Alliance Boots has successfully merged Boots Opticians with Dollond & Aitchison, forming the second biggest optical chain in the UK.

The new entity, trading as Boots Opticians, is being run as a standalone business within Alliance Boots, which holds a controlling stake in the new company.

De Rigo, an eyewear manufacturer, jointly owns the retailer.

As previously revealed, the former managing director of Boots Opticians Pradip Patel has been appointed chairman and former Dollond & Aitchison chief executive Andy Ferguson has been appointed managing director.

Executive chairman of Alliance Boots Stefano Pessina said: “I am delighted that we are able to announce the completion of the merger between Boots Opticians and

Dollond & Aitchison to create a leading force in the UK optical market. The union of these two businesses, which have a strong heritage and an excellent reputation for service and customer care, will enable us to combine these strengths under the Boots brand and further develop the new business.”