Duncan and Todd has become the largest independent optical provider in Scotland following the acquisition of nine branches from optometrist Black & Lizars.
The acquisition, completed for an undisclosed sum, is the sixth to take place since Duncan and Todd secured a £15 million investment from LDC, mid-market private equity investor, in March last year.
Fifty-six Black & Lizars staff have transferred to Duncan and Todd as part of the deal, which will allow the group to move into seven more towns and cities across Scotland and increase its headcount to 405.
Black & Lizars’ two stores in Aberdeen are being rebranded as Duncan and Todd Opticians.
A further seven branches in Perth, Stirling, Dalkeith, Haddington, Helensburgh, Ayr and Troon are being renamed under the group’s 20 20 Opticians and Hearing Care brand.
The firm said the acquisition will provide an enhanced experience for patients, including access to integrated optometry and audiology services and wider product ranges, and there will be no disruption to customer service as a result of the deal.
Frances Rus, managing director of Duncan and Todd, said: “As long-established independent opticians of a similar size and offering, this was an ideal fit for us in terms of the services provided and the branch network.
“For patients, it will be business as usual and they will continue to be welcomed by the same teams they are familiar with but the location of the stores allows us to offer our integrated hearing and eye care services across a much wider expanse of Scotland, particularly in Perth and Stirling and around the west coast, which are all new locations for Duncan and Todd.”
LDC partnered with Duncan and Todd to support the management team accelerate the business’s growth plans, and over the past year has helped Duncan and Todd deliver its buy-and-build strategy.
Mark Kerr, director at LDC in Aberdeen, added: “Expanding the group’s retail footprint in Aberdeen and the central belt was quickly identified as a key growth objective for the business when we partnered with Frances and her team last year.
“Since then, we have supported Duncan and Todd to realise this ambition through an acquisitive growth strategy.
“The business has now added 15 branches to its network since the start of our partnership.
“It’s very rewarding to see the firm make its most significant acquisition to date and confirm its position as the largest independently owned optical group in Scotland.”
Following the transfer of the nine practices, Black & Lizars will continue to operate from its 13 practices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the surrounding suburbs of both cities.