GLASGOW-BASED MM Eyecare has taken another step in its Scottish expansion drive with the acquisition of a Dundee chain of opticians.

The six-figure deal to acquire Cuthbert’s Opticians has been backed by Royal Bank of Scotland, and increases MM Eyecare’s number of outlets to ten.

MM Eyecare will, through the deal, take over three sites in Dundee, at Ninewells Hospital, in Commercial Street, and in Strathmartine Road.

Neil and Barbara Cuthbert, the sellers of the Dundee business, are staying on under its new ownership.

RBS noted that MM Eyecare, which was launched in 2007 and is run by business partners Vishal Marwaha and Geoff McCullough, already operated seven optician practices across central Scotland.

MM Eyecare’s portfolio includes McGrath’s Opticians in Edinburgh.

Mr Marwaha and Mr McCullough also operate Vision Care at Home, a home-visit service provided to the elderly care sector.

Commenting on MM Eyecare’s latest acquisition, Mr Marwaha said: “The continued support that Royal Bank of Scotland has given us has been invaluable, and has allowed us to expand our business and grow our portfolio over the last nine years.

“Cuthbert’s Opticians is a highly regarded chain in Dundee and we are looking forward to building on their success and driving the business forward.”

Kevin McCormack, who works in RBS’s customer relationship team and supported MM Eyecare in its latest acquisition, said: “Royal Bank of Scotland has worked closely with MM Eyecare during their expansion over the last nine years.

“We are delighted to have supported the purchase of Cuthbert’s Opticians, a well-respected business in Dundee with a strong and loyal customer base in the city.”

He added: “This move not only adds to their portfolio but creates further business opportunities in the future.”

On its website, MM Eyecare notes it has its own glazing laboratory.

The company has practices in Summerston, in Glasgow, and Bishopbriggs, in East Dunbartonshire, as well as at Bo’ness, Stirling, Linlithgow, Portobello and Edinburgh city centre.