Francesco buys out southern chain

Stafford-based hairdressing chain the Francesco Group is going south in credit crunch-defying expansion move.

The family-owned brand yesterday bought out Bournemouth-based Scissors Hair Design Group as part of plans to branch outside the Midlands. The Francesco Group came from humble origins when Italian-born founder Frank Dellicompagni started out as a moblie hairdresser 40 years ago.

Now, the franchise chain can boast salons in Bournemouth, Ferndown, New Milton, Westbourne, Winton and Poole, in addition to its existing 30 franchises in the Midlands. Yesterday's move was sealed after Francesco formed a partnership company with the former managing director of Wella UK, Steve Lowe. The Scissors franchise will operate as a separate subsidiary of Francesco Group and will continue to trade under the Scissors brand.

Francesco Group chairman Peter Dellicompagni said: "We've worked hard to develop Francesco Group over the years. However, as we expand, finding good-quality salons to add to our portfolio has become more and more challenging, which is why I am delighted with the acquisition."

The Francesco group's franchises employ a total of 550 people with salons in towns including Cannock, Eccleshall, Lichfield, Rugeley, Stone, Uttoxeter, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Its main base remains Stafford, where it has three salons and two training academies.

Ahead of today's deal, Don White at Stafford solicitors Pickering and Butters provided legal advice on property and deal issues, while the Stoke office of national accounts and business service group Baker Tilly advised management on the deal.

lIn the picture are, top, Steve Lowe from Scissors, Don White from Pickering and Butters, middle, Francesco Dellicompagni and Ben Dellicompagni and, front, Anne Lakin from Baker Tilly and Peter Dellicompagni.