Compass Group Nears £400m Acquisition of Rival CH&Co Ltd

The acquisition would mark Compass's largest in the UK for years, further strengthening its presence in the premium contract catering market.

Compass Group, a leading UK contract catering firm, is in advanced talks to acquire its rival, CH&Co Ltd, in a deal that could exceed £400 million.
CH&Co, backed by private equity firm Equistone since 2019, provides services to prestigious venues in London, including the Royal Academy of Arts, the Southbank Centre, and the Old Royal Navy College.
The potential acquisition comes nearly four years after Compass raised £2bn from its shareholders to navigate through the pandemic and fuel acquisitions in its aftermath.
Rothschild & Co. may be guiding Equistone through the sale process, though both Compass and Equistone have declined to comment.
The acquisition would further cement Compass's presence at the premium end of the contract catering market.