CH&Co – the privately owned corporate and commercial caterer – is taking 100% ownership of the high street café group Apostrophe, by buying the remaining 50% stake in the business held by Amir Chen and the founding shareholders with which it entered into joint venture in January 2012.
Key strategic step
CH&Co sees this acquisition as key strategic step in building on its commitment to match the best catering offers that brands supply on the high street and take them into the areas where it already has a strong commercial proposition: the workplace; the visitor attraction; and into corporate entertainment.
“As I forecast two years’ ago this joint venture has offered new horizons for CH&Co commercially and wider choice for our clients,” said Tim Jones, Chairman of CH&Co, “and now it is time for us to take the next step.”
He continued: “Industry clients; visitors to world-famous attractions; and even private guests attending events at historic venues all want the best when dining with us. Apostrophe helps meet this need and we look forward to developing it further.”
About CH&Co
CH&Co last year announced a 26% rise in turnover to £97 million and expects to comfortably break the £100m turnover milestone in 2014. It serves diners, visitors and guests at over 200 British locations including Hampton Court Palace, ZSL London Zoo, Gatwick Airport, SONY UK, and The Tower of London.
CH&Co is a leading independent catering group with six specialist businesses: Charlton House (staff catering at B&I sites), Lusso (City and fine dining), Chester Boyd (livery halls and private venues), ITA (venues and events booking agency), Ampersand (public and event catering at iconic & private venues) and Via 360 (bespoke reception services).
For more information about CH&Co click here
About Apostrophe
Apostrophe opened its first outlet in Shoreditch, East London, in 2001 and since the joint venture has opened at five new sites so that today it operates from 23 locations in central London, Heathrow and Gatwick.
Apostrophe sells a wide range of freshly baked pastries, freshly made sandwiches, salads, soups and deserts, all prepared at its sites. Apostrophe has gained a large loyal following for its award winning coffee and hot chocolate. Customers can take away Apostrophe’s food & drink or enjoy its attractive seating areas, free Wi-Fi, water and newspapers. Apostrophe has developed a strong social media presence and has formed partnerships with leading institutions such as The Whitechapel Gallery and National Theatre.
For more information about Apostrophe click here