Vision Monday, August 6, 2025
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Advancing Eyecare (AEC), a leading provider of ophthalmic instruments in North America, has announced the acquisition of Birmingham Optical Group, a U.K.-based provider of optical equipment and services. The transaction expands AEC’s global footprint and establishes its presence in the U.K., the company noted, while enabling Birmingham Optical to tap into AEC’s infrastructure, proprietary product lines and global manufacturer relationships.
Following the transaction, Birmingham Optical will continue to be led by Arran Fewkes and the current management team, and will operate as a division of AEC, reporting into Jim McGrann, AEC’s chief executive officer. Further terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
For more than 60 years, Birmingham Optical has operated as a leading supplier to the optical industry in the U.K., delivering high-quality equipment, services and expertise to a range of optician, hospital, eyecare clinic, and optical laboratory customers, the announcement advised. Today, the company serves as the exclusive distributor of NIDEK products in the U.K. and Ireland, and maintains long-standing partnerships with brands such as Natus, Keeler, Volk, Oertli, and Hanita.
“As we continue to thoughtfully grow the AEC platform, Birmingham Optical’s scalable solutions, track record of exceptional service and deeply embedded supplier and customer relationships across the U.K. market will be a strong complement to our leading North American capabilities,” said McGrann. “We are thrilled to be working with Arran and the entire team as we join forces to establish one of the largest networks of reliable service in the ophthalmic equipment industry in North America and Europe.”
“This is an exciting next chapter in Birmingham Optical’s storied history,” added Fewkes. “Our partnership with AEC will enhance our reach, product offerings and the best-in-class service our customers and partners expect. I look forward to collaborating closely with Jim and the world-class AEC team to build on the momentum across the business and grow our reputation as the partner of choice for the optical industry on both sides of the Atlantic.”
This strategic acquisition follows AEC’s recent partnership with Eyefficient, an Ohio-based supplier of ophthalmic instruments dedicated to supporting eyecare professionals, third-party distributors, and independent sales representatives. The company currently comprises brands including Marco Lombart, INNOVA Medical, S4Optik, Santinelli International and Birmingham Optical Group, and offers a broad product portfolio. For more information, visit www.advancingeyecare.com.
CapM Advisors acted as financial advisor to Advancing Eyecare.
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