Transworld Business Advisors Research
Advisory Approach
Transworld Business Advisors is the world's largest business brokerage firm with over 45 years of experience facilitating business sales, mergers and acquisitions, and franchising. The firm operates with a thesis-driven approach to business brokerage: they believe that professional intermediation, extensive buyer networks, and institutional-quality process management create superior outcomes for business owners. Transworld's sweet spot is Main Street and lower middle market businesses with enterprise values between $500K and $50M+. The firm focuses on helping entrepreneurial business owners navigate one of life's most important transitions — selling their business or buying an existing enterprise.
Transworld Business Advisors is part of the United Franchise Group (UFG), and the firm has systematized its brokerage approach into a franchise model with over 250 offices in 49 states and 17 countries. The Eastern NC office, based in Greenville, North Carolina, operates as a regional hub serving the East North Carolina territory with a team of experienced business brokers and M&A advisors.
Sector Focus
As a generalist business broker, Transworld serves businesses across multiple industries and sectors. The firm's portfolio includes expertise in:
- Construction & HVAC Services: Residential and commercial HVAC contractors, plumbing services, mechanical contractors. The Eastern NC office has completed transactions in this space, including a Commercial HVAC, Refrigeration & Appliance Repair business in 2024.
- Manufacturing & Industrial Services: Precision manufacturing, metal fabrication, specialty contractors, industrial equipment services.
- Hospitality & Food Service: Restaurants, cafes, food & beverage operations.
- Retail & Consumer Services: Retail businesses, consumer services, specialty retail operations.
- Real Estate Services: Commercial real estate, property management, real estate brokerage.
- Professional Services: Business consulting, accounting, staffing, and other professional services.
- Technology & Distribution: IT services, distribution, logistics operations.
Transworld's approach is market-agnostic: the firm brokers businesses in virtually every industry vertical. The firm's national network and local expertise allow them to efficiently match sellers with qualified buyers regardless of industry focus.
Process & Fee Structure
Transworld operates a transparent, client-centric transaction process. Typical engagement structure for business sales:
- Fee Model: Double Lehman Formula (10% on first million, 8% on second million, 6% on third million, and decreasing percentages on amounts above)
- Retainer: Monthly retainer fees are charged in some cases, credited against final success fee
- Process Timeline: 6-12 months from initial engagement to close, depending on business complexity and buyer interest
- Marketing Approach: Proprietary database of 1000+ active brokers and M&A advisors; buyer network includes strategic acquirers, private equity, and individual investors
- Confidentiality: Strict confidentiality throughout process, NDA-protected buyer introductions
- Transaction Support: Transworld provides valuation guidance, business analysis, financial preparation, buyer vetting, negotiation support, and closing coordination
Buyer Network & Deal Track Record
Transworld's national network is one of its primary competitive advantages. The firm has completed 15,000+ business transactions over its 45+ year history. Recent M&A activity demonstrates the firm's breadth and reach:
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Recapitalization of GC Restoration by Osceola Capital (July 2025): Transworld M&A Advisors (led by Managing Director Peter Berg) acted as exclusive intermediary on the $50M+ recapitalization of GC Restoration, a Miami-based structural restoration services firm. The transaction created a new platform called Fortify Restoration. This deal demonstrates Transworld's capability in private equity partnerships and platform creation.
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Strategic Acquisition of Addison Precision Manufacturing (APM) by BTX Precision (February 2025): Transworld M&A Advisors facilitated the acquisition of Addison Precision Manufacturing, a 70+ year old precision manufacturing company serving aerospace and defense markets. Over 150 potential buyers expressed interest during the controlled auction process. The transaction highlights Transworld's competency in manufacturing and aerospace/defense sectors.
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Eastern NC Regional Transactions: The Eastern NC office has closed multiple deals including Commercial HVAC services (2024), demonstrating consistent regional activity.
Transworld M&A Advisors, the firm's middle-market division, specializes in transactions for companies valued between $5M and $250M and is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with 20+ dedicated professionals.
