Leeds’ Bayfields Opticians eyes national growth with double acquisition

Leeds-based Bayfields Opticians has completed the acquisition of two new practices, further extending its reach across the UK.

The first of these acquisitions is Harrogate-based practise M.Procter Opticians, which will be rebranded as Bayfields, in line with the firm’s other practices.

In a deal representing Bayfields’ first acquisition in the West Midlands, using a newly incorporated subsidiary Bayfields (Newcastle) Limited, the firm has acquired Newbold Opticians, occupying a retail position in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre.

Marcus Armstrong, partner at Shulmans and corporate finance solicitor, who has acted for Bayfields Opticians in connection with the majority of the firm’s acquisitions, said: “These two deals represent a growth in turnover of almost 25 per cent – an astonishing achievement.

“Bayfields Opticians is a truly ambitious firm, having already expanded into the South with four new practices in 2015. Its new Yorkshire site represents its commitment to expanding within the region whilst its first site in the West Midlands underpins its plans for national growth.”

The latest acquisitions take the total number of Bayfields practices up to 14 – further evidence of the group’s intention to achieve its business plan of having 30 practices by 2019.

Royston Bayfield, Managing Director of Bayfields Opticians, added: “We are delighted with our latest acquisitions. Harrogate opens up a new area of the region for us, and our expansion into the West Midlands demonstrates our ongoing intentions of creating a truly national offering.

“Our plan is to invest in the latest practices, both in terms of staff and technology, whilst continuing to work with Shulmans Solicitors and Mazars Accountants in acquiring further suitable businesses.

“We have developed a strong Yorkshire brand and have now established ourselves as a leading provider across the UK, giving us the confidence to systematically expand across all regions until our ultimate goal of being a nationally-recognised opticians is achieved.”

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