Shamoun Business Brokers Research
Advisory Approach
Shamoun Business Brokers is a full-service M&A advisory firm and business brokerage focused on the Main Street and lower end of the lower middle market. Operating under California Department of Real Estate license #01058649, the firm provides business owners with confidential guidance through the sales process. Their thesis centers on bringing institutional-quality transaction management to smaller businesses that typically lack access to sophisticated M&A advisory services. The firm differentiates through deep local market knowledge in Southern California, combined with the resources of the RE/MAX One Commercial network.
The firm's sweet spot is owner-operated businesses with enterprise values typically under $5 million, particularly those in manufacturing, wholesale distribution, professional services, and retail sectors. They emphasize confidentiality throughout the process—a critical consideration for smaller businesses where employee, customer, and vendor awareness of a potential sale could disrupt operations.
Sector Focus
Shamoun Business Brokers maintains active practices across multiple industry verticals. Their manufacturing focus encompasses discrete manufacturing, contract manufacturing, and textile production. In distribution logistics, they handle 3PL providers, warehousing operations, and wholesale trade businesses. The firm's professional services practice includes law firms, medical practices, and business services companies. Their retail and eCommerce expertise spans brick-and-mortar retail, online businesses, and food & beverage establishments including restaurants, bars, and cafés.
The firm also has experience in construction, engineering, and trades businesses, as well as transportation and automotive-related companies. Their commercial real estate background (through principal Johnnie Shamoun's 15+ years in CRE appraisals) provides additional expertise in businesses with significant real estate components.
Deal Track Record
While specific transaction details are not publicly disclosed—a common practice among Main Street business brokers—the firm maintains an active listing inventory and has facilitated numerous business sales in the California market. Their current and recent listings include a Beverly Hills personal injury law practice (established 1977, priced at $150,000), textile manufacturing and distribution operations, and established hair salons. The firm's affiliation with BizBuySell and multiple listing platforms indicates ongoing transaction activity in the California small business market.
Process & Fee Structure
Shamoun Business Brokers follows a structured sales process typical of Main Street business brokerages: business valuation and pricing analysis, confidential marketing to qualified buyers, buyer screening and qualification, offer negotiation, and transaction closing support. They offer business valuation estimates to help sellers understand realistic market pricing before engaging in the full sales process.
The firm requires exclusivity on engagements. While specific fee structures are not publicly disclosed, Main Street business brokers typically charge success fees in the 8-12% range for businesses under $1 million, with declining percentages for larger transaction values. Retainers may be required but are typically credited against success fees. Their process emphasizes qualifying buyers to ensure prospective purchasers have the financial capacity to complete acquisitions.
Buyer Network
The firm maintains access to buyer networks through their affiliations with CABB, IBBA, and M&A Source, as well as the RE/MAX Commercial network. Their buyer pool includes individual buyers, strategic acquirers looking to expand through acquisition, and some private equity groups focused on the lower end of the lower middle market. Through BizBuySell and other listing platforms, they gain visibility to a national audience of qualified business buyers.
Competitive Positioning
Shamoun Business Brokers differentiates through several key advantages:
- Dual expertise: Principal Johnnie Shamoun brings 15+ years of commercial real estate appraisal experience, providing unique insight into businesses with significant real estate components
- Professional affiliations: Active membership in CABB, IBBA, and M&A Source demonstrates commitment to professional standards and ongoing education
- RE/MAX affiliation: Connection to RE/MAX One Commercial provides access to broader networks and resources
- Local market knowledge: Deep familiarity with Southern California business markets, particularly Simi Valley and surrounding areas
- Confidential marketing focus: Emphasis on maintaining confidentiality throughout the sales process, protecting business value
Not a Fit If
Based on their positioning and Main Street focus, Shamoun Business Brokers is not well-suited for:
- Businesses with enterprise values exceeding $10 million (they're not a traditional investment bank)
- Companies requiring institutional private equity placement or debt financing advisory
- Businesses seeking national auction processes or broad investment banking services
- Companies needing complex recapitalization or ESOP transaction advisory
Team
Johnnie Shamoun – Principal Broker: Over 15 years of professional experience in commercial real estate appraisals for underwriting, litigation, estate planning, and tax gifting purposes. Prepared real estate valuations for multiple portfolios and appraisal review work involving commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Experience encompasses a wide variety of property types, from land to special use properties. Member of IBBA since March 2019. Certified Commercial Real Estate Valuations specialist. Address: 2664 Bitternut Circle, Simi Valley, CA 93065.
John Shamoun – Business Broker: Part of the Shamoun Business Brokers team, focused on business sales and acquisitions.
Crystal Borovik – Business Analyst: Provides analytical support for business valuations and transaction preparation.
Geographic Coverage
Primary focus on Southern California, with deep knowledge of the Simi Valley market and surrounding Los Angeles metropolitan area. The firm serves businesses throughout California through their professional networks and digital platforms.
Industry Memberships & Credentials
- California Association of Business Brokers (CABB) – Member
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) – Member since March 2019
- M&A Source – Member
- California Association of REALTORS® – Affiliate
- International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) – Member
- Southland Regional Association of REALTORS® – Member
- ProVisors – Member
- California DRE License #01058649