Washington Partners Research
Advisory Approach
Washington Partners is a globally-connected boutique mergers and acquisitions advisory firm specializing in lower-middle market M&A transactions. Founded in 1999 by George C. Chaconas, the firm operates from its base in Tampa, Florida and has built a reputation for providing sophisticated intermediary services to business owners contemplating exit and growth strategy opportunities. The firm's thesis centers on the principle that successful M&A transactions require both institutional-quality process management and deep understanding of the unique challenges facing lower-middle market business owners. Washington Partners distinguishes itself through a relationship-focused approach that balances rigorous deal execution with genuine concern for business continuity and stakeholder outcomes.
Sector Focus
Washington Partners has demonstrated particular expertise across multiple industry verticals, with a proven track record in construction and building materials, consumer products and retail, food and beverage, distribution and logistics, and specialized manufacturing. The firm's deal history shows strength in facilitating transactions where operational complexity, family ownership transitions, and buyer-seller alignment are critical success factors. Over its 26-year history, the firm has advised on transactions ranging from niche manufacturing operations to multi-location retail businesses, establishing relationships with both strategic buyers and financial investors across diverse sectors.
Deal Track Record
Washington Partners has facilitated 23+ transactions. Recent representative deals include:
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Banning Lumber & Millwork (Jan 2024): Exclusive sell-side advisor to owners Terry and Marc Banning on the sale of a premier Pinellas County-based lumberyard and building products retailer (35+ years in business) to Gulfeagle Supply, a 118-location national roofing and building products distributor. Chaconas and Hyden managed the full process and worked to ensure existing staff were transitioned to the right ownership.
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Precast Wall Systems (Jan 2024): Exclusive buy-side advisor to Permacast LLC on the acquisition of Precast Wall Systems, a 38-year-old Pompano Beach manufacturer of precast concrete wall systems used in energy, infrastructure, and commercial projects. Juan Pardo facilitated the strategic fit between buyer and seller and shepherded the transaction through closing.
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Office Furniture Depot (Oct 2022): Exclusive sell-side advisor to owners Joanne and David Boles on the sale of a 25-year-old independent office furniture retailer in Lakeland, Florida to Interior Fusion LLC and owner Richard Fendley. The firm worked closely with the Boles family to find a buyer committed to staff retention and business continuity.
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Aubrey Organics (Jul 2016): Facilitated the sale of Aubrey Organics, a 49-year-old all-natural skin and beauty products manufacturer with 200+ product lines and distribution in 4,500+ retail outlets, to Nutraceutical Corporation. George Chaconas' relationship-focused approach enabled a deliberate seller-driven process that culminated in rapid closing.
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GRO-WELL Brands (Sep 2025): Advised on a $24.4M recapitalization transaction, enabling the founders to diversify personal wealth while retaining operational ownership.
These deals represent Washington Partners' core strength: advising family-owned and founder-led businesses on exits that maximize valuation while ensuring responsible stewardship transitions.
Process & Fee Structure
Washington Partners runs institutional-quality M&A processes tailored to lower-middle market sellers. The firm offers comprehensive advisory services including exit strategy planning, business valuations, offering memoranda preparation, buyer identification, and transaction structuring. The firm emphasizes close collaboration with sellers throughout the engagement, particularly in identifying the right buyer fit and managing the emotional dimensions of family business transitions. Fee structures are negotiable and customized to deal size and complexity, with the firm maintaining long-standing relationships with buyers enabling efficient deal closure.
Buyer Network
Washington Partners has developed deep relationships with strategic buyers and financial investors across industries. The firm maintains long-standing connections with building materials distributors (Gulfeagle Supply), specialty manufacturers and consolidators (Permacast), private equity firms engaged in lower-middle market acquisitions, family offices, management buyout groups, and strategic corporate buyers. The firm's 26-year history and consistent deal flow have positioned it as a trusted advisor to buyers seeking acquisition targets in their respective niches.
Team
The firm is built around a core group of experienced M&A professionals:
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George C. Chaconas (Senior Managing Partner) - Founded Washington Partners in 1999; former business owner and operator with 20+ years of intermediary and M&A advisory experience. Holds M&AMI (Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary) and CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) designations from the M&A Source and IBBA. Licensed real estate broker in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.
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Steven D. Hyden (Managing Director) - Highly respected business valuation expert and M&A advisor. Former VP and COO of The Financial Valuation Group; previously VP of Business Brokerage at Merrill Lynch. CPA (Florida), ABV (Accredited in Business Valuation), CM&AA designation. Author of business valuation courses and numerous articles on valuation methodology.
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Juan C. Pardo (Senior Vice President) - 20+ years of experience in business brokerage and M&A. Former Channel Marketing Manager at Lenox Industrial Tools (Newell Rubbermaid, NASDAQ: NWL) managing $20M product portfolios. BS in Business Administration. Active member of ACG, IBBA, and AM&AA.
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Olia Chaconas (Vice President of Business Development) - Joined Washington Partners in 2016 to enhance relationship-building and business development activities. Former Marketing Manager at Darphin Cosmetics; business owner (Market House, Russian retailer). Graduate of Moscow State University.
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Associates - Including Courtney A. Bernhard (former Director of Operations at HomeVestors), Morgan Ross (12+ years administrative/strategic planning experience), and Josh Jones (Series 65 licensed financial advisor).
Geographic Coverage
Primary operations based in Tampa, Florida, with active M&A advisory throughout Florida and the Southeast. Real estate broker licenses in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. The firm maintains relationships enabling national and international deal sourcing and execution.
Competitive Positioning
Washington Partners differentiates through: (1) Relationship-focused approach emphasizing stakeholder outcomes over transaction velocity; (2) Deep understanding of lower-middle market owner psychology and exit planning; (3) Institutional M&A expertise combined with small-firm accessibility and responsiveness; (4) Diverse buyer network spanning strategic acquirers, financial investors, and family offices; (5) 26-year operating history with consistent deal flow and repeat relationships; (6) Team with combined experience spanning operations, valuation, and transaction structuring.
Not a Fit If
The firm typically declines engagements involving businesses below $5M TEV (target enterprise value), distressed asset sales, businesses with pending litigation, or sellers unwilling to invest time in a thorough buyer discovery and vetting process.
Geographic Markets
Florida-based with operations and relationships throughout the Southeast and nationally.