Sunbelt Business Brokers Ranked #2 on Axial’s Top 25 Lower Middle Market Business Brokers List for 2025

INDEPENDENCE, OH – February 24, 2026 – Sunbelt Business Brokers, the world’s largest business brokerage franchise, is proud to announce its recognition as a premier firm in the lower middle market by Axial, the trusted deal platform for M&A professionals. In Axial’s newly released 2025 Top 25 Lower Middle Market Business Broker League Table, Sunbelt Business Brokers secured the #2 ranking nationwide.

The Axial League Table is a rigorous benchmark of M&A excellence, specifically recognizing the top-performing brokerages driving results in the sub-$10 million deal space. Unlike many rankings based solely on volume, Axial’s methodology evaluates firms based on four critical performance pillars:

• Deal Attractiveness: Measured by the level of buyer interest generated for each deal.
• Targeting Effectiveness: The ability to identify and engage the most relevant potential buyers.
• Process Effectiveness: Success in advancing buyers through the funnel—from initial interest to signed NDAs and Confidential Information Memorandums (CIMs).
• Outcome Excellence: Total competitiveness of the process, including Letter of Intent (LOI) and close rates.

“Being named the #2 business brokerage in the country by Axial is a testament to the dedication of our brokers and the strength of the Sunbelt network,” said John Davies, Chairman of Sunbelt Business Brokers. “In the lower middle market, success is defined by a meticulous process and the ability to find the right buyer at the right price. This ranking validates our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.”

As the M&A landscape continues to evolve, Axial noted a 160% growth in business broker membership and usage of its platform since 2020. Sunbelt’s high ranking amid this increased competition highlights the firm’s leadership and its ability to navigate complex transactions in a crowded market.

For more than 40 years, Sunbelt Business Brokers has been the global leader in business sales, with hundreds of offices worldwide. By combining local expertise with a global reach, Sunbelt continues to set the standard for professional business brokerage services.

To view the full 2025 Axial League Table, visit Axial’s Middle Market Review.

About Sunbelt Business Brokers

Sunbelt Business Brokers is the world’s largest business brokerage network. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a business, Sunbelt has the expertise, the professional network, and the specialized marketing tools to help you reach your goals. With a focus on confidentiality and integrity, Sunbelt brokers guide clients through every step of the transaction process.