CH&Co snaps up full ownership of cafe chain Apostrophe

CH&Co has snapped up the remaining 50% stake in high street café chain Apostrophe, two years after it entered into an equal shares joint venture with founder Amir Chen.

The move, announced today, comes as the independent caterer looks to affirm its commitment to matching the best branded high street catering offers and taking them into contracts in which it already has a strong commercial proposition. These include the workplace, visitor attractions and corporate entertainment.

Chen, who founded the company in 2001 with its first outlet in Shoreditch, East London, had grown the business to 18 sites in the capital, Heathrow and Gatwick, before entering into the JV with the caterer. He will stay on with the business until a "smooth transition of ownership" is complete.

CH&Co chairman Tim Jones said: "As I forecast two years' ago this joint venture has offered new horizons for CH&Co commercially and wider choice for our clients and now it is time for us to take the next step.

"Industry clients; visitors to world-famous attractions; and even private guests attending events at historic venues all want the best when dining with us. Apostrophe helps meet this need and we look forward to developing it further."

CH&Co last year announced a 26% rise in turnover to £97m, which it expects will comfortably break the £100m turnover milestone in 2014.

It serves diners, visitors and guests at more than 200 locations around the UK including Hampton Court Palace, ZSL London Zoo, Gatwick Airport, Sony UK, and The Tower of London.

Chen also commented: "I am so proud of what we have achieved and I look forward to seeing CH&Co build Apostrophe further.

"I am sure they will help it grow into new markets, which were previously inaccessible to Apostrophe alone."

CH&Co acquires 50% stake in high street coffee chain Apostrophe >>