Vermaat is a premium food services business in Europe offering tailored on-site food concepts, delivered-in solutions and consumer-focused retail expertise. 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 ten markets.
The European company has delivered a compound annual growth rate of nearly 20% over the last 15 years. Compass Group says its high retention rate reflects the quality of the offer and strong customer relationships. Vermaat is on track to generate sales of c.€700m with a double-digit operating margin in 2025.
Dominic Blakemore, group chief executive of Compass, said: “We are proud to announce this landmark acquisition. 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.”
Following decades of leveraging acquisitions to build a high-growth market leader in North America, Compass Group PLC is deploying the same blueprint in Europe to accelerate sectorisation.
Rick Zeelen, chief executive of Vermaat, added: “Compass and Vermaat are highly complementary businesses with similar cultures and priorities. 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. We look forward to joining Compass and the exciting journey ahead.”