The Domaine Group Research
Advisory Approach
The Domaine Group is an Oregon-based business brokerage firm specializing in bringing buyers and sellers together for small business transactions. Operating in the lower middle market segment, the firm focuses on providing professional brokerage services to business owners seeking to sell their companies and entrepreneurs looking to acquire existing businesses. As a boutique practice, The Domaine Group offers personalized attention throughout the transaction process, guiding clients through business valuation, buyer qualification, negotiation, and closing.
The firm operates with a thesis that successful business transactions require deep local market knowledge combined with professional brokerage expertise. Unlike larger investment banks that may focus on deals above $10 million, The Domaine Group concentrates on the under-$5 million segment where personalized service and local relationships create competitive advantages. Principal Mary Manilla brings the CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) designation to the practice, representing completion of rigorous coursework and ethical standards in business brokerage.
Sector Focus
The Domaine Group maintains broad industry exposure across the small business landscape. As a generalist business brokerage serving the Oregon market, the firm has experience facilitating transactions across multiple sectors including business services, consumer services, retail and e-commerce, manufacturing, and healthcare services. The firm's Portland Metro location provides exposure to Oregon's diverse economy, which includes technology startups, manufacturing companies, professional services firms, retail businesses, and healthcare practices.
Within business services, the firm works with service providers including consulting firms, marketing agencies, and B2B service companies. The consumer services segment includes restaurants, personal services businesses, and lifestyle companies. Retail and e-commerce transactions encompass main street retail stores, specialty retail, and online businesses. Manufacturing experience includes small-scale fabrication, light manufacturing, and distribution companies. Healthcare services work encompasses medical practices, dental practices, and healthcare-related businesses.
Process & Fee Structure
The Domaine Group follows a structured sell-side brokerage process typical of professional business brokers. Services include business valuation and pricing analysis, preparation of marketing materials, confidential buyer screening, negotiation support, and closing coordination. The firm maintains confidentiality throughout the process to protect business operations and employee morale during sale proceedings.
Fee structure for Oregon business brokers typically follows a success-based model with commissions ranging from 8% to 12% for businesses under $5 million in transaction value, with rates stepping down on larger deals. This aligns with industry standards for business brokerage in the Oregon market. Many business brokers in this segment charge no upfront retainer, instead earning compensation entirely through success fees upon closing.
Buyer Network
The Domaine Group's buyer network consists of individual buyers, entrepreneurs, small business investors, and strategic acquirers active in the Oregon market. The firm maintains relationships with local business buyers seeking acquisition opportunities, particularly in the Portland metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Buyer networks for boutique business brokers typically include high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives seeking business ownership, and existing business owners looking for add-on acquisitions.
Competitive Positioning
The Domaine Group differentiates through local market expertise, personalized service, and CBI certification. As a smaller practice, the firm offers dedicated attention to each client engagement, unlike larger firms that may delegate smaller transactions to junior staff. The firm's Oregon focus provides deep knowledge of local market conditions, buyer pools, and regional economic factors affecting business valuations. The CBI designation held by principal Mary Manilla signals adherence to professional standards and ethical practices in business brokerage.
Not a Fit If
The Domaine Group is not suited for transactions above $10 million in enterprise value, where investment banking expertise and broader buyer networks are typically required. The firm also does not serve businesses seeking public company listings or cross-border transactions requiring international regulatory expertise. Companies needing complex restructuring, bankruptcy services, or financing advisory beyond traditional SBA lending would be better served by specialized investment banking firms.
Team
The Domaine Group is led by Mary Manilla, who serves as President and Principal Broker. Mary holds the CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) designation from the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), indicating completion of comprehensive coursework in business brokerage, valuation, and transaction management. She has been an IBBA member since 2017, demonstrating ongoing commitment to professional development and industry best practices. The firm operates as a boutique practice, allowing for hands-on involvement in all client engagements.
Geographic Coverage
The Domaine Group is headquartered in the Portland metropolitan area, with offices in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The firm serves business owners throughout Oregon with particular focus on the Portland Metro area including Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. The firm's location provides access to Oregon's major business centers and economic hubs throughout the Willamette Valley region.