Viage Group, a Florida-based dealership with four locations on the Gulf Coast representing Scout, Beneteau and Chris-Craft, announced that it created an employee stock ownership program and has sold the company to the workforce. This transition provides all Viage Group employees with a direct stake in the company’s success, offering equitable profit-sharing and enhanced retirement-planning benefits.
“When Barry and I founded the company, we had a vision in mind of providing a paramount sales and service experience to our customers,” Eddie Russell said in a statement. “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.”
Added Viage co-founder Barry Marshall: “We worked diligently with Lazear Capital Partners, a leading investment banking firm based in Columbus, Ohio, to arrange the transaction. Developing this ESOP echoes our philosophy of putting our customers first, by putting our employees first, as well.”
