D&A name disappears in merger with Boots

Boots Opticians' merger with rival chain Dollond & Aitchison (D&A), announced on January 29, will lead to no immediate branch closures, according to bosses from both companies.

Speaking to Optician, Pradip Patel (currently managing director of Boots Opticians) said that no branch closures were being planned. 'One of the main reasons for the merger is because we want to grow our business and expand beyond the 690 practices it will create. Once the deal is completed we want to look at all the options available to us before we make any decisions, keeping in mind our priority of what is right for the customer,' he said. Patel explained that the new company would look at areas where Boots and D&A branches currently exist within close proximity of each other.