Just late last year the oldest English language bookstore in Florence, Italy was on the brink of closing.

Just in time, a new buyer came out of the woodwork after news of the store’s woes came to light. The new owner is John Werich, 26, who says the deal took place quite rapidly.

The store was in great jeopardy of closing, and it could have closed as soon as last year. The previous owners Rossana Amoroso and Cosetta Boni say they got offers to purchase the store from as far away as the United States.

BM Bookshop’s newest owner hails from Sweden. He has been in Florence for several years - since 2006. He says he bought the store because he felt it would be a good way to establish himself in the city. Werich took over operations Jan. 1. He is also a writer and photographer with a background in interior design. He bought the book shop along with his family. His parents own a Tuscan villa and also own an art gallery and hall for concerts back in Sweden.

The new owners plan to also use the book store as a space for art to display the works of youthful artists.

The new owners also are changing the name to B&M Books and Fine Art. They plan to revamp the space and also offer a variety of events here.

The shop is having a clearance sale through the end of January. It will close on Jan. 27 and reopen Feb. 21.

It’s located at Via Borgognissanti, 4 50123 Florence, Italy; telephone: 055 294575