Family sells Scottish dental practice founded in 1861

The Platt & Common Dental Practice in Stirling’s historic centre is just a short walk from the Thistle Shopping Centre and close to the Albert Halls.

John and Jennifer Denham, who started working at the practice in 1999 and 2000 respectively, have owned the business since 2011.

Following a confidential sales process with Joel Mannix at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by Scottish Dental Care, described as “a rapidly growing player in the Scottish dental market”.

John and Jennifer Denham, former owners of Platt & Common Dental Practice, said: “We purchased the practice in May 2011 following the unexpected passing of the practice owner. It was quite daunting to move from being Associates at the practice to owning a practice that began in 1861 and was housed in a listed building.

“Over the following 13 years, we carried out renovation work on the main building and outbuilding and invested heavily in technology. When we turned 50, we decided it was time to think about the next five to 10 years and what we wanted to do. We wish our buyers every success with the business and hope that they continue striving to keep Platt & Common as a modern, high-quality family dental practice. We look forward to the additional services that they will be offering at the practice.”

Mr Mannix, head of dental at Christie & Co, said: “We first met Jennifer and John in 2022 when they were exploring a medium-term exit strategy and were considering their future options. Over the following 12 months, we collaborated closely before they decided to go to market. We devised a bespoke marketing strategy to ensure the highest level of confidentiality, successfully attracting several suitable buyers.

“Scottish Dental Care quickly emerged as a buyer who met many of their criteria. All parties worked diligently towards a relatively quick completion date, and I am pleased that we finalised the deal in just four months. It is always satisfying when a deal of this magnitude comes together, and I wish all parties the absolute best.”

Platt & Common Dental Practice was sold for an undisclosed price.

New £33m development takes shape

Construction has begun on a new development in the heart of Glasgow.  

Developers say that new student accommodation underway at St Vincent Street will herald an investment boost to the city centre.  

The previous office building on the site, at 292-298 St Vincent Street, has now been demolished and substructure works are now progressing following the completion of piling. 

Direct Line value surges by nearly £900m amid blockbuster bid drama

Direct Line’s stock market worth has surged by nearly £900 million this morning on the back of last night’s revelation that the insurer, a major employer in Glasgow, rejected a £3.3 billion takeover bid from rival Aviva.

Shares in Direct Line were shortly after 11am trading around 225.2p, up 66.5p on the session, adding more than £870 million to its stock market worth.

Aviva’s regulatory news service announcement, revealing its bid approach, came after the stock market closed last night, as did Direct Line’s statement claiming that proposal “substantially undervalued” it and was highly opportunistic.