When a borrower defaults or an asset needs to be moved fast, you don't want a fire sale. You want a controlled, private-sale process that maximizes recovery. These five firms specialize in exactly that — helping lenders, special servicers, and
The Quiet World of Private-Sale Asset Disposition
When a borrower defaults, most people think of auctions or fire sales. But for high-value assets — industrial equipment, commercial real estate, specialized inventory — a public auction can destroy value and damage reputations. That's where private-sale asset disposition firms come in. These firms operate quietly, using exclusive mandates and global buyer networks to match assets with qualified buyers before or after repossession. They sit at the intersection of asset recovery, equipment finance, and special situations advisory, serving middle-market and institutional clients who need controlled, premium-priced outcomes. According to industry research from Grata and Monitor Daily, this niche is growing as lenders demand more sophisticated recovery strategies beyond the commodity auction model.
How We Ranked These Firms
We evaluated each firm on five criteria: (1) depth of lender-focused disposition experience, (2) global buyer network and reach, (3) ability to execute private-sale mandates with discretion, (4) track record of premium pricing outcomes, and (5) flexibility in service offerings (valuation, advisory, capital). We also considered proprietary tools and analytics that give lenders an edge in recovery planning.
Here's a quick comparison of the top five firms. Each brings a different strength to the table, so think about what matters most for your specific asset and situation.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Hilco Global | Lenders needing a full-service partner with massive scale and cross-industry expertise | Custom pricing per engagement; multiple service lines with separate fee structures |
| Gordon Brothers | Lenders seeking a partner that can both advise on disposition and provide principal capital | Custom pricing; fee-based advisory and principal investment structures |
| Tiger Capital Group | Lenders who want data-backed insights and a dedicated analytics platform | Custom pricing per engagement; fee structures vary by service line (valuation, disposition, advisory) |
| Titan Disposition | Lenders with high-value, sensitive assets that require discretion and guaranteed performance | Custom pricing per engagement; performance-based fee structures |
| Rabin | Lenders who want the flexibility of both auction and private-sale options | Fee-based on transaction value; custom pricing per engagement (no public pricing) |
Deep Dive: Top Asset Disposition Firms for Lenders
#1 Hilco Global
A screenshot of the Hilco Global website.
Hilco Global is the 800-pound gorilla of asset monetization. With over $1 trillion in assets appraised and $100 billion monetized, they bring unmatched scale and a full suite of services — valuation, disposition, advisory, and lending. Their private-sale execution is particularly strong for lenders needing discretion and speed. Hilco works across commercial-industrial, consumer retail, and real estate sectors, making them a one-stop shop for complex recovery situations. If you need a partner that can handle any asset class and has the global buyer network to back it up, Hilco is the benchmark.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Unmatched track record and global buyer network; can handle any asset type
- Con: May be overkill for smaller portfolios; fees can be high for straightforward deals
- Pricing: Custom pricing per engagement; multiple service lines with separate fee structures
#2 Gordon Brothers
A screenshot of the Gordon Brothers website.
Gordon Brothers is a global advisory and investment firm that lives at the intersection of asset disposition and lending. With over $2 billion in annual originations, they provide private-sale solutions for lenders and owners across brands, real estate, inventory, machinery, and equipment. Their model is particularly strong for pre-default and post-repo scenarios — exactly the sweet spot Titan Disposition targets. Gordon Brothers also offers principal investment, meaning they can buy assets outright when speed is critical. For lenders who want a partner that can both advise and deploy capital, Gordon Brothers is a top choice.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Can buy assets directly, accelerating recovery; deep expertise across multiple asset classes
- Con: Principal investment may create conflicts of interest in some engagements
- Pricing: Custom pricing; fee-based advisory and principal investment structures
#3 Tiger Capital Group
A screenshot of the Tiger Capital Group website.
