BGF Invests in Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists

YFM Equity Partners Backs Management Buyout of Audiological Science

May 25, 2025

Healthcare Services

YFM Equity Partners has invested £12.4 million to back a management buyout of London-based Audiological Science, a multi-location audiology services and hearing-aid provider. The PE investment will support the company's growth and expansion of its UK hearing-care services, building on its NHS contracts and national clinic footprint.

BGF Invests £8.25m in Primary Care Physio

September 4, 2023

Healthcare Services

BGF has made an £8.25 million minority growth investment in Primary Care Physio Limited (PCP), a UK-based provider of physiotherapy and podiatry services to Primary Care Networks (PCNs). The funding will support PCP's expansion plans and operational scaling — the company currently employs over 300 clinicians and will add a non-executive chair and CFO as it executes its growth strategy.

BGF Invests in hedgehog lab as Maven Exits

April 18, 2023

IT Services

BGF has acquired a stake in Newcastle-based mobile app and web development consultancy hedgehog lab, allowing Maven Investor Partners to realise its investment and exit. The BGF investment (reported as £6.3m) will support hedgehog lab’s acquisition of digital product consultancy Netsells and fund the next phase of growth and capability expansion.

Advancing Eyecare Acquires Birmingham Optical Group

August 6, 2025

Medical Devices

Advancing Eyecare (AEC), a Jacksonville-based eyecare instrumentation platform, has acquired Birmingham Optical Group, a U.K. distributor and service provider of ophthalmic equipment. Financial terms were not disclosed; Birmingham Optical will continue to be led by Arran Fewkes and will operate as a division of AEC, expanding AEC's geographic footprint into the U.K. and Europe.

BGF Makes Multi‑Million Pound Growth Investment in Akula Living

January 8, 2024

Manufacturing

BGF has made a multi‑million‑pound growth investment in Akula Living to accelerate the marine‑grade outdoor furniture maker's global expansion. Akula, founded by Tim Appleton and headquartered in Yorkshire, reported £22 million of revenue to 30 September 2023 and will add BGF portfolio representative Becky Odam to its board while Andy Dunkley joins as non‑executive chair.

Oakley Capital Origin Fund I Acquires Majority Stake in Horizons Optical

March 18, 2024

Medical Devices

Oakley Capital Origin Fund I is acquiring a majority stake in Horizons Optical from Sherpa Capital, with CEO Santiago Soler retaining a significant share and remaining CEO. Horizons, founded in Barcelona in 2017, provides proprietary medical software and scanning equipment used by independent laboratories and opticians to manufacture premium bespoke spectacle lenses; Oakley will support international expansion and R&D, and invest in Sales & Marketing to accelerate growth.