Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists has acquired 11 practices in recent months taking the independent group’s total to 33 sites as it aimed to expand to 50 by 2023.
Bayfields received investment from BGF in 2020, which enabled it to purchase practices such as Cottom and Glaister Optometrists in Lytham St Annes and Duffield & Duffield Ophthalmic Opticians in South Woodham Ferrers.
Royston Bayfield, founder and CEO of Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists, 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.’
Acquisitions in the South included: two Simon Pestell practices in Lightwater, Surrey and Sunninghill, Berkshire; Houghton White Optometrists in Ewell, Surrey; the Optical Shop in Staines, Surrey; Meryl James Opticians in Loughton, Essex; and MB Bellmore Opticians in Clapham, London.
Practices in the North West and Yorkshire have also been acquired, such as: Mullen Opticians in Chester, Pinningtons Opticians in Northwich, and Bunnington & Thurling Opticians in York.
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. The key to success is the commitment to the values and vision that underpin the company and reflect so prominently in the businesses which the group has acquired.’