“Seeing Kiwis take control of their futures through purchasing established companies is one of the most rewarding aspects of working as a business broker”, says JD Hyslop. Recently, he helped first-time business owners Ryan and Amy Brewer achieve an incredible milestone by acquiring WOW Playground Site & Café. The pair, thrilled with their new purchase, attribute the seamless process to JD’s expert facilitation.
WOW Playground, based in Rosedale, is a well-established, 1,200sqm indoor playground designed for kids aged 1 – 10 years old. The business features three party rooms for birthdays and a recently re-opened café onsite. From ball pits to slides and trampolines, WOW Playground is a sought-after spot for families with young children. “This business was one that I was delighted to list, the industry is innately exciting, and I was eager to see whose hands it would end up in,” JD says.
The business hit the market in March 2024 and received a good number of enquiries from interested parties. One of those was Ryan Brewer. “I discovered the business for sale on TradeMe, and what stood out to me immediately was that WOW Playground had a solid foundation, but more importantly, even more room to grow,” he recalls.
After coming across WOW Playground on TradeMe, Ryan was directed to LINK & JD, the listing’s broker. Determined to learn more about the venture, Ryan then signed a non-disclosure agreement, a step that LINK takes very seriously. This agreement permitted the eventual new owner of the business to visit the site.
Visiting WOW Playground made the Brewers’ ownership dream feel closer, but there were obviously a few key things they needed to consider before jumping right in. As a first-time business buyer, it can be very difficult to know what questions to ask. Not having professional input and guidance is inherently risky, as it opens the door for oversights.
JD worked as the middleman between the vendor, lawyer, and accountant for the Brewers. “JD was incredibly helpful, he ensured that we went into the purchase process with our eyes wide open and facilitated efficient & honest communication where there were language barriers between us and the vendor,” Ryan reflects.
Describing the purchase process as lengthy but worth it, the Brewers officially became the proud new owners of WOW Playground. “We not only wouldn’t have done it without JD & LINK, but we also couldn’t possibly have!” Amy says. “For those considering buying a business, engaging the help of specialists is integral to a successful acquisition – JD was just awesome.”
The Brewers have hit the ground running. In just a few short months of ownership, they have made strategic moves to drive business growth. The weekday prices have been dropped to just $5 entry for all ages. “WOW Playground was definitely the right fit for us, not just because it’s scalable, but because we’re big kids too,” Ryan says.
JD’s dedication to guiding first-time buyers through the acquisition process shines in success stories like that of the Brewers. With WOW Playground in capable hands, Ryan and Amy are poised to take the business to new heights. “Helping people realise their dreams of business ownership is what it’s all about,” JD says. “Seeing the Brewers thrive in their new venture is a testament to the value of having the right support.”