Welcome

Kate Ballantyne

Business Development Executive*

Drop us a line: kate.ballantyne@buysellconsortium.com

Tel: +1.331.210.2167

Kate is a dynamic professional with over 11 years of experience in business development and sales. With the bulk of her experience in the automotive industry, she has also worked in residential real estate, legal tech, and SaaS sales. Chicago-born and raised between Chicago and Toronto, Kate brings a global perspective to every interaction. Her focus is on client experience and creating life-long relationships. By focusing on “Kaizen” or continuous improvement, Kate is always inspecting and improving upon current processes to achieve success.

Kate received her B.A. in Political Science/Economics from Northern Illinois University and is currently pursuing her J.D. from DePaul University College of Law.

Testimonials

Kevin KnightPresident, Knight Automotive Group

We wanted to explore selling two of our businesses on a very discreet and confidential basis. We engaged Arthur and his team to execute our mandate. I am happy that not only was Arthur the right choice, but we sold our two business on a very confidential basis and he was there every step of the way until the deal was across the finish line.

Terry RafihChairman & CEO Rafih Automotive Group

To whom it may concern.I have known Arthur for many years and have dealt with him on acquiring a strategic addition to my group. Arthur is transparent, you get what you see and there are no smoke and mirrors – he is a true professional. I would recommend Arthur to anyone looking to acquire or sell a business, his acumen and tenacity to get the job done professionally is of the highest calibre.

Ray Van EmpelPresident, Pioneer Auto Group

Arthur is very strategic in the way he sources opportunities regardless if you are a buyer or seller. I have dealt with many advisors over the years and Arthur is one you can trust and take to the bank! Before you make a decision on who you will use have lunch with Arthur and you will not need to look further.

Paul MertinPast President, Mertin Auto Group

We had been looking at the possibility of selling our group for two years but never found a broker that we had confidence in until we decided to sit down with Arthur – we knew we had found “the guy.” Our deal was very complicated as it included five different business lines which were inter-related at different levels. We had over 200 employees and confidentiality was paramount for us. Arthur was not only able to strategically source the right buyer for us but was also able to ensure we overcame any and all hurdles along the way and get the deal closed. I would recommend Arthur to anyone looking to exit from their business as an advisor.

Jason SmithCEO, Go Auto

We are one on Canada’s largest automotive groups and we have used Arthur both to advise on acquiring and on selling assets. He is very conscientious about ensuring that the best deal for everyone is the one that everyone is happy with six months after close. I would recommend Arthur to anyone who is looking to either sell or acquire a business, it’s worth the conversation ahead of making any decision on who you work with.

Gabriel DaSilvaPast President West Toronto Kia

To whom it may concern we engaged Arthur when we wanted to sell our business after interviewing many other options to represent us. We weren’t a large deal however it was our largest family asset and we wanted to maximize our return, we wanted to ensure we had someone who treated the sale as if it was their own and that we weren’t just another business up for sale. Although our deal wasn’t a large one it still was complex due to partner issues, Arthur was able to navigate through the different personalities and ensure we got to market, got an offer and finally closed. I highly recommend Arthur to anyone looking to sell or buy a business.

Daniel HandiazCEO, Qode Media Group

We were in a really difficult situation on a deal with a counterparty, much stronger and with much, much deeper pockets than us. We reached out to Arthur through a referral from one of our stakeholders. Arthur listened carefully and was extremely intuitive in understanding our psychology and of our counterparties. He mentored and coached us through the long-drawn-out negotiation and transferred to us courage with emotional support to maintain strength and not buckle under extreme duress. He provided clear talking points for us to use in the negotiations. Moreover, he introduced us to industry contacts that gave us leverage to pursue alternative options that ultimately allowed us to close the deal winning the outcome we sought. Arthur’s experience, wisdom and discipline is worthy of being considered as good as it gets.

Rob BertuliPast National Manager Business and Dealer Development Kia Canada Inc.

I have worked with Arthur at the OEM level and his attention to find the right buyer which will be approved is part of his process. Historically there are too many buy/sells transactions that bring a potential new buyer to the table which the OEM will not approve. Arthur is strategic and laser focussed on getting the deal across the curb. If you are looking for a professional who will have your best interests in mind and won’t take your business just to have another deal for sale have a conversation with Arthur Madjarian.

In January 2022, I met Amin Shamji of Buy Sell Consortium to discuss future possibilities. We ran 4 funeral establishments located in Guelph and Acton. Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home is a family-owned business that has proudly served Guelph and the surrounding area for 90 years. It was a major decision when we opted to sell our family businesses and we spent many months looking for the perfect buyer to lead our Funeral Homes to a bright future. It was a tough decision and with the direction of Amin, Greg Ternoway, and their professional and knowledgeable team at Buy Sell Consortium, we were able to secure a buyer that would be a great fit for our family, staff, and community.We felt that Buy Sell Consortium shared our business philosophy and ethics and understood the characteristics that make our funeral operations unique within our community.

Buy Sell Consortium provided critical support during this time of transition to make the process feel less stressful and provide support during the acquisition.

The future looks promising! I hope to continue doing the parts of the job I have always loved and enjoyed and have an ideal work-life balance. We are very pleased with our decision to have been able to work with Buy Sell Consortium and feel confident we have left our business in incredibly capable hands!

Jayson GordonSenior Managing Director, Canada, Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC

I have had the opportunity to work with Buy Sell Consortium on multiple opportunities, including the recent completion of a transaction. I have found them to be professional in all interactions and instrumental in guiding the Seller on best practices, as well as informing them on what to expect throughout diligence and closing. The sales process can be emotional and Buy Sell Consortium maintained their objectivity to mediate agreements between the two parties. I feel Buy Sell Consortium expedites the closing process as they have good insight as to what is customary to bring a transaction to a successful conclusion.

* Exclusions in Canada until March 2025; Any dealership for automobile, motorcycles, leisure or recreational, trucking, agricultural, marine or heavy industry vehicles and equipment, in each case whether new or used, and alone or in any combination thereof, and whether through bricks and mortar or internet or other presence (individually or as a group).