The platform will provide equipment financing for commercial real estate clients, particularly in hospitality where FF&E is essential for new developments, Peachtree said in a statement.
Shaughnessy and Johnson, cofounders of IMT Commercial, are named president and executive vice president, respectively, to lead the division. They will be joined by Shields, who spent 15 years at Meridian Leasing growing its leasing business.
“This launch is more than the start of a new business line,” said Greg Friedman, Peachtree’s managing principal and CEO. “It continues relationships that span more than 15 years. We have known and worked alongside Brian and Roger for well over a decade, watching them build reputations as trusted leaders in equipment finance. Their arrival marks both a reunion and a natural extension of our long-standing ties.”
The new unit will focus on lease transactions from $500,000 to $10 million, with terms of 24 to 84 months, the statement said. Using Peachtree’s credit expertise, infrastructure and balance sheet, the division aims to provide competitive financing, timely funding and long-term client relationships.
Friedman said large banks are pulling back from small- and mid-sized businesses, leaving a gap in the market.
“Our new platform allows us to step in with creative financing solutions, whether that means helping medical facilities upgrade technology or supporting hotels with FF&E for new developments, so businesses can access the capital they need to grow,” he said.
Atlanta-based Peachtree is led by Friedman; Jatin Desai, managing principal and CFO and Mitul Patel, principal.
In July, Peachtree launched the $250 million Peachtree Special Situations Fund to invest in hotel and commercial real estate assets affected by capital market illiquidity. The fund targets properties with value-add potential while limiting downside risk.
