Caterer Compass Group to buy buy rival CH&CO in £475m deal

Caterer Compass Group confirmed on Monday that it has agreed to buy rival CH&CO in a £475m deal.

Compass said CH&CO has a highly regarded management team and a long track record of strong performance "delivering a bespoke and high-quality food offer through several sector brands".

The company, which provides services in the UK and Ireland, currently generates annual revenues of around £450m and operates across a range of sectors, including business & industry, sports & leisure, education, and healthcare.

Compass chief executive Dominic Blakemore said: "CH&CO is a highly regarded food service business in our industry. This proposed acquisition combines the best of the two companies: our shared passion for people, great food, and focus on sustainability.

"With CH&CO's strong brand identity and a broad geographic reach, we would be able to further enhance our customer proposition, helping us capitalise on the significant growth potential in the market."