Bayfields expands to 33 practices

Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists has expanded is portfolio of practices to 33 with the acquisition of 11 practices across London, the South and South East, the North West, and Yorkshire.

The independent group aims to grow to 50 practices by 2023.

Recent acquisitions, completed at the end of January, include the purchase of Cottam and Glaister Optometrists in Lytham St Annes, and Duffield & Duffield Ophthalmic Opticians in South Woodham Ferrers in Essex.

Further purchases have expanded Bayfields’ presence in London and the surrounding counties, with the acquisition of two Simon Pestell practices in Whitewater and Sunninghill; Houghton White Optometrists in Ewell; the Optical Shop in Staines; Meryl James Opticians in Loughton, Essex, and MB Bellmore Opticians in Northcote Road, Clapham Junction.

In the North West, Mullen Opticians in Chester, and Pinnington Opticians, in Nantwich, have joined the group, while Binnington & Thurling Opticians in York rounds off the new acquisitions for Bayfields.

Through the acquisitions, Bayfields plans to enhance the services available at a number of the new practices, including introducing audiology and investing in refurbishments.

Royston Bayfield, founder and CEO of Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome each business into the Bayfields family, as we look to expand our presence in key locations across the country.”

“Each practice has built up a strong reputation within the local community, and we intend to harness that trust and brand recognition,” Bayfield said, “while introducing new services in certain locations.”

In March 2021, the independent group announced a raft of acquisitions that increased its number of practices to 22.

Bayfields is backed by growth capital investor, BGF, to support its expansion.

Chris Boyes, an investor at BGF, commented on the recent acquisitions: “2022 is another exciting year of opportunity and growth for Bayfields and I have no doubt that the team will achieve the 50 practice milestone by the end of 2023.”