Peachtree Group Expands Credit Platform with SBA Lender Acquisition
Event summary
- Peachtree Group completed the acquisition of First Western SBLC, operating as PMC Commercial Trust, effective January 22, 2026.
- PMC is a Dallas-based direct lender specializing in SBA 7(a) loans, one of only 12 SBA-licensed companies.
- Barry Berlin, former CEO of PMC, joins Peachtree as Senior Advisor for government-regulated lending.
- Laurie Ivy, PMC's current president, will continue in her role and assist with integration.
- The acquisition expands Peachtree's SBA 7(a) loan offerings to a range of $50,000 to $5,000,000.
The big picture
Peachtree Group’s acquisition of PMC Commercial Trust represents a strategic expansion into the SBA lending market, a sector experiencing increased demand and offering opportunities for growth. The move diversifies Peachtree’s credit business beyond its core commercial real estate focus and leverages PMC’s established SBA lending infrastructure and Preferred Lender Program status. The addition of Barry Berlin signals a focus on regulatory compliance and disciplined growth within this new segment.
What we're watching
- Integration Risk
- The success of the acquisition hinges on Peachtree’s ability to effectively integrate PMC’s operations and maintain its lending culture, particularly given the established legacy of PMC and the involvement of key personnel.
- Regulatory Scrutiny
- As a government-regulated lender, PMC’s operations will remain subject to SBA oversight, and Peachtree must ensure continued compliance to avoid potential disruptions or penalties.
- Market Dynamics
- The continued acceleration of demand for SBA financing, as highlighted in the release, will test Peachtree’s ability to responsibly scale the platform and manage credit risk in a potentially volatile economic environment.
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