100 Years in Business and Ready for the Next Generation
Henselite, the Australian-based world leader in the manufacture and supply of Lawn Bowls and associated merchandise has announced the business for sale. With a successful history that started in 1918, the Henselite brand is globally accepted as the industry pioneer in the design and manufacture of modern-day lawn bowls, having introduced numerous major innovations.
The business operation has evolved over the years from the manufacture and supply of lawn bowls to active sales across the entire supply chain associated with lawn bowling in all major markets internationally. With a long and award-winning history of selling Australian businesses, Xcllusive Business Sales Melbourne are the agents chosen to facilitate the sale.
Mark Hensell, the fourth and final generation to own Henselite, sees this as a massive step forward for not only the brand, but also the industry. He is looking forward to seeing the legacy of his fore-fathers live on.
“I’d like to see a buyer come forward who wants to see the brand continue to grow and flourish long-term, like it has with my family,” Mark said.
“We’re looking for a buyer who understands the iconic value of an Australian company that has lasted over 100 years and who appreciates ongoing Australian manufacturing... This is a famous Aussie brand and I believe there is a growing trend back towards local manufacturing.”
One of the best parts of the business for Mark is the community importance and comradeship of lawn bowls in this country.
“I love seeing so many lawn bowlers get pleasure from the pastime of playing the game... They are so passionate about it and that passion is passed onto us, which is heart-warming. Both my great-grandfather and grandfather were passionate lawn bowlers."
“It’s a very community-based sport and, in lots of country towns in Australia, it is the central meeting point for locals.”
No surprise then that 40% of the world’s lawn bowlers are in Australia. After the UK, it is practically the home of lawn bowling. That said, Henselite also sells to around a dozen overseas countries.
“There are only three other bowls manufacturers in the world, and we are the biggest,” said Mark.
“In lawn bowls, the Commonwealth Games are our Olympics and, in the last Games, almost half of all the medals were won using Henselite bowls. It really is the world’s Number 1.”
As the market leader, Henselite bowls are used by leading players in most premier lawn bowl competitions in Australia, the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth, with Trademarks across all major markets. The bowls are designed and made at the company’s own manufacturing facility in Fairfield, Victoria.
There has already been healthy interest, so expectations are high for a mutually beneficial transition with the successful purchasing party.
About the author
Zoran Sarabaca
As a business owner from the age of 17, Zoran understands business. Through selling his own business, he learned that it wasn’t good enough just ...
