Peachtree Group Completes Acquisition of SBA Lender First Western SBLC

ATLANTA and DALLAS (Jan. 22, 2026) Peachtree Group (“Peachtree”) today announced it has completed the acquisition of First Western SBLC, LLC (formerly known as First Western SBLC, Inc.), which operates as PMC Commercial Trust (“PMC”), a Dallas-based nationwide direct lender specializing in Small Business Administration (“SBA”) 7(a) loans. PMC will continue operating under its existing name following the transaction, which received approval from the U.S. Small Business Administration and closed effective today.

“This marks an important step forward for our credit business,” said Greg Friedman, Peachtree’s CEO and managing principal. “Founded more than four decades ago by my grandfather, Dr. Fred Rosemore, PMC brings a strong legacy into Peachtree that strengthens our ability to deliver fast, flexible SBA financing while maintaining the disciplined underwriting that defines our platform.”

Joining Peachtree is Barry Berlin, who will oversee the integration of PMC’s lending business and serve as senior advisor for government-regulated lending. In this role, he will support the firm’s broader credit platform by providing strategic guidance, regulatory expertise and deep institutional knowledge. Berlin previously served as CEO of PMC, managing director of finance at CIM Group, and CFO and secretary of Creative Media & Community Trust Corporation, PMC’s parent company.

Also joining Peachtree is Laurie Ivy, who has served as president of PMC since 2020, overseeing day-to-day SBA operations. She will continue in that role while assisting Berlin with platform integration.

“Laurie brings deep operational expertise and continuity to the PMC platform,” Friedman said. “Barry adds decades of experience across government-regulated lending and credit oversight. Together, their complementary roles will support a thoughtful integration and disciplined growth strategy.” 

With the acquisition complete, Peachtree will offer SBA 7(a) loans ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000 to support business acquisitions, real estate purchases, equipment financing, working capital and refinancing.

“Demand for SBA financing continues to accelerate as small business owners seek certainty, speed and trusted execution,” Ivy said. “Becoming part of Peachtree gives us the capital resources, infrastructure and long-term commitment needed to responsibly scale the platform while continuing to support entrepreneurs who rely on SBA loans to grow.”

PMC is one of only 12 Small Business Lending Companies licensed by the SBA to originate 7(a) loans and holds Preferred Lender Program status, enabling delegated authority and expedited closings.

“Peachtree has built a differentiated investment platform with the scale discipline and entrepreneurial mindset to grow through changing market cycles,” Berlin said. “We are fortunate to be joining a firm with such a strong culture, a long-term vision and a proven ability to expand thoughtfully into new strategies. This platform creates meaningful opportunities for continued growth while staying true to the values that have driven Peachtree’s success.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PMC Commercial Trust?

PMC Commercial Trust ("PMC") is a nationwide direct lender specializing in SBA 7(a) loans. The company has more than 40 years of experience providing financing solutions to small businesses across the United States.

Is PMC the same company as First Western SBLC?

Yes. First Western SBLC, LLC, which previously operated as First Western SBLC, Inc., conducts business as PMC Commercial Trust (PMC). The company will continue operating under the PMC Commercial Trust name following its acquisition by Peachtree Group.

What is the relationship between Peachtree Group and PMC?

PMC is now part of Peachtree Group following Peachtree's acquisition of First Western SBLC, LLC. PMC will continue operating as a dedicated SBA lending platform while benefiting from Peachtree's capital resources, infrastructure and broader credit platform.

Will PMC continue making SBA loans?

Yes. PMC will continue originating SBA 7(a) loans nationwide and will maintain its focus on serving small business owners through financing solutions that support acquisitions, commercial real estate, equipment purchases, working capital needs and refinancing.

Has the PMC name changed?

No. Although ownership has changed, PMC Commercial Trust will continue operating under its existing name.

What types of financing are available through PMC?

PMC provides SBA 7(a) loans ranging from $50,000 to $5 million. These loans can be used for business acquisitions, owner-occupied commercial real estate purchases, equipment financing, working capital and refinancing.

What makes PMC unique?

PMC is one of only 12 Small Business Lending Companies (SBLCs) licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration to originate SBA 7(a) loans. It also holds Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status, which allows for delegated authority and a more streamlined loan approval process.

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