Boots sells treatment businesses to Optical Express
Exit from dental and laser eye correction arms
Boots has reached a deal to sell its dental and laser eye correction businesses to Optical Express.
The move is part of Boots’ exit from its retail services businesses, announced last month.
Optical Express has existing laser eye correction and dentistry operations, and will take over Boots’ eye business from October 25 and the dentistry arm from December 31.
Optical Express will provide care for existing Boots patients and the majority of employees will transfer across under the agreement.
Colin McLean, Boots commercial director for the services businesses, said: “When we announced we were exiting from these services we made our priority the continuity of care for patients and redeployment of as many of our people as possible.
“Today’s announcement means patients will continue to have access to high quality care through Optical Express’s laser eye correction and dentistry network and the majority of employees will have secure continued employment.”
David Moulsdale, chief executive of Optical Express said: “We are delighted to have agreed to acquire both businesses from Boots. As with previous acquisitions, our first priority is to ensure the on-going clinical care for patients and the welfare of the employees.
“We welcome our new colleagues to Optical Express and the assistance they will give us in continuing to provide the highest levels of clinical care and service to our new and existing customers. We are pleased to have secured several hundred jobs in the process.”
