Bayfields Opticians has acquired another 11 practices across the country, and plans to grow even further.
The independent group has taken over businesses in London, the South and South East, the North West and Yorkshire, taking it to 33 practices in total. It aims to reach 50 by the end of next year.
The purchases include Cottom and Glaister Optometrists in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire [comma here] and Duffield & Duffield Ophthalmic Opticians in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex. The deals were completed at the end of January.
The company has expanded in London and the surrounding counties: two Simon Pestell practices in Lightwater, Surrey [semi colon here] and Sunninghill, Berkshire; Houghton White Optometrists in Ewell, Surrey; the Optical Shop in Staines, Surrey; Meryl James Opticians in Loughton, Essex; as well as MB Bellmore Opticians in Clapham, south-west London.
Bayfields has also grown in the north-west, purchasing Mullen Opticians in Chester and Pinningtons Opticians in Northwich, both Cheshire. In the north, Bunnington & Thurling Opticians in York has joined the grou.
Bayfields will refurbish a number of practices and bring in audiology.
Royston Bayfield, founder and CEO, said: “We’re delighted to welcome each business into the Bayfields family, as we look to expand our presence in key locations across the country.
“Each practice has built up a strong reputation within the local community, and we intend to harness that trust and brand recognition, while introducing new services in certain locations. Above all, we intend to maintain a strong focus on enhancing the client journey – something which has been under constant review and refinement during the pandemic.”
Bayfields is backed by BGF capital investors.
Chris Boyes, an investor at BGF, said: “The level of growth achieved over the course of the last two years demonstrates the ambition and determination to establish Bayfields as a household name within local communities up and down the country.”