CII Advisors Research
Advisory Approach
CII Advisors is a specialized M&A advisory firm focused exclusively on the lower middle market, serving business owners with companies valued between $5 million and $50 million. Founded in 1986, CII brings nearly four decades of experience to every engagement, making it one of the oldest and most established M&A advisory firms in the Southeast. The firm's approach is built on the belief that business owners only get one chance to sell their life's work, and that chance must be maximized through exhaustive preparation, broad buyer outreach, and expert negotiation.
The firm's philosophy centers on creating auction-like environments that generate competitive tension among buyers. As evidenced by client testimonials, this approach consistently delivers results—including one roofing company that sold for 25% above market value after receiving over 20 letters of intent. CII's team-based approach means every engagement benefits from the collective expertise of the entire advisory team, not just a single lead banker.
Sector Focus
CII Advisors has developed deep expertise across fourteen industry verticals, with particular strength in trade-based businesses that generate recurring revenue through essential services. The firm's core sectors include HVAC, roofing, plumbing, lawn care, tree service, and other home services contractors—businesses that produce predictable cash flows and are highly attractive to private equity buyers and strategic acquirers.
Beyond trade services, CII maintains active practices in manufacturing (both discrete and process), healthcare services, technology (SaaS and IT services), aviation and marine support services, property management, impact glass installation, education, and business services. The firm's industry knowledge is not theoretical—team members have owned and operated businesses in several of these sectors, giving them firsthand understanding of operational challenges, valuation drivers, and buyer priorities.
Deal Track Record
CII Advisors has guided thousands of business owners through successful exits over nearly four decades. While the firm maintains strict client confidentiality and does not publicly disclose most transactions, client testimonials and professional credentials provide insight into their transaction volume and success.
Notable deal patterns include the sale of trade-based businesses to private equity groups (particularly the HVAC, roofing, and home services sectors), structured recapitalizations that allow sellers to retain equity stakes for a "second bite of the apple," and complex multi-entity transactions involving multiple corporations rolled into a single buyer entity. One client reported that CII structured a deal involving three tied corporations that allowed the seller to retain equity in the new entity—a structure the client didn't know was possible.
The firm's senior advisor, Cress Diglio, has represented clients in "over a dozen transactions" across buy-side and sell-side engagements over a 25-year career, according to client testimonials. This suggests the broader CII team has collectively facilitated hundreds of transactions across the Southeast.
Process & Fee Structure
CII's process is comprehensive and institutional-quality despite the lower middle market focus. Engagements typically begin with business valuation and market assessment, followed by preparation of marketing materials, identification of qualified buyers, management of buyer outreach and due diligence, negotiation of letters of intent, and coordination through closing. The firm emphasizes education throughout the process, ensuring clients understand each step and the strategic implications of decisions.
The firm creates competitive tension through broad buyer outreach—client testimonials mention receiving 20+ LOIs for a single engagement. CII maintains relationships with private equity groups, strategic buyers, family offices, and search funds, allowing them to identify the full universe of qualified buyers for each engagement.
While CII does not publicly disclose specific fee structures, industry-standard practices for lower middle market M&A advisors typically include monthly retainers during the engagement period (often $10,000-$25,000 per month, credited against success fees) and success fees based on a percentage of transaction value. The firm requires exclusivity for engagements and focuses on companies with at least $5 million in annual revenue.
Buyer Network
CII Advisors maintains extensive relationships across the full spectrum of lower middle market buyers. The firm is an active member of Axial, the premier platform connecting lower middle market advisors with private capital sources. The team has closed transactions with private equity firms, strategic acquirers, family offices, and search funds.
Based on the firm's industry focus and geographic footprint, CII is particularly well-connected to buyers focused on trade services, HVAC, roofing, home services, manufacturing, and healthcare services in the Southeast. The firm's long history (since 1986) and deep roots in Florida and Georgia provide access to regional buyers who may not be known to national M&A advisors.
Competitive Positioning
CII Advisors differentiates from other lower middle market advisors through several key factors:
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Operational Experience: Unlike pure bankers, CII advisors are current or former business owners who understand the day-to-day challenges of running a company. Principal Cress Diglio owned a commercial/residential paint contracting business for seven years before entering M&A advisory.
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Professional Leadership: Cress Diglio served as Chair of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) in 2015—the highest honor in the business brokerage profession. This role provides visibility and networks that most regional advisors lack.
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Team Approach: Every engagement involves the full CII team, not just a single banker. This ensures clients benefit from diverse expertise and perspectives.
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Industry Specialization: Deep expertise in trade-based businesses (HVAC, roofing, plumbing, home services) that are highly attractive to PE buyers but often underserved by generalist M&A firms.
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Longevity: Nearly four decades in business has allowed CII to build enduring relationships with buyers, sellers, and professional advisors (attorneys, CPAs, lenders) across the Southeast.
Not a Fit If
CII Advisors typically declines engagements outside their focus area or below their minimum deal size. The firm is not a fit for:
- Businesses below $5 million in annual revenue
- Startups or pre-revenue companies
- Distressed asset sales (the firm focuses on going-concern businesses)
- Real estate-only transactions (without an operating business)
- Businesses outside the Southeast (their primary market is Florida and Georgia)
Team
CII Advisors is led by a team of seasoned professionals with deep credentials and industry recognition:
Cress V. Diglio – President and Chair of the firm. Cress has devoted 25 years to M&A advisory, serving as Past Chair of the IBBA (2015) and earning the Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary (M&AMI) and Master Certified Business Intermediary (MCBI) designations. He hosts the IBBA Insights Podcast and has received over 50 Top Producer Sales Awards. Previously owned a commercial/residential paint contracting business for seven years.
Erin Crawford – CII Advisor and Past Chair of the IBBA. Erin holds an MBA and the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation, bringing strong academic credentials and industry leadership to the team.
Additional Team Members – The CII team includes Patrick Archer, Cress S. Diglio, Frank Frisaura, Ken Kelly, Doyle Lightfoot, Steve Nelson, Michael Somach, and Kevin Broderick. Collectively, the team brings decades of M&A experience and operational expertise across multiple industries.
All CII advisors hold advanced credentials from the industry's leading professional organizations, including the IBBA and M&A Source. The firm is an active member of M&A Source, the IBBA, and Axial.
Geographic Coverage
CII Advisors is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, with offices at 1507 S. Hiawassee Road, Suite 212, Orlando, FL 32835. The firm serves clients throughout Florida and Georgia, with additional capability across the broader Southeast region. The firm's long history and deep roots in Florida provide unmatched local market insights and relationships.
Phone: (407) 682-9600 | Email: cress@ciiadvisors.com