How Insight Advisory Group Guided a Successful Multi‑Million Dollar Sale
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When Perth business partners Terry Childs and Peter Burgess founded Forch Australia 14 years ago, they were fuelled by a shared vision: to bring high‑quality automotive consumables and parts to Australian workshops with service and reliability at the forefront. The two friends had known each other since their teenage years, and after successful careers across other sectors, they were ready to build something of their own—something that reflected their values, work ethic and passion for the automotive industry.
Over more than a decade, they did exactly that. Forch grew steadily year after year, becoming respected for its broad product range, strong supplier relationships and the loyalty it inspired among its customers and team. In an industry known for turnover, Forch had managed to create a workplace where staff stayed—often for years—and where the business still felt like a family.
But success brings its own challenges.
When Growth Outpaces Resources
By 2022, Forch had reached a critical point.
“We got to the stage where we needed to invest more money to grow the business,” said Mr Childs. “The demand was there, things were growing quickly, and we could see the opportunities clearly—but the business needed funding to take it to the next level.”
The founders not only wanted to grow—they wanted to grow responsibly. Expanding warehousing, strengthening operations, and increasing national reach would require capital and expertise. But equally, they wanted to protect what made Forch unique.
“It was important for us that we support our staff,” said Mr Burgess. “Some of our team members have been with us a very long time. Stability was key—we didn’t want change for the sake of change.”
With these priorities in mind, they turned to a trusted partner.
A Longstanding Relationship with Insight Advisory Group
For nearly a decade, Forch had worked closely with Insight Advisory Group, developing a relationship built on transparency and mutual trust. By the time the founders reached out with their growth challenge, Insight already had a deep understanding of the company—its strengths, aspirations, and pain points.
“Because we had worked with Forch for so long, we really understood the DNA of the business,” said Insight Principal Mathieu Paul, who led the project. “We knew where the value was and how to position that value in front of investors.”
Initially, Insight’s role was to help Forch prepare for capital raising. But as the process unfolded, it soon became evident that a majority sale might offer a stronger, more sustainable pathway to growth.
Preparing Forch for Investor Scrutiny
Before approaching the market, Insight undertook a comprehensive enhancement process—strengthening the business to maximise valuation and reduce barriers for potential investors. Over several months, Insight worked hands‑on with the founders and their team to:
- refine HR structures
- bolster OHS practices
- streamline financial and operational reporting
- identify and secure value‑adding licences
- optimise systems to reduce operational risk
- align processes to investor expectations
These improvements not only increased Forch’s appeal but also gave the founders the confidence that the business they had built was being presented at its strongest.
“We wanted to understand absolutely everything that was going on in the business,” said Mr Paul. “The more detail we had, the more accurately we could articulate the company’s value. That’s what helped us find the best match and secure the best price.”
Navigating an Intensive 18‑Month Investor Process
Insight began a structured, carefully targeted search for investors. Over 18 months, they vetted, met with and negotiated with multiple potential parties—always with one goal in mind: finding a partner who not only recognised Forch’s potential but also aligned with the founders’ culture and values.
Throughout this period, Insight handled every aspect of the negotiations, allowing Terry and Peter to remain focused on running the business.
“I’m glad we weren’t involved in the negotiations,” said Mr Childs. “I don’t think we would have gotten anywhere near the price Insight achieved. They made the whole process less overwhelming, and it was easy to ask questions and get answers.”
As investor conversations evolved, Insight identified a company that was not only financially strong but strategically aligned with Forch’s direction.
The Right Buyer Arrives: MaxiPARTS Limited
Insight successfully negotiated the sale of 80% of Forch to MaxiPARTS Limited, a leading ASX‑listed supplier of truck and trailer parts with a national network of stores.
The $9.7 million transaction gave MaxiPARTS a majority stake while allowing Mr Childs and Mr Burgess to remain as directors, each retaining 10% ownership. The agreement also included an option for MaxiPARTS to purchase the remaining shares within two to five years.
Choosing to stay in the business was a deliberate decision by the founders—and one that added tangible value.
“The fact that Terry and Peter stayed on signalled long‑term commitment and stability,” said Mr Paul. “It demonstrated that the founders believed in the business’s next chapter, and that strengthened their negotiating position.”
A Partnership Built on Synergy
Six months after the sale, Forch remained the same business customers knew and trusted—but with greater capability, wider reach and more operational support.
“We’re doing the same things we were doing before,” said Mr Burgess. “But now we have more resources, more support and access to broader knowledge. MaxiPARTS handles the big systems—like wages and IT—which frees us up to focus on running and growing the business.”
The operational improvements were immediate. Forch expanded from a single warehouse in Gnangara to operating two additional warehouses on the east coast, improving distribution efficiency and opening new growth avenues.
Best of all, every Forch staff member stayed on, maintaining the culture the founders had built.
“It still feels like family,” said Mr Childs. “And we’re now able to introduce our new teammates to the way we do things.”
A Transformational Outcome—for the Present and Future
The sale marked a life‑changing moment for the founders—but it also set Forch up for long‑term success.
“This deal wasn’t just about money,” said Mr Paul. “It was about securing a future—a future where the business could continue to grow and where Terry and Peter’s legacy would be protected and strengthened.”
Today, Forch is positioned for accelerated expansion, supported by the resources, infrastructure and national reach of MaxiPARTS. With a strong cultural match and aligned goals, the partnership represents a classic example of a well‑executed strategic acquisition.
For Insight Advisory Group, the project exemplifies what long‑term advisory relationships can achieve: deeper understanding, better alignment, and outcomes that truly transform businesses and lives.
