ATLANTA-With equity placements of more than $100 million in the past two years, Sterling Equity Advisors has expanded into new offices at 6445 Powers Ferry Rd.

The company has more than doubled its volume of placements between 2004 and mid-2006, including $50 million in placements over the past year. The company occupies 1,000 sf of space.

The company, a real estate investment banking firm specializing in real estate private equity, was founded in the third quarter 2003 by managing director Peter Fish. Unlike other brokers that focus on debt financing, Sterling Equity focuses on equity financing, Fish tells GlobeSt.com. "Most of the other companies focus on the debt side," he says. "We believe the equity side is underserved."

The types of transactions the firm is involved with range from joint venture equity programs to investment advisory to principal investments. Recent transactions include a strategic joint venture of $40 million in equity slated for investment in 10 separate transactions over the next 12 months totaling roughly $200 million in suburban office, plus equity and mezzanine debt placements for acquisition/development, equity recapitalizations and partnership buy-outs in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Michigan and Texas.

Fish says he believes the company will continue to grow. He has considered opening offices in other parts of the county, but is currently focused on serving existing clients. "Although our market reaches from coast to coast and includes senior debt placements, the services we provide are geared specifically toward owner/operators based in the southeast requiring equity capital," Fish says.