Do Georgia owners pay state tax on business-sale gains?

Georgia taxes capital gains at the 5.75% personal-income rate. However, S-corp owners often elect a pass-through entity tax to claim a federal deduction, and proper allocation of intangible value can reduce state exposure. We model multiple structures with your CPA to maximize after-tax proceeds.

How long does it take to sell a middle-market company in the Southeast?

A full sell-side process averages nine months - six weeks for preparation, two months for buyer outreach, and roughly three months to close under exclusivity. Early readiness work and clean QoE reports shorten the timeline.

Are Atlanta logistics and distribution companies still trading at premium multiples?

Yes. Current market conditions indicate strong port volumes and e-commerce demand keep valuations in the 7-9x EBITDA range for companies above USD 5 MM EBITDA, with location near I-75/I-85 corridors adding further premium.

Can an ESOP work for a multi-facility Georgia manufacturer?

Absolutely. ESOP trusts can own multiple plants; payroll systems allocate contributions by location. We coordinate trustees and lenders experienced with multi-facility plans.

What documents should I bring to an initial valuation meeting?

Three years of financials, current interim results, customer concentration data, equity-comp details, and any recent audit memos.

How do interest rates affect my company’s valuation in 2025?

Higher rates lift discount rates and lower leverage, compressing multiples. Businesses with recurring revenue, pricing power, and low cap-ex remain more resilient. We update models often so owners can align price and structure with current conditions.

What financing options exist for ESOPs in Georgia?

Most ESOPs blend senior bank debt from regional lenders, seller notes, and sometimes mezzanine capital. We solicit term sheets, compare covenants, and structure deals that balance liquidity with sustainable debt service.

location

Atlanta Investment Bank | M&A, ESOP & Valuation

Middle-market expertise for Georgia and the broader Southeast, backed by a nationwide platform that connects clients to buyers, investors, and lenders across the U.S. Bespoke service delivered from our Midtown Atlanta office at Colony Square-minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson flights and a short MARTA ride from Buckhead or Downtown.

Call: 404-263-0702

Services Tailored to the Georgia Market

Our Atlanta team taps PCE’s national network of strategic buyers, private equity, and financing partners to maximize outcomes for local owners.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Atlanta sits at the crossroads of Southeastern logistics, film production incentives, and a fast-growing tech corridor. We tap deep regional private-equity relationships, Fortune 500 strategics, and family offices to generate competitive tension, maximize multiples, and negotiate terms that safeguard owner proceeds. Learn more

ESOP Advisory

Georgia an ideal state for new ESOP formations thanks to supportive trustees and lenders. Our Atlanta ESOP team structures tax-efficient plans, sources local financing, and guides fiduciaries so owners gain liquidity while employees share in the upside. Learn more

Business Valuation

State economic-development credits, complex capital structures, and rapid SaaS growth make Georgia valuations notable. Paul Vogt leads our practice in ASC 805 purchase-price allocation, goodwill impairment, equity compensation (ASC 718 / IRC 409A), and hard-to-value assets. Learn more

Strategic Advisory

From supply-chain realignment to minority recapitalizations, we design value-creation roadmaps that fit the Southeast’s dynamic mix of logistics, healthcare, fintech, and manufacturing-positioning clients for premium exits when timing is right. Learn more

PCE location quick links:

Paul Vogt
Managing Director, Valuation

Paul leads PCE’s valuation practice from Atlanta and brings 20+ years of experience valuing public and private businesses, intangible assets, and complex securities. He specializes in purchase-price allocation, goodwill and asset-impairment tests (ASC 805, 350, 360) and equity-comp valuations under ASC 718 / IRC 409A. Paul has advised tech, healthcare, manufacturing and retail clients, as well as private-equity investors and nonprofits. His background also includes litigation support in shareholder disputes and civil investigations.

Credentials: FINRA 63, 79; ASA candidate; BBA Finance, Kennesaw State.

Kyle Wishing
Director, ESOP

Based in Atlanta, Kyle provides ESOP and financing advice to middle-market owners, drawing on a decade of valuation and transaction experience. Formerly ESOP practice leader at a national valuation firm, he has delivered valuations for tax, disputes, strategy and financial reporting across diverse industries. Kyle’s blend of analytical rigor and deal execution helps clients structure employee-ownership transactions that meet liquidity and growth goals.

Credentials: ASA, CFA charterholder, FINRA 24, 79; member of ESOP Association and NCEO; BBA Corporate Finance, Middle Tennessee State University.

Client Testimonials

PCE’s industry knowledge, deal management expertise, and unwavering support helped us navigate this complex transaction efficiently.”

Steve Spade
Ally Building Solutions

Ally Building Solutions sale to Astara Capital Partners

PCE played a critical role in sourcing, structuring, and negotiating this acquisition, and we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome."

Mark Linville
1-800-PACK-RAT

PCE Advises 1-800-PACK-RAT on the Acquisition of Campus Crates

The professionals at PCE designed the optimal transaction structure for CMI Frankly, we could not be any more pleased with PCE’s leadership in getting this ESOP put in place.”

Fred Horton
CMI

PCE Executes ESOP Transaction for Consolidated Minerals

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Georgia owners pay state tax on business-sale gains?
Georgia taxes capital gains at the 5.75 % personal-income rate. However, S-corp owners often elect a pass-through entity tax to claim a federal deduction, and proper allocation of intangible value can reduce state exposure. We model multiple structures with your CPA to maximize after-tax proceeds.
How long does it take to sell a middle-market company in the Southeast?
A full sell-side process averages nine months-six weeks for preparation, two months for buyer outreach, and roughly three months to close under exclusivity. Early readiness work and clean QoE reports shorten the timeline.
Are Atlanta logistics and distribution companies still trading at premium multiples?
Yes. Current market conditions indicate strong port volumes and e-commerce demand keep valuations in the 7–9× EBITDA range for companies above USD 5 MM EBITDA, with location near I-75/I-85 corridors adding further premium.
Can an ESOP work for a multi-facility Georgia manufacturer?
Absolutely. ESOP trusts can own multiple plants; payroll systems allocate contributions by location. We coordinate trustees and lenders experienced with multi-facility plans.
What documents should I bring to an initial valuation meeting?
Three years of financials, current interim results, customer concentration data, equity-comp details, and any recent audit memos.
Can an ESOP work for a multi-state company?
Yes. An ESOP trust can own subsidiaries in various states; payroll systems allocate contributions across locations. We model cash flow, repurchase obligations, and state tax impacts, then coordinate trustees and lenders experienced with multi-state plans to execute efficiently.
How do interest rates affect my company’s valuation in 2025?
Higher rates lift discount rates and lower leverage, compressing multiples. Businesses with recurring revenue, pricing power, and low cap-ex remain more resilient. We update models often so owners can align price and structure with current conditions.
What financing options exist for ESOPs in Georgia?
Most ESOPs blend senior bank debt from regional lenders, seller notes, and sometimes mezzanine capital. We solicit term sheets, compare covenants, and structure deals that balance liquidity with sustainable debt service.

Visit Our Office

PCE Investment Bankers, Inc.
1201 Peachtree St NE, Building 400, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30361

Phone: 404-263-0702

Office Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Getting Here: Colony Square offers direct garage parking (entrances on 14th St NE and Peachtree St NE) with validated 2-hour visitor rates. The Arts Center MARTA Station is a 7-minute walk north on Peachtree Street. Take the elevator in Building 400’s lobby to Suite 300. Client visits are by appointment.