If you are looking for a company broker to help you sell your business, you are already thinking like a business owner who takes their exit seriously. The language matters here. People who refer to their venture as a 'company' rather than a 'small business' often have a more established operation, a structured ownership model, and a clearer sense of what their business is worth. That mindset is exactly the right starting point for a successful sale.
In this guide, we cover what a company broker does, the difference between brokers and digital marketplace platforms, and why Exity is the platform of choice for company owners in the hospitality sector looking to exit on their own terms.
What Is a Company Broker?
A company broker is a professional intermediary who facilitates the sale of a business from one owner to another. Unlike residential real estate agents, company brokers focus exclusively on business assets, including goodwill, intellectual property, staff, equipment, and lease agreements.
The term company broker is often used interchangeably with business broker, though some sellers prefer the former because it better describes their situation. If your business is registered as a proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd), operates with multiple staff, and has structured financial reporting, you are likely in the company category. The sale process for a company often involves additional considerations such as share sale versus asset sale structures, which can have significant tax implications.
Share Sale vs. Asset Sale: A Critical Decision
One of the first questions any company broker should help you address is whether you will sell the shares in your company or simply the assets of the business. This distinction has major financial and legal consequences:
• In an asset sale, the buyer purchases the business's physical and intangible assets, such as equipment, goodwill, and the lease. The company entity itself is not transferred, and any existing liabilities generally remain with the seller.
• In a share sale, the buyer purchases your shares in the company, taking ownership of the entire legal entity, including all assets and liabilities. This can be simpler in some ways but requires very thorough due diligence from the buyer's side.
For most hospitality business sales in Australia, asset sales are more common because they allow buyers to start fresh without inheriting any historical liabilities. However, every situation is different, and the advice of a qualified accountant or solicitor is essential before making this decision.
Exity's platform is designed to accommodate both types of transactions and can connect you with professionals who can advise you on the structure that best serves your financial goals.
What to Look for in a Company Broker
If you decide to engage a company broker rather than, or in addition to, listing on a digital marketplace, knowing what to look for will save you time and money. The best company brokers share several key characteristics:
• Sector expertise in your specific type of business, whether that is hospitality, retail, or services
• A proven track record of completed transactions at prices comparable to your asking price
• Transparent fee structures with no hidden costs or surprise charges at settlement
• A clear marketing plan that goes beyond simply listing your business on a single directory
• Strong communication skills and a commitment to keeping you informed throughout the process
• Professional affiliations and qualifications, such as membership with the AIBB (Australian Institute of Business Brokers)
Asking for references from previous sellers is entirely appropriate and a good company broker will have no hesitation providing them.
How Exity Complements or Replaces a Traditional Company Broker
For company owners in the hospitality sector, Exity offers an alternative approach that combines the reach of a national marketplace with professional-grade tools. Rather than paying a company broker a commission of 8 to 12 percent of your sale price, you can list your business on Exity and reach a large, verified audience of active buyers directly.
The platform's AI-powered search and smart filter system means that buyers looking for businesses in your category, price range, and location will find your listing quickly and efficiently. This cuts down on the time wasted on unqualified enquiries and keeps the conversation focused on buyers who are genuinely positioned to proceed.
Exity also provides a free business valuation tool that gives you a data-driven starting point for pricing your company. This is something that traditional company brokers often charge for separately, or bundle into a package that locks you into an exclusive arrangement.
Preparing Your Company for Sale
Whether you use a company broker, a digital marketplace, or both, preparation is the most important thing you can do before listing. A well-prepared business sells faster and at a higher price. Here is what buyers of companies typically want to see:
• At least two to three years of audited or professionally prepared financial statements
• A clear ownership and management structure, including any key person dependencies
• Copies of all material contracts, including the commercial lease, supplier agreements, and franchise documents if applicable
• A comprehensive asset register including all equipment, vehicles, and technology systems
• Documentation of any intellectual property, trademarks, or proprietary systems your company owns
Taking the time to organise this documentation before going to market demonstrates professionalism and builds buyer confidence. It also significantly shortens the due diligence phase, which means you reach settlement faster.
Your Next Step: List with Exity
If you are ready to sell your company and want to explore all available options, Exity is the ideal starting point. The platform is free to join, offers a comprehensive valuation tool, and connects you directly with buyers who are actively searching for hospitality businesses in Melbourne and across Australia.
You do not have to choose between professional support and digital convenience. Exity gives you both: the technology to reach the right buyers quickly, and the ability to bring in human expertise at the stages where it matters most. Visit Exity.com.au and take the first step toward a successful company exit today.
