Compass Group is to acquire Vermaat Groep BV, a premium food services business in Europe, for €1.5bn (£1.3bn) as the foodservice company delivered a “strong performance” in its third quarter.
Vermaat, which offers tailored on-site food concepts, delivered-in solutions and consumer-focused retail expertise, is on track to generate sales of €700m (£607m) with a double-digit operating margin in 2025.
Compass said the multi-sector platform would provide it with a “unique opportunity for further sustainable growth in Europe”.
“The company is a market leader in the Netherlands, with a growing presence in Germany and France, all of which are among Compass Group’s top 10 markets,” the foodservice giant explained.
Compass said the acquisition would allow it to deploy its North American blueprint in Europe to “accelerate sectorisation”, better capitalise on existing opportunities and expand its presence.
Under the agreement, the Vermaat management team will join Compass on completion and continue operating the business on a standalone basis. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and consultation with the Vermaat Works Council.
“We are proud to announce this landmark acquisition,” said Compass Group CEO Dominic Blakemore. “Vermaat is a best-in-class food services business which will significantly strengthen Compass Group's premium offer across Europe and will provide us with exceptional leadership talent.
“This strategic acquisition represents a step-change in our core markets by creating a strong platform for expansion across Europe.”
Vermaat CEO Rick Zeelen added: “The leadership team remains fully committed to executing its European growth strategy. Together, subject to regulatory approval, we will be able to provide clients with an even more compelling proposition in a highly attractive growth market, accelerating our premium offering in Europe.”
The news of the acquisition comes as the group experienced a 8.6% rise in organic revenue in the third quarter to 30 June 2025.
Over the period, both its international and North America regions performed well, with revenue up 6.6% and 9.6% respectively, while net new business growth continued in the middle of its 4% to 5% target range.
Volume growth in both regions remained positive and was “particularly strong” in North America, which Compass said benefited from “favourable hospitality events”.
As a result, the group is upgrading its 2025 guidance and now expects underlying operating profit growth to be towards 11%, driven by organic revenue growth above 8%.
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