Comment: Supergroup in concert

For quite a few years now Optician, management consultants, report compilers and others have predicted the disappearance of one of the big five from the high street. However, none, if pressed could, have predicted the way in which that would have taken place.

Perceived wisdom would have predicted a chain to falter or fail or a management to have lost faith with optics and a tranche of outlets to disappear. Not so. Two of the biggest, oldest and, arguably strongest names in the business have joined forces. These are two businesses with huge heritage and emotional value. Boots is a brand that dispenses medical advice alongside medicines, it's the place we trust to weigh our babies and buy Complan for grandma. Dollond & Aitchison is the oldest chainstore in the world. It boasts 250 years of optical heritage and has become uniquely synonymous with optometric excellence and eyewear style.