Merger watchdog’s concerns over Vision Express deal

Concerns over patient choice and service levels following the planned takeover of Tesco Opticians by Vision Express have been raised by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

As part of its initial investigation, the CMA looked at more than 200 local areas where the multiples both had practices. The CMA identified three areas where Vision Express would not face sufficient competition after the merger, which the regulator said could lead to price increases or a worsening in the quality or choice of the products and services on offer in-store.

The locations were in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, Helston in Cornwall and Ryde on the Isle of Wight.