Buyer demand stays strong for Gold Coast and Brisbane businesses

Morgan Business Sales says buyers are still targeting well-run businesses in Gold Coast and Brisbane, with construction, manufacturing, industrial and infrastructure-linked companies drawing the most interest. The broader Queensland M&A market also remains active, supported by high deal volume and record disclosed value in the first half of 2026.

Why it matters: - Buyer demand is concentrated in sectors tied to South East Queensland’s growth story, including construction, manufacturing, industrial and infrastructure services. - Strong competition can support higher sale prices for owners with scalable businesses, clean records and recurring revenue. - The market remains active even with inflation, higher interest rates and tougher merger scrutiny shaping deal conditions.

What happened: - Morgan Business Sales said buyers are continuing to show strong appetite for quality businesses on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. - The strongest interest is coming from construction, manufacturing, industrial and infrastructure-linked businesses across South East Queensland. - The update came as Queensland’s mid-market M&A market stayed active through 2026. - Morgan Business Sales also pointed to recent regional transactions that included construction services, precast concrete, commercial flooring, security services, powder and industrial coating, cabinet making, building repairs, plumbing supply, freight and logistics, and wholesale and distribution businesses.

The details: - Pitcher Partners’ Deal Pulse: Queensland M&A 2026 mid-year update said Queensland recorded 120 announced transactions in the first half of 2026. - The same report said disclosed deal value reached a record $11.1 billion. - Industrials and chemicals had their strongest first half in seven years, helped by demand for scaled industrial capability. - Consumer deal activity reached its highest first-half level since 2022, led by automotive retail and food-related businesses. - The report said mid-market activity remained resilient and broad-based, with capital heading into the second half of the year focused on infrastructure, resources and industrials. - Pitcher Partners’ 2025 report found international acquirers completed 67 Queensland acquisitions, the highest level in the report’s 12-year history. - Morgan Business Sales said it is currently offering South East Queensland businesses including an industrial electrical and water infrastructure services business, a technology-enabled building certification firm, a powder coating business and a Gold Coast food manufacturer. - Morgan Business Sales has offices in Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast and Milton in Brisbane, with additional Queensland offices on the Sunshine Coast and in Rockhampton, Mackay and Hervey Bay.

Between the lines: - Buyers appear to be favoring businesses that can keep operating beyond the founder, which raises the value of management depth and documented systems. - The strongest demand is following population growth and infrastructure investment, two themes that tend to support steady transaction flow in local mid-market deals. - Selectivity remains high, so businesses with weaker financial reporting or less predictable revenue may face a harder sale process.

What's next: - Morgan Business Sales expects owners who prepare early to be better positioned when they decide to sell. - Dru Morgan said sellers who understand buyer priorities well before going to market can strengthen the business and improve the eventual sale price. - The firm said buyers will likely continue to focus on quality businesses with scale, loyal customers and recurring or contracted revenue. - Morgan Business Sales is highlighting more information for Gold Coast business owners and Brisbane business owners.

The bottom line: - In a still-active Queensland M&A market, the best-prepared Gold Coast and Brisbane businesses are drawing the most buyer attention and the strongest competition.