Boots Opticians and Dolland & Aitchison to merge
Boots is to merge its opticians business with Dolland & Aitchison.
Alliance Boots said it had reached agreement to create the second largest optical chain in the UK, through the merger of its Boots Opticians business.
The combined business, which will trade as Boots Opticians, will have around 690 practices, including around 210 franchises, and will directly employ more than 5,000 people.
The Dollond & Aitchison practices will eventually trade as Boots Opticians.
Alliance Boots said both businesses have a strong heritage and an excellent reputation for service and customer care creating an opportunity to combine the strengths under one brand.
Dollond & Aitchison is owned by De Rigo, one of the Europes largest optical retailers.
Alliance Boots will hold a controlling stake in the new company which will be jointly owned with De Rigo.
It will be run as a stand-alone business and it is proposed that, in due course, the headquarters will be based in Nottingham.
Within the new business, Pradip Patel, currently managing director of Boots Opticians, will become chairman and Andy Ferguson, chief executive of Dollond & Aitchison, will become managing director.
The transaction, which is subject to the approval of the competition authorities, is expected
to be completed in the second quarter of this year. Alliance Boots said the merger will deliver enhanced business and financial performance as well as better career prospects for employees.
Stefano Pessina, executive chairman of Alliance Boots, said: “The merger gives us an excellent opportunity to create a leading force in the UK optical market. “Our plan is to grow and develop the new business, building on the strengths of the Boots brand.”
