Rodenstock is launching a franchised practice venture as it aims to extend its share of the UK optical market for premium products.
The move follows a successful prototype store in Hamburg, as it plans to roll out several new Rodenstock practices in the UK in the first year, with small market towns as likely locations.
Practices with strong links to Rodenstock and upmarket independents will be invited to become the first UK Rodenstock franchisees as part of a programme the company claimed 'brings greater practice benefits than many other established franchise schemes'.
Promoted as 'Quality without compromise', the scheme is described as a natural development from the company's 
ownership of Allders Opticians' 15 regional practices, with the benefits of the premium frame and lens brand. Rodenstock said much emphasis would be placed on 'freedom to operate the way you want'.
Managing director of Rodenstock UK Keith Carnes said: 'Being part of the Rodenstock brand will be appealing to many innovative practices already operating at the premium end of the market.
The attraction is also likely to be enhanced by the fact that no one will be telling you how to run your practice and you will receive plenty of support, particularly for accounting and marketing from the Rodenstock group.'
He added that it would be about making the most of Rodenstock's cutting-edge technology, with preferential terms on its products.
The roll-out is being led by Allders' managing director Ron Mulholland who has experience working for both Specsavers and Vision Express. 'We are looking to co-brand the Rodenstock practices initially to ensure that local loyalty to the practice is not lost as the Rodenstock name is built, and increasingly recognised, by consumers,' said Mulholland.
The company added that staff training, category management, human resources, accounting and marketing support would be provided, to ensure that the first Rodenstock practices are a great success.
It said that practices likely to be interested are Star Club practices seeking greater business support, Rodenstock partners who are looking to retire or sell, independent owners in the premium sector and disenchanted franchisees from other groups.