Lazear Capital Partners (Lazear), a leading investment bank specializing in ownership transitions, is pleased to announce its role as the exclusive advisor to Viage Group LLC (Viage) in its sale to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Viage specializes in the sale of new and pre-owned boats, offering full service and parts support. Since its founding in 2013, the marine dealership has expanded along Florida’s southwest coast, with locations in Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Fort Myers Beach, and Naples.
The company has become known for its “people-first” approach to customer service and a strong team culture. When exploring succession options, the founders prioritized a strategy that aligned with their values while also meeting their personal and professional goals. Viage joins a growing number of Florida businesses turning to employee ownership as a strategy for succession, employee engagement, and long-term stability. Through this ESOP transition, every Viage employee now holds a direct stake in the company’s success.
“When Barry and I founded the company, we had a vision in mind of providing a paramount sales and service experience to our customers,” said Eddie Russell, founder of Viage Group. “As we’ve grown, our employees have carried our vision to another level and created a priceless culture. As we, the original owners, get older and look to the future, it’s clear to see our future is right in front of us with our dedicated staff. Creating an ESOP just made perfect sense to reward all their hard work.”
“This was the ideal solution for our team and our customers,” added co-founder Barry Marshall. “Developing this ESOP echoes our philosophy of putting our customers first, by putting our employees first as well.”
Eric Vogt, Managing Director and Tampa market leader at Lazear, led the ESOP transaction alongside Stephen Marks.
According to Eric, “As Eddie and Barry continue to lead the company through this next chapter, an ESOP ensures that Viage’s employees benefit directly from the business’s future growth. This transition to employee ownership reflects a commitment to its people and its legacy.”
Florida has long embraced employee ownership, with one of the highest numbers of ESOP-owned companies in the country, according to the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO). Business owners are increasingly choosing ESOPs to keep their culture intact, take advantage of meaningful tax benefits, and plan for the future. Lazear is proud to support companies across the region in making that transition, helping owners protect what they’ve built while creating lasting value for their teams.
About Lazear
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Columbus, OH, with a nationwide presence, Lazear is a premier middle-market advisory firm specializing in business ownership transitions through ESOPs, M&A, and capital formation. By offering exit strategies and a proprietary 1042 tax solution, Lazear helps business owners maximize wealth and preserve their legacy.
To learn more, visit www.lazearcapital.com and follow Lazear on LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Katherine Koon
Marketing Director
kk@lazearcapital.com
614-502-1411
