“Selling a business like Bourkies isn’t just about numbers—it’s about finding someone who understands its heart and history.”
For over 30 years, Bourkies Bakehouse in Woodend, Victoria, was more than just a bakery; it was a local icon. Known for its famous vanilla slices, delicious pies, and warm country charm, it was a place where families gathered, travellers stopped for a treat, and locals took pride in calling it their own.
But after three decades of hard work, owner Adam Bourke was ready to retire. The big question was: How do you sell a business that’s been your life’s work? He didn’t just want to sell to anyone; he wanted the right buyer who would keep the business running and continue its legacy. That’s where I stepped in to help.
Finding the Right Buyer for Bourkies Bakehouse
Selling a business isn’t as simple as putting up a “For Sale” sign. There’s a lot to think about: How much is the business worth? Who would be the right buyer? How do you make sure everything runs smoothly during the handover?
My job was to handle the entire sales process so Adam could focus on what mattered most: his retirement.
Here’s how I did it:
- Understanding the Business and Setting a Plan
The first thing I did was sit down with Adam to understand:
- How the bakery worked day-to-day
- Its financial health (profits, expenses, etc.)
- What made Bourkies special and different from other bakeries
From there, I created a custom strategy to find the right buyer—someone who valued the bakery’s history and would keep its traditions alive.
- Finding the Perfect Buyer
Rather than just listing the bakery online and hoping for the best, I took a more targeted approach. I:
- Used my network to find serious buyers, not just window-shoppers
- Kept the sale confidential so that customers and staff wouldn’t get worried
- Highlighted what made Bourkies special: its long-standing reputation, loyal customers, and strong profits
By screening potential buyers carefully, I made sure only the right people came forward—those who had the passion and experience to take over successfully.
- Handling Negotiations and Closing the Deal
Once a serious buyer was found, the next challenge was ensuring both sides were happy. Selling a business is a big decision, and Adam wanted to ensure that everything was done properly. So, I helped with:
- Negotiating a fair price that reflected Bourkies’ value
- Handling all the paperwork and legal details
- Making the transition easy so the new owners could hit the ground running
After months of hard work, the deal was finalised successfully, and Adam officially stepped into retirement knowing that his beloved bakery was in good hands.
The DEAL
Thanks to Shrey and the team at Xcllusive Business Sales, Adam was able to retire with peace of mind, knowing his business would continue to serve the Woodend community for years to come. For other business owners thinking about selling, Adam’s story with Bourkies Bakehouse is a great example of how having the right broker can make all the difference. Instead of stressing over every little detail, Adam had us guiding him every step of the way.
If you need assistance to sell your business, contact us today at 1300 793 792.
Shrey Shah – Specialist Business Broker
P. 0474 779 544
E. [email protected]
www. xcllusive.com.au
Shreyansh Shah is a driven and entrepreneurial professional with a background in Information Technology, graduating from RMIT University. He has over 18 years of experience in various business sectors including hospitality, manufacturing, real estate, and e-commerce.