Vision Express buys Batemans Opticians

Vision Express has pledged to invest in Batemans to secure its future and the jobs of its staff following its acquisition from the receiver last week.

VE paid an undisclosed sum for the 75-strong practice group, which has branches across Southern England and had been a family concern for over 100 years. The addition of the practices brings VE's tally of stores to 300 and re-affirms its place as the second biggest group in the market.

A statement from the firm said one of the reasons for Batemans' bankruptcy had been the lack of investment. 'We will be looking at an urgent upgrading of the stores. Our immediate focus is injecting cash so employees, suppliers and landlords will be paid.'