Optician firm looks ahead with latest acquisition

0 MD Frances Rus said the deal was an ‘ideal fit’ in services provided and the branch network

An independent optician says it has become the largest firm of its kind in Scotland following the acquisition of nine branches from Black & Lizars.

The acquisition – completed for an undisclosed sum – is the sixth by Duncan & Todd since it secured investment a year ago of £15 million from LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group.

A total of 56 Black & Lizars staff have transferred to Duncan & Todd as part of the deal, which will see the group move into seven new towns

and cities across Scotland and increase its headcount to 405.

Additionally, Black & Lizars’ two stores in Aberdeen are being rebranded to Duncan & Todd Opticians.

A further seven branches are being renamed under the group’s 20 20 Opticians and Hearing Care brand.

Duncan & Todd MD Frances Rus said the deal was an “ideal fit”, while Colin Bennett of LDC in Edinburgh added: “It’s very rewarding to see the firm make its most significant acquisition to date.”