New Trends Emerging in New Zealand Business Sales Market

New research from The ABC Business September 2025 Quarterly Market Intelligence Report shows a shift in who is buying and selling businesses in New Zealand. 

The report reveals that 65% of business sellers are now over 46, while more than half of buyers are younger than that. Many sellers are leaving their businesses for retirement or lifestyle changes, creating opportunities for a new generation of entrepreneurs to take the reins.

Diversity among buyers is also on the rise. While more than 70% of sellers identify as NZ European, over 40% of buyers come from Indian, Chinese, or other non-European backgrounds. Migration trends are playing a role, with many newcomers seeing small business ownership as a pathway to stability and financial growth.

Retirement remains the main reason owners sell, accounting for 32% of sales in the past year. Others move on to new ventures (26%). Buyers, meanwhile, are primarily motivated by wealth creation (36%) and expanding existing operations (34%), showing strong interest from seasoned business operators.

The report also notes that younger buyers are taking a more strategic approach. Many are looking to build business portfolios or merge complementary operations rather than simply stepping into a pre-existing role.

Chris Small, Managing Director of ABC, says, “We are seeing both a generational and cultural shift in business ownership, which is likely to shape New Zealand’s SME landscape for years to come.”

With ongoing migration, steady business values, and strong demand from buyers, these trends are expected to continue growing throughout 2026.

Read the full ABC Business Sales Quarterly Market Intelligence Report (September 2025)