Premier Business Brokers Research
Advisory Approach
Premier Business Brokers is a full-service business acquisition firm specializing in the confidential process of buying and selling privately held companies. The firm operates with a core mission to cultivate client satisfaction resulting in successful business transactions, guided by core values of Respect, Integrity, Education, Fortitude, and Patience. Their thesis is that every business is unique and every business owner has distinct objectives, requiring a tailored approach to understanding and addressing the specific variables of each engagement.
The firm utilizes a proprietary 15-step methodology called "The Premier Business Brokers Method," consisting of carefully planned and executed activities designed to ensure smooth transitions between each phase of the sale process. This systematic approach emphasizes client control—new activities do not begin until the client has reviewed and approved the previous phase. Their sweet spot is privately held businesses with earnings greater than $1 million, where the company has grown too large for individual buyers to finance through conventional methods, or businesses in industries experiencing consolidation roll-ups.
Sector Focus
Premier Business Brokers maintains broad industry experience across multiple sectors. Their transaction history and current listings demonstrate activity in manufacturing (including precision machining, plastics injection molding, and industrial equipment), retail and consumer services (restaurants, food service, retail stores), business services (distribution, property management, commercial cleaning), healthcare services (health and wellness providers, medical practices), and technology/e-commerce businesses. They serve established businesses across the Midwest and throughout the United States, with particular geographic strength in Missouri, Nevada, and Florida markets.
The firm's M&A department specifically targets larger transactions where businesses have earnings exceeding $1 million, focusing on companies that have become acquisition targets for industry players or strategic buyers looking to consolidate market positions in specific sectors.
Deal Track Record
Premier Business Brokers has facilitated transactions across diverse business categories. Their recent transaction history includes franchised food service businesses (sub shops, pizza shops, ice cream establishments), retail operations (shoe stores, grocery stores, cell phone stores, florists), service businesses (maid services, fitness centers, dog grooming, salon suites, barbershops), and professional services (CRA practices, health food stores). The firm has also closed middle-market manufacturing transactions sold to strategic investors, along with distribution businesses, boat dealerships, and commercial service companies including electrical contractors, advertising agencies, and landscape maintenance firms.
The firm's team brings significant transaction experience—Brian Canavan, a Director of Acquisitions, has completed more than 100 business sales transactions. Founder Peter A. Picciano brings twenty years of experience as a business intermediary, having personally owned, operated, and sold multiple businesses before entering the advisory field. While the firm does not publicly disclose aggregate transaction counts, their multi-decade presence in the St. Louis market and expansion to additional offices in Las Vegas and Wellington, Florida indicates sustained deal flow across market cycles.
Process & Fee Structure
Premier Business Brokers employs a comprehensive, document-heavy closing process. The firm generates 18+ legal instruments for each transaction, including Asset Purchase Agreements, Bills of Sale, Covenants Not to Compete, Non-Foreign Person Affidavits, Tax Escrow Agreements, and various warranties and indemnification agreements. They utilize third-party closing attorneys who serve dual roles as escrow agents, ensuring proper document execution and fund handling.
The firm's process timeline typically ranges from six to eighteen months from engagement to closing, depending on business complexity and market conditions. Their fee structure follows industry-standard business brokerage models: success-based commissions typically ranging from 8% to 12% of transaction value, with the percentage often decreasing as deal size increases. The firm may charge upfront retainers, which are typically credited against the ultimate success fee at closing. For their M&A department engagements targeting larger transactions, fee structures are negotiable based on transaction complexity, deal size, and required services.
Buyer Network
Premier Business Brokers maintains relationships with multiple buyer categories including private investors, strategic investors, and individual buyers. Their buyer database includes thousands of prospective acquirers, which they cross-reference for immediate prospect matches when new engagements are launched. The firm employs targeted marketing strategies including weekly email blasts to a captive audience of individual, strategic, and institutional buyers.
For larger M&A department transactions, Premier leverages specialized M&A publications including the National Review of Corporate Acquisitions, Mergers & Acquisitions Journal, Riggs & Allen publications, and World M&A Network. They also utilize targeted mailing lists based on specific SIC codes, business size parameters, and geographic locations to identify and qualify prospective buyers. Their deal history shows successful transactions with private investors acquiring main street businesses, as well as strategic investors purchasing middle-market manufacturing and distribution companies.
Competitive Positioning
Premier Business Brokers differentiates through several key factors:
- Proprietary Methodology: Their 15-step process provides structure and predictability for clients who value control over transaction progression
- Multi-Office Presence: With locations in St. Louis, Las Vegas, and Wellington, Florida, they offer geographic coverage across multiple markets
- Professional Credentials: Founder Peter A. Picciano holds the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation from the International Business Brokers Association, a credential held by only approximately 600 professionals in the U.S.
- Comprehensive Legal Protection: Their extensive use of 18+ legal documents per transaction exceeds typical business broker standards
- Industry Affiliations: Memberships in IBBA, M&A Source, Business Brokers of Florida, and Nevada Business Brokers Association provide access to national networks of qualified buyers and co-brokerage opportunities
Not a Fit If
Premier Business Brokers typically declines engagements where:
- Business earnings are below $1 million (these may not justify their comprehensive process and fee structure)
- Sellers require rushed transactions or unwilling to follow the structured 15-step methodology
- Businesses lack sufficient documentation or financial records to support valuation and due diligence
- Sellers are not committed to confidentiality protocols and proper buyer screening
- Transactions involve complex regulatory hurdles outside their core expertise (they are not FINRA-registered investment bankers)
Team
The Premier Business Brokers team includes:
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Peter A. Picciano, Founder: 20+ years business intermediary experience, former entrepreneur who owned and sold multiple businesses. Holds Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation from IBBA. Member of IBBA, M&A Source, Business Brokers of Florida, and Nevada Business Brokers Association. Licensed real estate broker in Florida and Nevada.
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Brian Canavan, Director of Acquisitions: Has successfully completed 100+ business sales transactions. Named to St. Louis Small Business Monthly's "Top 100 People to Know" for 2025. Specializes in expediting the buying and selling of mid- to large-size businesses nationwide.
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Brian Jones: Former business owner with 30+ years of CEO experience. Brings operator perspective to advisory work, helping sellers and buyers navigate business transitions.
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Bill Biermann, CPA, CVA, MBA: Provides financial analysis and valuation expertise to support accurate business assessments and transaction structuring.
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Erin Dean, Client Success Manager: Manages client relationships and ensures smooth progression through the sales process.
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Wayne Finnegan: Sales and relationship management specialist with background in sales management.
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Sam Hassoun, Intermediary: Experienced sales director with negotiation expertise and management consulting background.
Geographic Coverage
Premier Business Brokers is headquartered in the Westport area of St. Louis, Missouri, with additional offices in Las Vegas, Nevada and Wellington, Florida. They serve businesses throughout the Midwest and across the United States. The firm's multi-office structure allows them to serve local markets with on-the-ground presence while maintaining national reach through their buyer networks and digital marketing platforms.