30 June 2020
Norville Opticians, the retail arm of The Norville Group, has been acquired by the Hakim Group, in a move that has saved the Gloucester-based business from administration.
Founded in 1898, Norville Opticians has nine practices in and around Gloucestershire, Cheltenham and Stonehouse.
An article on the Gloucester business news site, The Raikes Journal, earlier this month revealed the Norville Group was in talks about the future of the business. A statement shared by the journal outlined that the company boards were in discussions with “parties interested in acquiring the businesses.”
Now, in a press release announcing the sale, the companies explained that the impact of COVID-19 had meant Norville Opticians required “significant investment.”
The sale of Norville Opticians has secured “almost all jobs,” which equates to over 50 jobs across the division, the companies confirmed.
Operating as a separate business, Norville’s manufacturing laboratory is not included in the sale and is still operated by the Norville Group.
“With so many jobs at risk in the current climate, our number-one priority throughout this period has been to make sure the livelihoods of our people were safeguarded,” commented Adrian Street, director at Norville Opticians.
“We are delighted that our patients can continue to receive the same level of care that our teams are proud to deliver every day. All of us at Norville Opticians are excited for the journey ahead in the next chapter of our history, which is already over a century old,” Mr Street continued.
The practices will retain the Norville Opticians name. The Hakim Group confirmed it has planned an investment and transformation programme, including shared ownership opportunities for some of the existing employees.
Welcoming the practices into the Hakim Group, Luke Wren, head of business development said: “Frank Norville, Adrian and their teams have built up a dedicated patient base through a commitment to delivering a first-class service, putting the customer at the heart of their proposition.”
He added: “With jobs secured, the practice teams can continue to do what they do best – providing their communities with the eye care they need, when they need it."
Founded in 1898, Norville Opticians has nine practices in and around Gloucestershire, Cheltenham and Stonehouse.
An article on the Gloucester business news site, The Raikes Journal, earlier this month revealed the Norville Group was in talks about the future of the business. A statement shared by the journal outlined that the company boards were in discussions with “parties interested in acquiring the businesses.”
Now, in a press release announcing the sale, the companies explained that the impact of COVID-19 had meant Norville Opticians required “significant investment.”
The sale of Norville Opticians has secured “almost all jobs,” which equates to over 50 jobs across the division, the companies confirmed.
Operating as a separate business, Norville’s manufacturing laboratory is not included in the sale and is still operated by the Norville Group.
“With so many jobs at risk in the current climate, our number-one priority throughout this period has been to make sure the livelihoods of our people were safeguarded,” commented Adrian Street, director at Norville Opticians.
“We are delighted that our patients can continue to receive the same level of care that our teams are proud to deliver every day. All of us at Norville Opticians are excited for the journey ahead in the next chapter of our history, which is already over a century old,” Mr Street continued.
The practices will retain the Norville Opticians name. The Hakim Group confirmed it has planned an investment and transformation programme, including shared ownership opportunities for some of the existing employees.
Welcoming the practices into the Hakim Group, Luke Wren, head of business development said: “Frank Norville, Adrian and their teams have built up a dedicated patient base through a commitment to delivering a first-class service, putting the customer at the heart of their proposition.”
He added: “With jobs secured, the practice teams can continue to do what they do best – providing their communities with the eye care they need, when they need it."
Comments (2)
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Don Williams21 July 2020
Best of luck to the Hakkim group
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Anonymous02 July 2020
Hakkim is a dedicated professional group and the outcome will be for the benefit of the patient and staff. Best of luck to the Hakim group
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