Scrivens strengthens presence in the south

Acquisitive Midlands opticians Scrivens has bought more practices.

The Birmingham-based multiple has taken over the OC Weathersbee group for an undisclosed sum, bringing the total number of Scrivens outlets to 119.

The acquisition of the six-branch opticians includes four Russell Caulton practices in Wokingham, Tilehurst, Wantage and Abingdon, a practice in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, and an outlet trading under the name Booth & Herman opticians in High Wycombe.

Weathersbee doubled its number of practices in January 2004 when it acquired Russell Caulton Opticians (News, January 30 2004).

The acquisition comes just weeks after Scrivens purchased East Midlands optical chain Eye-Check, which has branches in Loughborough and further outlets in Ashby de la Zouch, Ilkeston, Leicester, Wigston and Cotgrave (News, March 17).

The purchase follows Scrivens' acquisition of 40 Melson Wingate outlets in 2002.

Scrivens managing director Nicholas Georgevic described the OC Weathersbee group as an 'excellent business committed to first class customer care'.

'The six new locations will strengthen our presence in the south,' he said, 'and we will be investing in the branch infrastructure, introducing state of the art equipment and offering a wide range of frames to suit every taste.'

Scrivens now employs around 1,000 staff.