High street Optician Vision Express has bought 70-store family business G C Bateman Group for an undisclosed sum.

Vision Express’s acquisition of the 100-year old business takes its store count to more than 300. The 70 Batemans Opticians’ stores are in the south of England.

Vision Express chief executive Bryan Magrath said: “This is a major step in the growth of Vision Express. It not only shows our strength and position within the market, but also demonstrates our intent to invest in brands with the same vision and values in order to grow our business.

“In times where the retail market is in flux, we are able to provide our customers with what they want – excellent eyecare, great service and a wider selection of product. Batemans Opticians is a well established business with a great offering and we’ll be looking to extend and maximise these over the coming months.”