LI-based Bridge Business & Property Brokers branches out to the loan business

Patchogue-based Bridge Business & Property Brokers, which specializes in the buying and selling of businesses, can now help the buyer find financing through its new Bridge Business & Property Financing unit.

We're loan brokers, said A.J. Caro, Bridge's president. We'll shop for the best rates. We won't go to one lender all the time. We'll deal with private investors, equities groups, banks, angel investors and venture capitalists. We know which banks like to do which deals and we'll move accordingly.

Bridge has five Long Island offices. Along with Patchogue, it has locations in Melville, Syosset, Garden City and Woodbury. It also has a Manhattan office, and is close to finalizing locations in Flushing, Queens, and in New Jersey.

The company also has franchise agreements in place in Texas and Florida. Both of those locations should open this summer, Caro said.

Our goal is to be nationwide, he said. We will get there. We're always talking to interested brokers.

Bridge has brokered 35 deals worth an average of $500,000. It also offers commercial real estate brokerage and relocation services.