The Optical Express Group has reached an agreement to acquire the Laser Eye Correction and Dentistry businesses of the Boots Group.

Optical Express is Europe's largest provider of the combination of optical services of laser eye correction, contact lenses and spectacles, and this acquisition will make it the UK's third largest dental services business. Boots announced in September that it was to exit these areas to focus on its core businesses.

Optical Express will operate the Laser Eye Correction business from the 25th October and Dentistry from the 31st December, saving around 700 jobs.

As a result of the acquisitions, the 700 employees will transfer to Optical Express bringing the total number of employees to 2,300 for Optical Express.

David Moulsdale, Chief Executive of Optical Express and Chairman of the Royal National Institute of the Blind, RNIB (New Appeal) Scotland, commented:

‘We are delighted to have agreed to acquire both businesses from Boots. Our first priority is to ensure the on-going clinical care for patients and the welfare of the employees.’

Boots operates 54 dentistry practices and nine laser eye clinics, most of which are incorporated into Boots stores. According to Boots, Optical Express has bought the equipment and the patient lists, but not the property.