Compass Group acquires VFM and UHS in India

Compass Group continues to demonstrate its deep pockets with two more acquisitions.

The world's largest contract caterer has bought Vipul Facility Management (VFM) and Ultimate Hospitality Services (UHS) in India for undisclosed sums.

The company announced the purchase of UK firm PPP-Infrastructure Management last week and it bought French caterer Elior's business in Holland in March.

Delhi-based VFM, a national provider of support services to the business and industry sector, was acquired from Punit Beriwala and family. Its assets were INR 374.2m (£5.2m) as at 31 March 2010 with revenue for the previous 12 months of INR 710.7m (£10m).

UHS, based in Hyderabad, is described as a "strong regional player" in B&I food service, and was acquired from Praveen Rao, Mrs G Anitha and Uppala Kantha Rao. Its gross assets at 31 March 2010 were INR 42.1m (£0.6m) and revenue for the previous 12 months were INR 167m (£2.3m).

Richard Cousins, Compass Group chief executive, said: "We are delighted with both the acquisition of VFM and UHS. VFM provides an excellent platform to develop our support services capabilities in the region and enables us to offer an extended range of services to clients. UHS further enhances our existing food service offering in India and provides a strong foothold in the Hyderabad region".

Compass boosts support services with acquisition of PPP-Infrastructure Management >>

UK remains 'challenging' for Compass as organic revenue growth stays flat >>

Compass Group buys Elior Nederland >>

Compass buys Australia's Life's A Party Group >>

By Janie Stamford

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