About Us

Gilles Maillart, CBI, was born and raised in Marseille, France. International sailing competition brought him to the U.S. in 1983 for the “America’s Cup”. In 1987, he moved to Gainesville to set up and operate a manufacturing company. After organizing a multi-million dollar buy-out of a competitor in 1997, Gilles started a Sunbelt business brokerage practice in Gainesville, FL. 

Gilles is now President of Sunbelt Corporate Advisors with offices in Ocala and Gainesville, FL. He is responsible for directing the company's activities in business sales and valuations of closely held businesses. He has been involved in selling small to midsize businesses, including manufacturing, distribution, franchises and service companies. He and his staff provide many services including Mergers & Acquisitions, SBA Financing, Independent Valuations, Business plans, etc.

Sunbelt associates are each trained in the specific business brokerage disciplines that produce results. Consultation on a variety of business issues is available at your request as your selling or buying process evolves. We have the top-ranked name in the industry, the worldwide association, the technology, the professional staff and the expertise to make your business sale or acquisition a profitable one.

Education and Professional Designation.

• Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) since 2001 by IBBA.

• Member of the International Business Brokers Association.

•  Licensed as a broker by the Florida Real Estate Commission.

•  Degree in Mathematics from the University of Luminy, France.

Bill Thompson has been a resident of Florida for the past 30 years and lives with his wife and two children in Gainesville, Florida.

Mr. Thompson has held executive positions in sales and marketing with IBM and Environmental Science and Engineering. In these capacities he has worked with major industry executives providing solutions to their business issues. Mr. Thompson has industry expertise in manufacturing, distribution, health care, education (k-12 & university), and state & local governments.

For the past six years he has devoted his energies to solving the requirements of the business owner. “ I provide qualified buyers for those owners looking for an exit strategy.” In this capacity, his knowledge of the North Central Florida market place and industry expertise has proven to be an invaluable asset to both buyer and seller.