Now in its 15th year, the respected league table that ranks Britain’s private mid-market growth companies with the biggest sales, was revealed yesterday in the Business section of The Sunday Times. CH&CO yesterday entered The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 at number 73.
CH&CO has grown significantly as a result of its strategy that focuses on merger and acquisition activity, as well as organic growth. Last month, its annual accounts for the financial year ending 31 December 2018 – a year that saw the integration of Harbour & Jones and Concerto Group completed, following the mergers of 2017 – showed a 19% increase in annual turnover.
This year, the business has strategically expanded further, with Inspire Catering joining the CH&CO family to increase the caterer’s foothold in Scotland. The summer brought the acquisition of Gather & Gather and Creativevents from Mitie Group plc, increasing turnover by £137m, and just last week, Company of Cooks strengthened CH&CO’s destinations portfolio when it joined the business.
CH&CO also announced a new equity partner, Equistone Partners Europe, who share its vision for the company’s future in foodservice.
Bill Toner, CEO, CH&COBill Toner, CEO of CH&CO, comments: “We’re thrilled to have entered The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 league table, and within the top 100.
“Despite the challenging political and economic backdrop in which we all operate, we’ve remained resilient and continued to grow thanks to our clear growth strategy that focuses on merging with like-minded businesses and driving organic growth by always doing a great job for our clients.
“We’re delighted to have welcomed three dynamic new companies into the CH&CO family this year – Inspire, Gather & Gather and Creativevents, and Company of Cooks – as well as our new equity partners, Equistone. And, with a strong team in place, clear direction and plenty of talent and enthusiasm, we look forward to continued success.”