Facilities management company OCS Group has bought Reading-based contract caterer Just Deli for an undisclosed sum.
The takeover increases turnover at OCS's catering division to £55m, and will allow it to offer Just Deli's deli bar-bistro concept to clients across the country in the business, industry and hospitality sectors.
John Duffield, managing director and founder of Just Deli, said the partnership would allow his company, which operates mainly in the South-east, to expand geographically, using OCS's substantial resources, particularly in the Midlands. "We've been trying to develop our business in the West Midlands region for some time now but to no avail," said Duffield.
"You really need local knowledge, which is something OCS will provide us with."
Duffield said Just Deli would retain its identity within OCS's catering division and no redundancies would result.
Just Deli, with more than 50 blue-chip contracts, has forecast turnover of £11m for this year. It employs 300 people.