. Call Gerard on 021 178 8537
The ABC Business Sales Advantage
Gerard is backed by the strength of ABC Business Sales, New Zealand's largest and most experienced business brokerage. With dedicated in-house legal, marketing and strategic deal support, access to a nationwide buyer network, and strategic relationships with financial institutions that help purchasers explore finance solutions, ABC provides the expertise and resources to help navigate every stage of the sale process.
With more than 40 years' experience and over 10,000 businesses sold, ABC combines local broker expertise with national capability to help business owners achieve successful outcomes.
