Long-standing upholstery business for sale

One of Central Hawke’s Bay’s longeststanding businesses is up for sale.

Specialising in function hire, canvas and upholstery products and catering equipment, Sloan’s Saddlery & Canvas Co in Waipukurau has been family owned and operated for more than 60 years.

Business broker John Masters said the well-established and diverse business operated from 43 Takapau Rd.

“It has the advantage of excellent fundamentals — a good lease, useful main road-location, reliable turnover and great margins.

“There’s a continuous workflow with repeat business and growth potential for a motivated purchaser. The company is well stocked, with excellent plant and vehicle fleet. And perhaps best of all — since the quality of the people involved can make or break a business — Sloan’s Saddlery & Canvas Co has loyal longterm staff, who possess all skills and experience required.”

Masters described the business, for sale via expressions of interest directly to the owner, as a “well-oiled machine”.

“This is primarily thanks to its owner, respected Hawke’s Bay business identity Neil Sloan. The fact that Neil, having made a huge contribution, has decided to pass on the baton to retire really does create an exciting opportunity for somebody. A new owner possessing some vision can now come in and build upon the wonderful foundation that exists here,” Mr Masters said. A new owner would not even need to be an expert in canvas or upholstery, because the the expertise was already available amongst existing staff, Masters said.

The function hire division of the business includes marquees, chairs, tables and catering equipment; canvas and upholstery services cars, trucks and farm vehicles, while saddlery includes both retail and repair services for tack and equestrian saddlery equipment.

Housed in two “very well sited” adjacent buildings, the business covered 4300sqm, with a lease available or option to purchase the buildings.

“Opportunities to expand seem endless, as online marketing of products and services has not been developed,” said Masters.