Wolf Eyewear welcomes White Optics to the pack

The family-run glasses brand, Wolf Eyewear, has acquired White Optics.

It is suggested that the deal will create “one of the UK’s leading independent eyewear suppliers” and allow both companies to offer products at a wide range of price points to independent opticians.

The two companies will continue operating as separate businesses under their existing brands.

Established in 1976, White Optics is known for its economy ranges of frames for men, women, and children, across six collections. The business employs 20 staff at its base in Peterlee, County Durham.

The acquisition of White Optics follows the death of the founder’s son and a director of the business, David White.

The deal will enable the eventual retirement of shareholders, Tim Peterson, sales director, and Donna Peacock, operations director, who will remain with White Optics in the medium-term.

Commenting on the agreement, Tom Wolfenden, CEO of Wolf Eyewear, said: “Having worked closely with the White Optics team for some time, we are pleased to have completed this deal which will bring them into the Wolf ‘family.’”

Wolf Eyewear was founded in 2009 by Ian Wolfenden, and is now run by Tom, his son.

Based in Leighton Buzzard, the business employs 26 staff and produces five ranges, including a premium collection and sunglasses. The company mainly sells in the UK, but has distribution outlets in the US, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.

Wolfenden commented that both companies are an “excellent fit” in culture and products.

“Joining forces means we can now offer frames to suit every budget,” he said, continuing: “It will also safeguard the future of the White Optics brand and enable them to join us on our growth journey.”

The acquisition was backed by debt funding from Frontier Development Capital (FDC), which will also support further growth.

Simon Kelsall, investment director at FDC, said: “The acquisition will bring together two complementary businesses to create one of the UK’s leading eyewear wholesalers.”

“Tom and his team at Wolf Eyewear have their sights firmly set on growth and have already begun to establish distribution channels overseas. It is great to be able to support this deal, which will extend their reach in the UK and make them well positioned for further international expansion,” Kelsall added.