What Sadeq Abbass Wants Business Owners to Know About Selling

For many business owners, the idea of selling their business doesn’t arrive in a dramatic moment. It builds slowly—sometimes out of burnout, sometimes out of opportunity, and sometimes because it’s simply time to move on.

But while the reasons vary, one thing stays the same: selling a business is a big decision, and getting it right takes more than a “For Sale” sign.

That’s where business brokers come in.

Sadeq Abbass, Managing Director of Abbass Business Brokers, knows the ins and outs of business ownership from both sides of the table. With a background in corporate strategy and firsthand experience buying and selling his own business, he saw a gap in the market: too many people navigating a high-stakes process without the right support.

So, he built a brokerage that does more than list businesses—it guides people through the entire journey with transparency, strategy, and care.

Not Just Middlemen—Translators, Strategists, Negotiators

In theory, anyone can sell a business. But in reality? Most business owners only get one shot—and the stakes are high.

“Selling isn’t just about slapping a price on a business and hoping someone bites,” Sadeq says. “It’s about truly understanding what the business is, what the seller needs, and who the right buyer is to carry it forward.”

His team works across industries—from hospitality and retail to manufacturing and professional services—but their approach doesn’t change. It always starts with understanding the business inside and out. They look beyond the numbers to uncover the story—the assets that matter, the opportunities that lie beneath, and the right way to present that to the market.

And they don’t wait for buyers to show up. “We’ve built a database of thousands of qualified buyers,” he explains. “So when someone comes to us with, say, a $3 million manufacturing business in Melbourne’s east, chances are, we already know five buyers looking for that exact opportunity.”

The Problem With Waiting

One of the biggest misconceptions business owners have? Thinking they should only engage a broker when they’re ready to sell.

By then, Sadeq says, it can be too late.

“We see people come to us under pressure—financial distress, burnout, family issues—needing a sale fast. But their business isn’t ready. The financials are messy. The systems aren’t clear. There’s no real exit strategy. And that desperation can tank a deal.”

Instead, he encourages business owners to start the conversation early—even 12 or 24 months out. That time can be used to clean up financial records, restructure teams, tighten operations, and ultimately position the business to sell for more.

At worst, you’ll get told “not yet.” At best, you’ll walk away with a roadmap that turns an average sale into an exceptional one.

Silence Kills Deals

One of the most common deal-breakers? Lack of transparency.

“When sellers hold back information—intentionally or not—it spooks buyers,” Sadeq says. “You can’t expect someone to commit to hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars, if the numbers don’t make sense or the story doesn’t line up.”

Buyers want clarity. Brokers bridge that gap, helping owners present their business honestly—but also strategically.

It might mean reclassifying expenses to reflect true profitability. Or switching contractors to employees. Or even physically cleaning up the space for inspections. “It’s about telling the right story—backed by numbers that hold up to scrutiny.”

A $40,000 Lesson in Service

People assume the biggest deals are the most meaningful. But for Sadeq, one of the most impactful sales he’s made was also one of the smallest: a $40,000 hospitality business.

The seller was in serious financial distress. The business had to go—fast.

“We treated it like a multimillion-dollar deal,” Sadeq says. “We did the same due diligence, the same buyer support, the same commitment. And it changed everything for that seller.”

For the buyer, it was an affordable entry point into business ownership—with clear potential to grow and flip down the track. For the seller, it was financial and emotional relief. “That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.”

More Than a Transaction

Yes, brokers are paid by the seller. But Sadeq is clear: “We work for both sides. Because if the buyer doesn’t feel confident, the deal doesn’t happen.”

That means helping buyers interpret financials, understand operational nuances, and see the opportunity, not just the risk. And it means helping sellers detach emotion from valuation and focus on what matters—exit strategy, legacy, and return on investment.

“Selling a business is emotional. It’s your baby. But we’re here to make sure it’s also logical, strategic, and successful.”

Thinking of Selling? Start Here

If you’ve ever thought about selling—or buying—a business, consider this your nudge.

Talk to a broker early. Ask questions. Get a sense check on your expectations. Because whether your business is worth $40,000 or $4 million, one truth remains: the right preparation and the right partner make all the difference.

As Sadeq says, “We’re not just selling businesses. We’re helping people move into their next chapter—with clarity and confidence.”

Contact Sadeq

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