Our monthly newsletter endeavours to give you insights in to changes and trends we are seeing in the market or industry.
Tabak Newsletter - April 2026
Market Update – Back to Basics
With the end of the Financial Year upon us, and further successful sales achieved in March 2026, the overwhelming message that we are seeing is “back to basics”.
In what is perceived to be a challenging international and domestic environment, the nascent green shoots (that are certainly present in the South Island) risk being undermined by fear of what might happen globally or domestically.
Within this environment, and reviewing the sales we have confirmed, and several that are under contract and due to confirm in April – the “back to basics” context for businesses being sold includes:
- Consistency of sales, GP%’s & owner profit
- Good spread of clients and/or sales across various product/service types
- Attractiveness of food, consumables & essential services
- Home improvement and sub-trades remain popular, particularly within certain regions
- Niche retail & destination stores and/or online stores still appeal
- Tourism remains popular and remains a very high contributor to our national GDP
Banks remain open to lending, they simply want to see a good fit between the buyer and the business being purchased. Vendor finance & earn outs are still the exception, not the rule, except for perhaps larger businesses that may be priced at a premium due to high forward forecasts.
In trying to come up with some “magic fairy dust” for this month’s update – I couldn’t. This next year will be similar to last year – good businesses will continue to perform well, and when we get those attractive listings, they will sell.
Tabak still has a very strong success rate nationwide, albeit the more niche or quirky businesses, or operating models, or even regional locations, can take longer to sell – simply due to lower purchaser demand.
Kiwi expats are still returning and looking for good cashflow businesses, and salaried senior managers are still looking to get into their own opportunities…..in short, the next FY will be as good as, if not better than, this FY.
Damien Fahey; Partner
Tabak Business Sales, Tauranga