CH&CO joins Compass Group UK & Ireland in landmark acquisition

Deal to acquire CH&CO has been finalised following regulatory approvals

Compass Group UK & Ireland, the country’s largest family of food and support services companies, is excited to announce that it has completed the deal to acquire the dynamic catering company, CH&CO. This landmark acquisition sees CH&CO’s portfolio of brands, which include Gather & Gather, Vacherin and Company of Cooks, join Compass’ group of companies, resulting in a broad and exciting client proposition.

CH&CO has operations covering workplace catering, events, venues, visitor attractions, stadia, education, healthcare and hospitality. A Royal Warrant Holder since 2013, the business has 10,000 employees, supporting over 900 clients across 1,000 locations. 

The acquisition will see the businesses capitalise on their great mutual strengths including their passion for food, client-centred approach, strong people focused culture, and commitment to sustainability.  

Together they are focused on being a force for good. The size and scale of the business offers its people many opportunities to thrive, grow and exceed their potential. Social value will be enhanced as the businesses share best practice and increase support for the communities where they work.

Additionally, they will look to accelerate innovation, further improving the client and customer experience.  Other benefits include increased supply chain security.

Bill Toner will stay on as CH&CO’s CEO, with Allister Richards, CH&CO’s COO joining the Compass Group UK & I Executive Team. The wider CH&CO senior management team will remain in place.

Commenting on the deal Robin Mills, CEO, Compass Group UK & Ireland 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, CEO, 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.”

Allister Richards, COO, CH&CO concluded: “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.”