Myers La Roche, a specialist consultancy helping opticians to grow, acquire and sell independent practices, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Over the years, the firm has facilitated transactions exceeding £150 million and has recently expanded its services to support independent audiology and podiatry practices.
Founded in 1985 by Patrick and Christina Myers, the Altrincham-based business operates across the UK and Ireland. The company’s name incorporates Christina’s maiden name, Roche. Today, the family-owned firm is led by their daughter Georgina, practice sales director, alongside business development director Dominic Watson.
Georgina said: “The company began as a general business consultancy supporting local opticians amid changes to the way the NHS delivered optometry services, which meant they had to navigate the challenges of being businesspeople as well as clinicians.
“Patrick gained a reputation for his empathy and practical advice, and began to focus entirely on the optometry sector. The business has grown considerably and we have supported over 5,000 individuals to buy, build and sell their practices.
“We regularly work with owners over many years – sometimes for over a decade – and become a trusted partner to help them improve their business and eventually exit in the way that most suits them and achieves the best outcome, always having their best interests at the heart of our advice.
“We also work closely with those who are not looking to sell but who want to improve their profitability and future-proof their business model. We provide guidance on best practice, mentoring and identify sector trends to help them pursue the right strategy to achieve their goals.
“Everyone in the team is genuinely passionate about fighting the corner of independent businesses and encouraging clinicians to be successful business owners, and we pride ourselves on developing long-term relationships.”
The 40th anniversary was marked with a celebration in Altrincham attended by staff, contacts and partners. Among those partners is North West law firm Bermans, which provides legal support to Myers La Roche’s clients during transactions.
Jon Davage, managing director and head of corporate at Bermans, said: “We’ve had the pleasure of working with Myers La Roche for many years and assisting a large number of independent healthcare professionals to successfully exit.
“Myers La Roche is a shining example of how to run a brokerage, always putting the client first to ensure their relationships are meaningful and long-term. The same approach has been applied to the company’s employees and partners, which is why Myers La Roche has been successful for so long.
“Great people make great businesses, and we are thrilled to be a partner. We look forward to continuing to work with the team for many more years to come.”
Dominic highlighted the team’s in-depth understanding of independent healthcare operations, regulation and client relationships as the catalyst for the company’s evolution.
“The specialist knowledge we have developed in the optical sector is perfectly suited to support other allied healthcare professionals. Since 2018, we have worked with audiology practices, and in 2024 we began to offer our expertise to podiatry practices,” he said.
“Our mission is to provide high-value, independent and impartial advice and support, delivered with integrity. We’re proud of the unique blend of commercial skills, genuine care and empathy that we bring to the table for our clients.
“We understand that for them, buying or selling a practice is the most significant transaction of their professional lives. Our role is to be the strategic partner, trusted adviser and expert guide throughout this crucial journey. We don’t just faciliate a transaction, we help to build a legacy.
“While many know us for our expertise in practice sales, our support begins long before a business is put on the market. We guide independent practices from the moment they take the leap into ownership all the way through to making their retirement plans a reality.
“We’re also proud of how many of our team have stayed with us for many years. We wouldn’t be where we are without our brilliant team, and the same is true with regards to our partners.”
