Opticians firm focused on expansion

L Firm eyes wider audiology roll-out and undertaking fresh acquisitions

in excess of £2m. The investment deal was led by director Mark Kerr and investment director Colin Bennett at LDC in Scotland, and Bennett will join the board as non-executive director alongside non-executive chairman David Leatherbarrow.

Kerr, director and head of Scotland at LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Duncan & Todd has established itself as Scotland’s leading opticians. Under Frances’ leadership and with funding from BGF, the company has invested strategically in its manufacturing capabilities and identified the opportunity to add audiology to its current optical services.

“In Duncan & Todd, we are backing a strong and ambitious management team with a clear vision and growth strategy. We look forward to supporting the business on the next phase of its expansion.”

BGF has backed Duncan & Todd since 2013. The deal represents its second successful exit in Scotland, following the acquisition of portfolio company Stevenswood Doors and Windows by Polyframe Trade Centres.

Patrick Graham of BGF said: “Duncan & Todd has put our funding to work through its acquisitive growth strategy and investment in fixed assets.”