optical bosses on 'the rich list'

Specsavers founders Doug and Mary Perkins moved up 26 places to 406th on the Sunday Times' Rich List 2003 with a fortune of £80m. Based on the £7.2m profit on £123.9m sales in 2001-2002, the newspaper estimated the family-owned group at £70m and other assets and property at £10m. The multiple retailing giant, which celebrates its 20th birthday next year, now has 500 outlets. The couple are 11th on the list of richest husbands and wives, and Mary Perkins has risen one place in the 100 wealthiest women to 32nd place this year. In a reverse of fortunes, fellow multiple retailer Optical Express boss David Moulsdale slipped 39 places this year to 82nd on Scotland's richest 100 list. In 2002 he was 43rd with £70m, but is now estimated to be worth £29m. The Rich List was published on April 27 (see also story above).