Business and Real Estate Acquired by First-Time Owners Ready to Carry a Three-Decade Legacy Forward

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A long-established luxury optical retailer on Florida's Central Gulf Coast has been acquired, along with its real estate, by a husband and wife team of University of Florida graduates, ensuring continuity for a business that has served a loyal clientele for more than three decades.

"Every closing like this one is a reminder of why we do what we do," said Larry Lawson II, President, Viking Florida Division. "Robert and Dylan found buyers who truly understood what made this business special and delivered an outcome that will continue the decades of hard work by the sellers."

Founded more than 30 years ago, the business offers a curated selection of designer sunglasses and prescription eyewear from approximately 20 luxury brands, complemented by in-house optician services. Located in one of the desirable regions of Florida, the store has built a loyal, affluent customer base of local residents, seasonal visitors, and tourists, sustained by repeat business and strong word-of-mouth referrals.

The seller, a licensed optician with more than 30 years of experience in optical retail, purchased the business in the early 2000s and grew it into a recognized name in its market. The seller is now stepping back from daily operations to focus on family and enjoy greater personal flexibility.

The buyers bring a complementary mix of technical, entrepreneurial, and retail experience. One is a marine architect, while the other holds a master's degree in entrepreneurship, has prior retail experience, and most recently taught at a Title One school. With family roots in the area, the couple saw the opportunity as a natural fit, and acquiring the real estate alongside the business secures the store's long-term presence in its prime location.

The transaction was facilitated by Viking Mergers & Acquisitions Senior Advisor Robert Lugo and Associate Advisor Dylan Bradley, who represented the seller throughout the sale process.

"This business stood out for its three-decade reputation, an exceptional location, and a clientele that keeps coming back year after year," said Robert Lugo. "Including the real estate made it an even more compelling opportunity, and we were proud to connect the seller with buyers who share the seller's commitment to customer service and are well-positioned to lead the business into its next chapter."

With experienced staff in place, and new owners invested in both the business and its location, the company is positioned for continued success under its new leadership.

About Viking Mergers and Acquisitions Florida Division
Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, with offices strategically located throughout Florida, supports business owners with annual revenues ranging from $2M to $250M. Viking offers complimentary business valuation services, ongoing valuation updates, and comprehensive exit planning and strategy for small and middle-market business owners.

As one of the largest and most successful mergers and acquisitions firms in the United States, Viking is headquartered in Tampa, FL, and Charlotte, NC. The firm has offices strategically positioned across the U.S., providing exceptional brokerage services as well as mergers & acquisitions advisory work. Over the past three decades, Viking has successfully sold over 950 businesses, achieving a closing ratio of nearly four times the industry average. Viking consistently maintains an impressive 85% closing rate, securing sellers an average of 96% of their asking price.

Visit https://www.vikingmerger.com to request a confidential, complimentary business valuation or to access more information regarding selling or buying a business.

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SOURCE Viking Mergers & Acquisitions