Sunbelt Atlanta Research
Advisory Approach
Sunbelt Atlanta operates as a business brokerage and M&A advisory firm serving the lower middle market, focusing on businesses with transaction values typically under $10 million. The firm provides comprehensive sell-side and buy-side advisory services, with particular expertise in family-owned and closely-held business transitions. Led by President Doreen Morgan, who has completed over 200 transactions since 2005, the firm combines traditional business brokerage methodology with investment banking-style processes to deliver successful outcomes for business owners in the Southeast.
Sector Focus
Sunbelt Atlanta's transaction history demonstrates deep expertise across several industry verticals. In construction and engineering, the firm has advised paving contractors, underground utility contractors, and telecom construction specialists, including the sale of Lori's Transportation & Excavation (a WBENC-certified Woman-Owned Business with 20 years of operations) to Ciropic Construction and Cherokee Fiber & Associates to HB Global, an employee-owned holding company. The firm's healthcare practice spans medical practices and healthcare services, exemplified by the sale of Walk-In MD to an individual physician buyer. In manufacturing, Sunbelt Atlanta has completed transactions in both discrete and process manufacturing, including HVAC air filter manufacturing (Kleen Air Research serving 5,000+ locations across 26 states), lumber heat-treating operations (Westwood Heat Treated Lumber), and precision manufacturing of directional drilling tooling. The firm also has experience in business services, including the sale of LeVino Jones Medical Interiors, a healthcare design consulting firm responsible for over 12 million square feet of medical facility interiors.
Deal Track Record
With over 200 completed transactions since 2005, Sunbelt Atlanta brings substantial transaction experience to lower middle market engagements. The firm's recent transaction history includes the 2026 sale of Cherokee Fiber & Associates to HB Global, the 2024 sale of Walk-In MD, the 2023 acquisition of Westwood Heat Treated Lumber by Westwood Millworks II LLC, and the 2022 sale of Hardrock Directional Drilling Products to Beach Road Precision Manufacturing. The firm's portfolio extends back to significant transactions like LeVino Jones Medical Interiors' sale to Arche LLC in 2021 and Lori's Transportation & Excavation's sale to Ciropic Construction in 2021. Historical deals include the 2014 sale of Kleen Air Research to ARES Holdings. While the firm's website and press releases emphasize individual transactions, the aggregate volume indicates a consistent flow of lower middle market deals.
Process & Fee Structure
Sunbelt Atlanta follows a structured engagement process typical of lower middle market advisors. The firm provides business valuation services, marketing to qualified buyers, negotiation support, and deal management through closing. As business brokers rather than registered broker-dealers, they typically work with business owners on asset sales (as opposed to stock sales requiring FINRA registration). Their process includes preparing marketing materials, identifying and vetting potential buyers, facilitating due diligence, and managing the closing process with legal counsel.
Buyer Network
Sunbelt Atlanta's buyer network spans strategic acquirers, private investment entities, and individual buyers. Transaction history shows successful closures with employee-owned holding companies (HB Global), private investment groups (Arche LLC), individual investors (like physician buyers for medical practices), and strategic buyers in related industries (Beach Road Precision Manufacturing acquiring HDD tooling manufacturer). The firm maintains relationships with family offices and high-net-worth individuals seeking acquisition opportunities in the Southeast.
Competitive Positioning
Sunbelt Atlanta differentiates through President Doreen Morgan's exceptional transaction volume (over 200 deals since 2005) and deep experience in the lower middle market segment where many investment banks won't engage. The firm combines the personalized service of a business brokerage with sophisticated transaction processes. Their long operating history and consistent deal flow provide them with market intelligence and buyer relationships that newer entrants cannot match.
Not a Fit If
Sunbelt Atlanta is not designed for upper middle market transactions exceeding $50 million in enterprise value, technology companies requiring Silicon Valley buyer networks, or distressed asset sales requiring turnaround expertise. Businesses seeking public company buyers or cross-border transactions may be better served by larger investment banks with international platforms.
Team
The firm is led by President Doreen Morgan, who has personally completed over 200 transactions since 2005 and brings two decades of M&A experience to every engagement. Mark Werbalowsky serves as an M&A Advisor with particular expertise in healthcare and medical practice transitions, having managed the sale of Walk-In MD to an individual physician buyer.
Geographic Coverage
Sunbelt Atlanta maintains a strong presence in Georgia and the broader Southeastern United States. The firm focuses on businesses based in Atlanta, Georgia, and surrounding states including Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida. Their deep regional connections provide a competitive advantage in understanding local market dynamics and accessing regional buyer pools.