In Loving Memory of David Blackshear “Black” Hamilton Chaffe III

Chaffe mourns the loss of our founder, D.B.H. “Black” Chaffe, III, who passed away on August 22, 2026 at his home in DeLisle, Mississippi—a place he considered his own version of heaven on earth.

After serving as an officer in the U.S. Navy and building a successful career in the securities industry, Black founded Chaffe & Associates, Inc. in 1982. He possessed a rare combination of intellect, leadership, kindness, curiosity, and an unwavering moral compass. Those qualities shaped not only the firm he founded, but also the many people whose lives and careers he influenced. His legacy remains deeply woven into the values and culture of Chaffe today.

Funeral arrangements are being finalized and will be shared as soon as they are available.

Integrity. Trust.
Commitment.

Delivering investment banking services to match your business needs since 1982.

View Services »

Chaffe by the Numbers

1982

Year Founded

$5.2BN

Total Assets Under

Management

52+

Transactions

Client Focused.

  • “I want to thank the team at Chaffe for their professionalism, persistence, and thoughtful guidance throughout the process. They were a steady hand at every step and instrumental in helping us get this done the right way.”

    LONNIE BARR

    Executive VP
  • “Chaffe exceeded our expectations at every level. The Chaffe team enabled us to unlock and realize the true value of the company we worked so long to build. Most importantly they matched us with investors that share our values and vision to carry Matthews Brothers into the future.”

    SHAW & TOM MATTHEWS

    FOUNDERS
  • “Chaffe was constantly a guiding light throughout this transaction… The importance of the right fit for the employees and the high-quality reputation of MS Tank was never compromised”.

    DANNY MILLER

    PRESIDENT
  • “The Chaffe team understood how important having a working knowledge of our business would be in the sale negotiation process. We were throughly impressed with the diligent work and time Chaffe put into always moving the sale forward and with the leadership role they took in securing the best deal possible for our company.”

    LEANN BOYD

    FOUNDER AND CEO
  • “Chaffe far and away exceeded our expectations right from the start. Their initial presentation showed us the true value of our company and helped to shape the vision of how we were viewed both within and outside of our industry.”

    FRED BUDWIN

    Founder & CEO
  • “[Chaffe] worked with us closely, and did a wonderful job of getting us what we needed to prepare that business to do a transaction. The Chaffe team came to us with some amazing opportunities, and it helped support our business continuing growth”

    DAVID BRANTON

    CEO
  • “The enduring relationships we enjoy with our clients spring from the Company’s unswerving commitment to a particular set of principles. We stress client confidentiality, long-term relationships, attention to detail, and highly tailored, personal services. We are humbled to celebrate 40 years in business.”

    D. B. H. “Black” Chaffe

    Chairman EMERITUS

  • “Our aim is to be the gold standard for valuations,” said Ms. Claiborne. “That’s why clients come to us. Chaffe has earned its reputation as a resource for valuations across numerous industries, expanding beyond estate, gift and income tax planning and reporting to valuation of intangible assets and purchase price allocations.”

    Vanessa Brown Claiborne

    President and CEO

  • “Chaffe’s M&A practice has prospered because we listen to business owners to understand their goals. Our goal is to lead transactions that exceed our clients’ expectations and create value at superior deal terms.”

    michael schmidt

    President, CSI | head of investment banking

  • “We are fortunate to have produced so many successful transactions for founder and family-owned sellers. A sample of recent deals includes Performance Food Group’s purchase of Hattiesburg-based Merchants Foodservice, Water Street Capital’s investment of growth capital into Southern Scripts, a Natchitoches-headquartered company, and Insulations Incorporated’s sale to KLH Capital, with corporate headquarters in Harahan, La.”

    G. F. Gay LeBreton

    Managing Director, Chief operating officer, CSI

  • “Chaffe brings a level of sophisticated financial analysis and deal leadership that is indispensable in complex transactions, particularly in a restructuring setting. Their ability to work seamlessly with legal counsel and other professionals ensures that every financial and strategic detail is aligned with the client’s objectives, making them an easy choice for whatever the situation may require.”

    Benjamin W. Kadden

    Managing Shareholder, Lugenbhul, Wheaton, Peck, Ranking & Hubbard
THE CHAFFE DIFFERENCE

Your trusted financial advisors

At Chaffe, we are committed to providing exceptional corporate finance and valuation services to help you achieve your financial goals. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to delivering top-notch service with a focus on your needs.
Meet The Team »
Our Services

Your goals, our benchmarks for success

With Chaffe, you can count on financial guidance from our team of experienced investment bankers that is tailored to your specific needs. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of estate planning, buying or selling a business, restructuring, capital formation, and other valuation and advisory needs.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Maximize the potential of buying or selling a business with our comprehensive M&A services.

Learn More »

Capital Formation

Secure your next growth phase with our customized capital raising strategies that connect you with the right investors.

Learn More »

Restructuring

Revitalize your business with our comprehensive restructuring services.

Learn More »

Valuations

Assess the value of your intangible assets and business interests with our rigorous valuation analysis.

Learn More »

Litigation Support

Strengthen your legal strategy with our financial valuations and litigation support services.

Learn More »

Financial Reporting

Enhance transparency and stakeholder trust with reliable and compliant financial reporting.

Learn More »

  • Mergers & Acquisitions

    Maximize the potential of buying or selling a business with our comprehensive M&A services.

    Learn More »

  • Capital Formation

    Secure your next growth phase with our customized capital raising strategies that connect you with the right investors.

    Learn More »

  • Restructuring

    Revitalize your business with our comprehensive restructuring services.

    Learn More »

  • Valuations

    Assess the value of your intangible assets and business interests with our rigorous valuation analysis.

    Learn More »

  • Litigation Support

    Strengthen your legal strategy with our financial valuations and litigation support services.

    Learn More »

  • Financial Reporting

    Enhance transparency and stakeholder trust with reliable and compliant financial reporting.

    Learn More »