Engineering an $18M Asset Sale: Why Haigh Australia Needed Oakshield’s Management, Not Just a Listing
The sale of Haigh Australia for $7.3 million is a story of transformation. When I was first introduced to the owners in 2023 at my home, the business—despite its 50-year history—was in trouble. While it had the skeleton of a great company, it lacked the financial soul required for a sale.
The Diagnosis: “Not Saleable”
After a thorough review of the financials, the verdict was clear: the business was not saleable in its current state. The management at the time had lost control of the figures, cash flow was poorly managed, and the balance sheet was in disarray. Many brokers would have walked away or listed it at a “fire-sale” price.
I gave the owners a different option: “Let Oakshield run the business for you.”
The Oakshield Strategy: The 18-Month Intervention
We didn’t just provide advice; we provided a General Manager. My business partner, Wayne Land, stepped into the role of GM for 18 months. Our mandate was to rebuild the management culture from the ground up and clean up the financial narrative before even attempting a sale.
Working from the Darra headquarters, we focused on leveraging Haigh’s massive infrastructure:
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Asset Management: We oversaw a portfolio of assets in excess of $18 million.
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Brand Strength: We protected and polished 6 renowned brands, valued at over $2 million.
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Human Capital: We managed a team of 50 employees with over 300 years of combined industry experience.
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By implementing Oakshield’s management culture, we stabilized the ship and prepared a “blue sky” business plan that showed a clear path from the current $15M turnover to a projected $30M.
From unsellable to sold for $7.3m
The Outcome: A $7.3M Result for a 50-Year Legacy
By September 2025, the business was ready. We successfully closed the sale for $7.3 million to two buyers who recognized the value of the 50-year history we had preserved and modernized.
The deal included two strategic leases in Darra and Marcoola and secured the future of Haigh’s blue-chip customer base. We didn’t just sell a business; we sold a “success story” that we helped write.
The Oakshield Difference: Real-World Ownership Wisdom
At Oakshield, our advice isn’t theoretical. We have been the owners, the managers, and the strategists on the front lines. We know that the difference between a $2M and $3M business often lies in the “mix of clientele” and the efficiency of the warehouse sharing agreements. We bring this granular, lived experience to every client we represent, ensuring your “life’s work” is valued correctly and exited strategically.
