Catering giant Compass Group UK & Ireland has completed its acquisition of CH&Co.
The deal was first announced in January this year. estimated at £475m.
It involves integrating CH&Co’s portfolio of brands, such as Gather & Gather, Vacherin, and Company of Cooks, into Compass Group.
CH&CO oversees catering across various sectors including workplace, events, education, and healthcare, and has held a Royal Warrant since 2013.
The business employs 10,000 people and serves more than 900 clients across 1,000 locations.
It will also further strengthen Compass’s presence in the Business and Industry (B&I) market, complementing its existing brands like Eurest and 14Forty.
Bill Toner will remain as chief executive of CH&CO, with Allister Richards, CH&CO’s chief operating officer, joining the Compass Group UK&I executive team.
The wider CH&CO senior management team will also stay in place.
The chief executive of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Robin Mills, said: “I am delighted that CH&CO is joining Compass. I have really enjoyed meeting CH&Co colleagues in recent weeks and learning more about the business. Our passion for great food is what unites us. We highly value the heritage of each of our individual businesses and as we grow will continue to nurture their specific identity, culture and expertise. Our world-class group of companies will give more choice to our clients and customers.
“I am so proud to be part of all we have already achieved and as we bring our two well-known and respected names together, we are committed to being a force for good in the industry.”
Bill Toner, chief executive of CH&Co, added: “It’s fantastic that the deal has now been completed. It’s so exciting to watch our team continue to evolve. Not only are we joining the number one caterer in the UK, but globally too.
“I am hugely proud of the business CH&Co has become over the past 30-plus years, and I’m delighted that it’s found a home for its next chapter at Compass. I am looking forward to working closely with our new colleagues as we begin the transition, and ensuring our teams and clients capitalise on the opportunities available to them.”
The chief operating officer at CH&Co, Allister Richards, commented: “Hospitality is all about the generosity of spirit, bringing people together, sharing great ideas, and fantastic food and service. This is at the heart of the CH&Co culture and proposition and something our people do exceptionally well. It’s incredibly exciting that in the next chapter of our growth journey as part of Compass’ group of companies, our teams will have the opportunities and support to develop and continue to do this even bigger and better.”
Compass Group makes up roughly 15% of the global foodservice market, which is believed to be worth £240 billion.
