Opticians acquires two more Yorkshire practices
BAYFIELDS Opticians has acquired two more practices in Yorkshire as it continues its ambitious growth plans.
The Leeds-based business has bought the Horsforth and Kirkstall branches of Alison James Opticians for an undisclosed sum, bringing its number of practices up to seven.
Shulmans solicitors’ corporate lawyer Marcus Armstrong acted for Bayfields Opticians in connection with the acquisition of the practices while Yorkshire Bank provided acquisition funding for the deal.
Bayfields has put in plans to have 50 practices by 2025.
Royston Bayfield, optometrist and managing director of Bayfields Opticians, said: “We are thrilled with the latest acquisitions. Horsforth has long been an area of interest to us as it will work in synergy with our Yeadon and Headingley branches. The Kirkstall business is a really exciting opportunity too – it has been an opticians for 100 years and thus has a lot of heritage.”
Bayfields has premises in Headingley, Yeadon, Pontefract, Wakefield and at the University of Leeds. The group will be retaining staff at the Horsforth and Kirkstall practices, taking the total number of employees at Bayfields to 41.
Royston added: “Our plan is to invest in the latest practices, both in terms of staff and technology, whilst continuing to work with both Shulmans and Yorkshire Bank in acquiring further suitable businesses. We are developing a strong Yorkshire brand and what better way than to work with one of Yorkshire’s top solicitors and the Yorkshire Bank.”
Marcus Armstrong of Shulmans, said: “Bayfields is a dynamic and inspirational company that we are delighted to work alongside in helping it to achieve its strategic plan. The group’s ongoing success is testament to the hard work and forward thinking of its management team and as such I have no doubt there will be further growth for Bayfields in the near future.”
Yorkshire Bank business development manager, Peter Sumners, added: “We are delighted to be able to support the Bayfields Group with its plans for growth within the Yorkshire market. The next few years will be very exciting for Royston Bayfield and we look forward to helping him further with expansion finance.”
