Host picks up Couture

25 July, 2012

Host Contract Management has acquired upscale contract caterer Couture, whose contracts include deals with the People’s Museum in Manchester, Liverpool Cathedral and Pinewood and Elstree film studios in London.

Couture’s turnover is around £5m, and the bolt-on will take Host’s own annual sales to around £22m. Host, which was set up in 2004, currently runs 86 contracts in the business, healthcare and independent schools sectors. It will continue to run Couture as a separate brand and division.

Host CEO Bill Toner, pictured, said: “We are delighted to be working with such a strong brand as Couture. This is a fantastic acquisition for Host, taking us into a new, and relatively untapped segment. When the rest of the market is stagnant we are proud that our plans for growth are on track.”

He added: “This acquisition will help give us the strength and credibility to compete further in the market and give us a good foundation from which to grow even further. Couture operates strong contracts, in interesting areas, but we feel Host can bring additional value with our focus on food quality, chef training and strong operational support. Our national sales team will also be concentrating on growing both brands by adding further contracts to the mix.”

Host is targeting turnover of £30m by the end of the year, and will continue to seek more acquisitions.