Real estate leader Hunt Cos. has acquired a majority stake in Carter, an investment and development firm headquartered in Atlanta. The acquisition will bolster Carter’s mixed-use and residential development expertise and expand its opportunities to pursue large-scale projects nationwide.
The two firms have partnered before on value-driven communities, delivering Prospect Lake Wire, a mixed-use development in Lakeland, Florida, and The DeSOTA, a luxury multifamily community in Sarasota, Florida.
“Carter brings decades of experience and an impressive track record in real estate development. Our successful collaborations demonstrate the strong foundation we already share,” said Hunt Cos. president Ryan McCrory. “With this partnership, we’re leveraging our combined strengths to accelerate growth while maintaining focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability.”
Founded in 1947, Hunt Cos. is an El Paso, Texas-based holding company with a focus on real estate, infrastructure, and financial services; it ranks No. 17 on the National Multifamily Housing Council’s top apartment owners of 2025. Its support will enable Carter to expand its development platform while growing its banking relationships and securing additional investment opportunities in key markets.
“For over 75 years, Hunt has been committed to advancing thoughtful real estate development strategies,” noted McCrory. “Our partnership aligns with our vision of creating impactful projects that build stronger communities.”
As part of the change, longtime Carter CEO and chairman Bob Peterson has announced his retirement. Following the transaction, Scott Taylor will continue in his role as president and CEO of Carter, leading the day-to-day operations, as well as continuing as a partner.
“Partnering with Hunt represents an exciting new chapter for Carter,” said Taylor. “Hunt’s strategic expertise, financial strength, and commitment to long-term growth align perfectly with our mission to deliver extraordinary mixed-use and residential projects.”
According to Taylor, Carter’s pursuits moving forward include residential and mixed-use projects throughout the Sun Belt, including Atlanta, Central Florida, Dallas, and Phoenix.
