[22 July, 2025]: Compass Group PLC, a global leader in food services, today announces that it has agreed to acquire Vermaat for approximately €1.5bn, subject to regulatory approval.
Vermaat is a leading premium food services business in Europe, offering tailored on-site food concepts, delivered-in solutions and strong consumer-focused retail expertise. It is a high-performing and multi-sector platform which will provide Compass Group with an even stronger foundation for further sustainable growth in Europe.
The agreement reflects Compass Group’s commitment to long-term growth opportunities in the region where the addressable market is estimated to be at least €115bn ($135bn). Acquiring companies with specialist brands, flexible operating models and an entrepreneurial mentality is key to unlocking further growth and delivering tailored solutions for clients and consumers.
Vermaat is a natural partner due to its great reputation, high-quality premium offer and outstanding leadership team. The company operates across sectors including Business & Industry, Healthcare, and Sports & Leisure through an exciting portfolio of brands. A market leader in the Netherlands, Vermaat also has a growing presence in Germany and France and is on track to deliver revenues of c.€700m in 2025.
The proposed acquisition would complement Compass Group’s existing food offer in Europe, with Vermaat remaining an independent platform in the region. This reflects Compass Group’s successful strategy in North America of acquiring high-quality businesses to create an even more compelling offer and build local market scale.
The acquisition would significantly enhance Compass Group’s brand portfolio as well as its premium offering in Europe by leveraging its global best practices and Vermaat’s agility, entrepreneurial spirit, and drive for innovation.
Following the Vermaat works council consultation procedure, regulatory approval and closing, which can take some months, it is the intention for Vermaat’s highly regarded management team, brands and operations to become part of Compass Group’s operations in Europe. The company expects to grow Vermaat alongside its existing businesses.
Kathinka Friis-Møller, Chief Executive Officer, Compass Group Europe & the Middle East, said:
“The prospect of welcoming Vermaat to the Compass family is truly exciting. This would be a landmark acquisition of one of Europe’s most entrepreneurial and innovative catering companies. Vermaat brings superb brands and deep market knowledge as well as an exceptional team and cultural fit that aligns with our own values. We’re ready to supercharge their growth and enhance our premium offering, a category that is increasingly important to our clients and consumers in Europe. We look forward to learning from each other to build a great future together.”
Rick Zeelen, Chief Executive Officer, Vermaat, added:
“I’m incredibly proud of this new collaboration – it marks the start of an exciting, shared journey powered by the passion of the Vermaat and Compass teams. We believe this is just the start of delivering more tailor-made premium, personalised experiences across the European catering landscape. With the support of Compass Group and the freedom to operate as an independent platform, we’re excited to grow stronger together while staying true to our entrepreneurial spirit. This growth is not only about innovation and quality, but also about the connections we build and the culture we continue to nurture. We look forward to creating new opportunities, launching fresh ideas, and forming meaningful partnerships.”
Read Compass Group PLC’s announcement to the London Stock Exchange here.
About Compass Group
Compass Group is a global leader in food services, operating in around 30 countries, with around 580,000 employees worldwide and generating underlying revenues of over $42bn (€36bn) for the 2024 fiscal year. The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and specialises in providing food and a range of support services across the core sectors of Business & Industry, Healthcare & Seniors, Education, Sports & Leisure and Defence, Offshore & Remote, with an established brand portfolio.
Compass Group Netherlands operates brands including Eurest, ESFM, Famous Flavours, Maison van den Boer, Xandrion and Levy Europe in the country. It has almost 3,500 employees working across 1,700 organisations in various sectors in the Netherlands.
About Vermaat Group
Vermaat Group is a European leader in premium tailor-made hospitality solutions, with 8,800 colleagues serving over 200,000 guests daily across more than 700 locations. Established in 1978 in Utrecht, it has evolved from a humble family grocery shop into a market leader in the Dutch food and hospitality sector, with significant presence in France and Germany. Renowned for its culinary creativity, extensive partnerships and unique guest experiences, Vermaat Group consistently pushes boundaries through innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship exemplified by standout next-generation concepts such as Join Program.