Chess moves, Sarasota style

The Asolo Repertory Theatre has purchased a pair of Manatee County office buildings adjacent to its existing production and rehearsal space for $2.12 million.

The theater bought the buildings, totaling 24,240 square feet, from health care supply firm Mercedes Medical Group, which is developing a new headquarters in Lakewood Ranch.

The company's planned $10 million headquarters in the 265-acre Collaboration Opportunities for Research and Exploration park will contain 55,000 square feet.