Member Article

Optometrist sees clearly with eye care group acquisition

~A HUDDERSFIELD optometrist has acquired a 40 year-old practice in a £1m deal.

Optometrist Moin Valli has bought the seven-strong group from Malcolm Jones, doubling the number of branches for Kirklees-based Valli Opticians.

The group now employs a total of 72 staff, 30 in Yorkshire and 42 from the North West chain, A H Merton, making Valli one of the largest independent opticians groups in the UK.

There are no immediate plans to make changes to the businesses but Valli will work with the A H Merton board, led by executive director Christine Wrenn, which also includes Mr Jones’ son and daughter Christopher and Tracey.

Mr Valli has acquired one opticians branch a year the last seven years, and made a big jump taking on so many more in one go. However he said the businesses were a “perfect fit”.

He said: “I was not looking to acquire any more practices this year having added Hull and Hebden Bridge to the portfolio in 2015. The ambition had been to acquire one a year, but when I heard of the opportunity it was too good not to investigate.

“Malcolm has built a very strong community based business that shares the same values as Valli,” he added. “His business model was the same as mine.

“Both are family companies which always put a premium on patient service offering longer appointments times and working to ensure people feel we care about their visual health first and foremost. Our people also matter so we invest in their development.”

Christine Wrenn, executive director, of A H Merton’s Ltd said: “A H Mertons Ltd have a strong reputation and we have worked tirelessly to ensure we provide our patients with a high standard of professional eyecare within the independent sector.”

Malcolm Jones said: “You just know when it’s right and a perfect match, the synergies between us were apparent from the first meeting with Moin, we have the same drive and determination to provide our patients with an excellent level of eye care and customer service.

“It was important to me that my team were going to be well looked after and I am confident that Moin will do that. We wish Moin and the team every success,” he added.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Caprice O'Sullivan .