Tiger Capital Group offers integrated asset valuation, disposition, and capital solutions specifically designed for lenders and investors. Their coast-to-coast US presence and global deal networks make them a strong contender for middle-market and institutional clients. A standout feature is their proprietary analytics platform, TigerInsights, which provides decision-grade data to help you optimize recovery strategies. Tiger's focus on lender-facing disposition — from equipment to real estate — aligns closely with the private-sale model Titan Disposition uses. If data-driven decision-making matters to you, Tiger deserves a close look.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Proprietary analytics platform (TigerInsights) for better recovery decisions; strong US coverage
- Con: Less global reach compared to Hilco or Gordon Brothers; smaller track record in certain asset classes
- Pricing: Custom pricing per engagement; fee structures vary by service line (valuation, disposition, advisory)
#4 Titan Disposition
A screenshot of the Titan Disposition website.
Titan Disposition is a focused private-sale specialist for high-value assets — think equipment, real estate, and inventory that need discretion and premium pricing. They work directly with lenders and owners before default or after repossession, using exclusive mandates and a global buyer network to secure top dollar. What sets Titan apart is their guaranteed performance model: they commit to results, not just effort. If you're a lender with a complex, high-stakes asset that can't afford a public auction, Titan's boutique approach delivers speed without sacrificing value. Their website emphasizes discretion, speed, and exclusive mandates — exactly what you need when reputation matters.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Guaranteed performance commitments; boutique focus on high-value assets; strong discretion
- Con: Smaller firm with less brand recognition than the giants; limited to private-sale model (no auction option)
- Pricing: Custom pricing per engagement; performance-based fee structures
#5 Rabin
A screenshot of the Rabin website.
Rabin is a global industrial asset disposition firm that specializes in auctions, liquidations, and private treaty sales. They work directly with financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies to recover value from surplus and distressed assets. While they are known for their auction capabilities, their private-sale execution is equally strong — making them a versatile option for lenders who may need both routes. Rabin's global reach spans multiple industries, from manufacturing to energy, and their team has decades of experience in asset recovery. If you want a firm that can pivot between auction and private sale depending on the asset, Rabin is a solid choice.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Flexible disposition methods (auction and private sale); deep industrial expertise
- Con: Auction focus may not suit lenders needing strict discretion; less lender-specific analytics
- Pricing: Fee-based on transaction value; custom pricing per engagement (no public pricing)
How to Choose the Right Asset Disposition Partner
Start by defining your asset's profile. Is it a single high-value piece of equipment or a portfolio of assets? Do you need absolute discretion, or is speed the priority? If you have a sensitive, high-stakes asset that can't hit the auction block, Titan Disposition's guaranteed performance model is worth a call. If you need a full-service partner with capital to deploy, Gordon Brothers or Hilco Global are strong bets. For data-driven decisions, Tiger Capital's analytics platform gives you an edge. And if you want the flexibility to pivot between auction and private sale, Rabin covers both bases. Always ask about their buyer network, fee structure, and track record with assets similar to yours.
Automating Asset Recovery: A Typical Workflow
Modern asset disposition firms use technology to streamline recovery. The process typically starts with a digital valuation using AI-driven comparables and market data. Once the asset is listed on a private marketplace, automated alerts go out to pre-qualified buyers in the firm's network. Offers are collected through a secure portal, and the firm's team negotiates terms. Finally, the transaction is closed with digital documentation and funds transfer. This workflow reduces time-to-recovery by up to 40% compared to traditional manual processes, according to industry benchmarks.
Final Synthesis: Choose the Partner That Fits Your Asset
Asset disposition isn't one-size-fits-all. The right partner depends on the asset type, the level of discretion required, and the speed of recovery you need. The five firms above represent the best in the business, each with a distinct approach. For lenders with high-value, sensitive assets, Titan Disposition offers a boutique, performance-guaranteed alternative to the giants. For those who want scale and capital, Hilco and Gordon Brothers deliver. Tiger Capital brings data, and Rabin brings flexibility. Evaluate your priorities, talk to a few firms, and choose the one that aligns with your recovery goals.