Manchester City and Celtic Football Clubs’ caterer Lindley Catering has been bought for £14m by private equity firm Sovereign Capital Partners.

Lindley, which is based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, provides public and private catering to theatres, 32 football clubs and cricket and rugby clubs.

Sovereign plans to expand the business to incorporate contracts in both mainstream and niche sports facilities across the UK and through acquiring other businesses.

Andrew Hayden, partner at Sovereign, said: “The management team have all the skills to take advantage of the opportunities for growth both within and beyond the market and we believe Lindley will build upon its strengths and reputation to become a substantial UK business.”

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