Generational Group Advises CL Driving School, LLC in its Sale to Sonoran Desert Institute

By: Generational Group via Business Wire

August 20, 2025 at 12:25 PM EDT

Generational Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisory firm for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of CL Driving School, LLC to Sonoran Desert Institute. The acquisition closed July 23, 2025.

Based in Indian Trail, North Carolina, CL Driving School, LLC is dedicated to helping individuals launch successful careers in truck driving through fast, flexible, and affordable CDL training. With campuses in both Indian Trail and Charlotte, the school offers a comprehensive 160-hour program that prepares students with classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-road experience. Students benefit from bilingual instruction, multiple scheduling options, and flexible payment plans. The program is designed to equip graduates with the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed in today’s transportation industry.

Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is an online college that helps students learn the skills and techniques needed to be successful in the firearms technology and uncrewed technology industries. SDI’s faculty is composed of professionals with specialized industry experience. SDI is committed to providing industry-driven, quality education with a focus on specialized programs, student achievement, and satisfaction. SDI operates as an employee-owned organization through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Generational Group Executive Managing Director, M&A, Easter Region – David Fergusson, and his team led by Generational Affiliate, Paul Fackler, with the support of Vice President, M&A, Emil Nirkis successfully closed the deal. Senior Managing Director, Doug Morrow and Senior M&A Advisor, Dr. Rob McCleland, established the initial relationship with CL Driving School, LLC.

Ryan Binkley, CEO of Generational Group, stated, “This deal reflects our dedication to creating partnerships that offer lasting benefits to everyone involved. At Generational Group, we’re honored to have played a part in connecting two organizations ready for sustained growth and success.”

About Generational Group

Generational Group, headquartered in Dallas, TX, is a leading, award winning full-service M&A advisory firm. Generational has over 300 professionals across 16 offices in North America. The firm empowers business owners to unlock the full value of their companies through a comprehensive suite of services—including strategic growth consulting, exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, M&A advisory, digital solutions, and wealth management.

Celebrating its 20^th year, Generational has successfully closed over 1,700 transactions and has ranked #1 or #2 in all LSEG league tables for deals valued between $25 million and $1 billion in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The firm was named 2024 USA Investment Banking Firm of the Year by the Global M&A Network and recognized as Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor in both 2024 and 2022.