This particular acquisition, he adds, “strengthens our already robust presence in the southeast region.” In the last year, Sabal has doubled its employee base, in part to manage the flow of distressed loans the company is acquiring. “We have the technology, personnel and scalability to take on and successfully manage large portfolios, even as we expand our business beyond real estate investing and advisory services,” Jackson says.

In June 2012, Sabal established a builder lending program to fill the void left by community banks exiting for-sale residential financing, as GlobeSt.com previously reported. The firm hired Tom Farrell to lead that division. “Sabal’s builder lending program will help provide construction and A&D loans for mid-sized residential projects in California, and in doing so will contribute to the ongoing economic recovery in the new home market,” said Sabal’s CEO Pat Jackson at the time of the announcement. “Experienced homebuilders with sound projects need a reliable construction lender that is responsible and knows how to deliver creative loan structures. High-quality residential development opportunities are being competitive bid by homebuilders, and certainty of execution is critical.”

In other Sabal news, the firm appointed Mark Foster to the role of general counsel. In this role, Foster will be responsible for all legal aspects of Sabal’s business operations. He will focus on strategic corporate issues and legal issues surrounding real estate transactions, including acquisition, management and disposition of assets and alternatives for distressed loans.

“Mark brings a unique blend of experience in both corporate and transactional law,” says Jackson. “With 15 years in commercial real estate, he is more than a legal expert, he is a real estate specialist, and we are pleased to have him on board as we continue to expand our business beyond advisory services and grow our management portfolio.”

Foster’s extensive experience in commercial real estate includes active involvement in acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, entitlements, real estate licensing and title insurance issues. He has represented both traditional lenders, life insurance companies, and commercial lenders active in the commercial mortgage backed securities market. Previously, Foster was VP and senior counsel at the Rockefeller Group, where he was responsible for negotiating and finalizing transactions relative to the company’s development, management and ownership operations. Prior to that, Foster served as regional general counsel at Toll Brothers Inc., the nation’s largest builder of luxury homes, where he managed legal issues related to development, land acquisitions, purchase contracts, joint ventures and land banking transactions.

Further details could not be provided by deadline.