Global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer ('Freshfields') is advising longstanding client Compass Group, a leading global food service company, on the acquisition of CH&CO, for an initial enterprise value of £475m, with an additional earn-out over the two years following closing, depending on the profit growth of the business. Closing of the proposed transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.

CH&CO is a provider of premium contract and hospitality services in the UK and Ireland through several sector brands. The company currently generates annual revenues of c. £450m and operates across a range of sectors, including Business & Industry, Sports & Leisure, Education, and Healthcare. CH&CO has a diverse client base and broad geographic spread which would complement Compass Group’s existing footprint in the UK and Ireland.

Compass Group is a FTSE 100 listed world leading food and support services company, with a sector specific brand portfolio, which serves 5.5bn meals annually to millions of people in c.35 countries, and employs and engages more than 550,000 people globally.

The Freshfields team is based in London and is being led by partners Rhys Evans and David Sonter, senior associate Akshay Naran and associates Alex Potts and Paula Stuomaitė