Competitive Positioning
Transworld differentiates through:
- Scale and Network: With 1000+ brokers across 250+ offices globally, no other business brokerage has comparable reach
- Experience Depth: 45+ years of institutional knowledge, systematic processes, and relationships
- Franchise Model Success: The firm's franchise model proves out the business brokerage thesis and attracts quality independent operators
- National Recognition: Ranked #5 Business Broker on 2025 Business Broker League Table
- Professional Team: Full-time brokers and M&A advisors with formal credentials (CBI, M&AMI, MBA, CPA)
- Buyer Access: Leverages national network for buyer sourcing in all industries and geographies
Not a Fit If
Transworld typically works well with:
- Businesses with $500K-$50M+ revenue
- Owners wanting professional representation and institutional-quality process
- Sellers needing confidential buyer introductions
- Buyers seeking professional advisory guidance
Businesses that may be a poor fit:
- Very small businesses under $250K revenue (may lack transaction complexity)
- Businesses requiring specialized industry expertise beyond generalist approach
- Urgent sales requiring compressed timeline (Transworld processes take time to maximize value)
Team
Eastern NC Office Team:
- Tony Khoury - Broker of Record, License #310193, Based in Eastern NC. Specializes in confidentially selling businesses. Contact: (252) 347-9606
- Jarma Khoury - Licensed Broker, License #270728, Real Estate BIC designation. Contact: (252) 714-6216
- AJ Ramsey - Business Broker, Eastern NC office. Contact: (919) 325-6611
- Kimberly Ramsey - Business Broker, Eastern NC office. Contact: (919) 413-3392
- Tommy Alligood - Business Broker, Eastern NC office. Contact: (252) 341-9995
- Stephen Blain - Licensed Broker, License #SL689634, multi-state coverage including Eastern NC. Contact: (828) 528-5251
- John Chaffee - Business Broker, North Carolina focus. Contact: (252) 933-9455
- Emily Grieb - Business Broker, Eastern NC office. Contact: (252) 777-3098
- Anne Jones - Business Broker, Eastern NC office. Contact: (252) 714-1434
- Tom Morse - Business Broker, Eastern NC office. Contact: (252) 227-9706
- Brandon Qualls - Business Broker, specializing in Hospitality and Main Street businesses. Contact: (252) 751-3472
- Sean Rollins - Licensed Broker, License #310008. Contact: (919) 578-7072
- Terry Smith - Certified Public Accountant (CPA License), brings accounting expertise to valuations. Contact: (910) 833-5888
National M&A Leadership:
- Andrew Cagnetta - Chief Executive Officer, Transworld Business Advisors
- Peter Berg - Managing Director, Transworld M&A Advisors, led multiple 2025 closings including GC Restoration recapitalization
- Simon Polzer - Managing Director, Transworld M&A Advisors, led Addison Precision Manufacturing transaction
- Leanne Erwin - Vice President, Transworld M&A Advisors
- Harrison Kaye - Associate, Transworld M&A Advisors
Geographic Coverage & Regional Presence
Transworld's Eastern NC office is headquartered at:
- Address: 100 East 4th Street, Greenville, North Carolina 27858
- Phone: (252) 777-3098
- Email: easternnc@tworld.com
The Eastern NC office serves the East North Carolina region with broker coverage extending throughout North Carolina and adjacent states. The national Transworld network operates in 49 US states plus 17 countries, providing access to buyers and sellers nationwide.
Regulatory Status
Transworld Business Advisors is registered with the SEC as a previously registered broker-dealer (Trans World Securities LLC, CRD #46740, previously active since 1998). The business brokerage division operates under business brokerage licensing, not as a registered securities broker-dealer. Transworld M&A Advisors specifically clarifies it is not a registered broker-dealer but operates as a business intermediary under business brokerage regulations.
Founded & Corporate Structure
- Founded: 1979
- Current Operations: 45+ years of continuous operation
- Corporate Parent: United Franchise Group (UFG)
- Current CEO: Andrew Cagnetta
- Total Offices: 250+ offices in 49 states and 17 countries
- Total Team: 1000+ brokers and advisors
Transworld Business Advisors remains the world's largest business brokerage firm and continues to expand both through franchise growth and through its Transworld M&A Advisors division focused on middle-market transactions.