Compass to acquire CH&CO

Following speculation over the weekend, Compass Group UK and Ireland has confirmed that it has agreed to acquire CH&CO, for a reported initial enterprise value of £475m, subject to regulatory approval. CH&CO, a Royal Warrant Holder since 2013, currently has approximately10,000 employees, supporting over 900 clients across 1,000 locations.   

Compass says that the proposed acquisition aims to capitalise on the great strengths of both businesses, including their shared passion for food and commitment to sustainability. It adds that the combined business has the potential to accelerate innovation, and further enhancing the client and customer experience, as well as providing access to broader career progression opportunities for employees.  

Following completion, the intention is that CH&CO's portfolio of companies, which include Gather & Gather, Vacherin and Company of Cooks, will join Compass Group's family of brands. CH&CO itself has only recently acquired a number of business including Pabulum and Blue Apple.

Bill Toner, chief executive officer (CEO) of CH&CO, said: “We’re delighted that Compass wants to acquire CH&CO. The prospect of joining a leading global provider of food services offers huge potential for us and our clients. Creativity and innovation are skills that we share with Compass and food is at the heart of everything we do.

“Both businesses have strong and complementary brands and, subject to regulatory approval, there is a great opportunity for us to learn from each other and to build an even more exciting future together.” 

Robin Mills, CEO of Compass Group UK and Ireland, added: “I have always admired CH&CO and its real passion for food. I believe that by combining our strengths, the proposed acquisition will bring a multitude of benefits to clients, customers and employees.

“Together we have the potential to create even more compelling and innovative solutions for our clients and customers, as well as a wider range of career opportunities for our talented people in both organisations.”  

You may also be interested in…