We have some exciting news to share! Several of our brokers were recently honored at two of the most respected events in the business brokerage world — the 2026 IBBA Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the M&A Source Annual Awards Program. These awards are given to brokers who helped business owners buy and sell businesses at a high level in 2025, and our team showed up in a big way!

Let's break down who won what and why it matters.

IBBA Awards

The International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) is the world's largest trade group for business brokers and M&A advisors. Every year, they recognize the top performers in the industry through their Member Excellence Awards. This year, seven of our brokers took home honors!

IBBA Platinum Chairman's Circle Award

Steve Merritt, MCBI, CM&AP, M&AMI, CPA and Wayne Blease, CBI, CM&AP

This is the top tier of the IBBA's production awards. To earn it, a broker must close one or more business deals totaling at least $10 million in total purchase price in a single year. Only a small number of brokers across the entire association reach this level — and two of ours did!

IBBA Chairman's Circle Award

Bobbi Coffey, MCBI, CM&AP, M&AMI and Austin Zhao, CVA, CBI, BCA, CM&AP, M&AMI

To earn the Chairman's Circle Award, a broker must close one or more business deals totaling at least $3 million in total purchase price during the year. Bobbi and Austin both hit this mark through their hard work in the South and West Texas market.

IBBA Outstanding Producer Award

Tony Keane, Molly Adames, and Katie Holditch, CBI, CM&AP

The Outstanding Producer Award goes to brokers who closed one or more business deals totaling at least $1 million in total purchase price during the year. Having three brokers earn this award in the same year says a lot about the strength and talent of our team!

M&A Source Awards

The M&A Source is the leading trade group for lower middle market M&A advisors — professionals who help business owners with larger, more complex deals. Their annual awards recognize the top deal makers in the country, and we are thrilled to have four of our brokers recognized!

Gold Club Award

Steve Merritt, MCBI, CM&AP, M&AMI, CPA and Wayne Blease, CBI, CM&AP

The Gold Club Award is given to deal makers who completed sell-side or buy-side deals totaling more than $15 million in combined purchase price in a single year. This is a remarkable achievement, and Steve and Wayne earned it through their dedication to their clients and their deep expertise in complex transactions.

Executive Club Award

Austin Zhao, CVA, CBI, BCA, CM&AP, M&AMI and Bobbi Coffey, MCBI, CM&AP, M&AMI

The Executive Club Award goes to deal makers who completed sell-side or buy-side deals totaling more than $5 million in combined purchase price during the year. Austin and Bobbi's strategic approach and commitment to their clients made this recognition possible.

A Word from Our Team

"We are so proud of everything our brokers have accomplished," said Carmen Saad Hanna, Senior Vice President & COO. "These awards are a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and heart that our team puts into every single deal. Behind each transaction is a business owner whose life is about to change — and our brokers take that responsibility seriously."

What These Awards Mean for You

Whether you are thinking about selling your business or buying one, working with award-winning brokers means you are in good hands. Our team has the experience, the credentials, and the proven track record to guide you through one of the biggest decisions of your life.

Ready to get started? Visit us at tworldswtx.com, call (281) 769-4277, or email [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!