By Denis Sheehan FIH: WSH announces acquisition of Genuine Dining.
Catering News is sponsored by Two Services
WSH, owners of a family of independent hospitality brands including BaxterStorey, Holroyd Howe, BM caterers, Searcys, and many other leading foodservice businesses has this afternoon announced the acquisition of Genuine Dining.
Noel Mahony, Executive Director at WSH, said: “WSH has a proven track record of investing in and growing successful businesses in our industry. We’re pleased to announce a new partnership and welcome Genuine Dining to the WSH family.
“An entrepreneurial business which has grown to offer a variety of hospitality services and brands, Genuine Dining shares our values of championing fresh, seasonal, local food, served by brilliant teams.
“WSH businesses work autonomously, with independent leadership and it will be business as usual for Genuine Dining which will continue to operate under its own independent structure with Chris Mitchell continuing to lead the business as CEO. Tim Axe, Amanda Kay, Paul Robottom and Ruth Lawton-Owen will continue as Managing Directors of their respective businesses.
“The partnership will give Genuine Dining teams the opportunity to grow and develop through our industry-leading, shared training and development programmes.”
Chris Mitchell, CEO at Genuine Dining, said: “Partnering with WSH is an exciting moment for Genuine Dining. In 14 years we have grown significantly, introducing new services, and to meet our future ambitions, it was important we selected a partner who lives and breathes our values and champions our individuality.
“Chairman and majority shareholder, Luke Johnson, working through Risk Capital Partners (RCP), is realising his investment and exiting the business, following 14 years of active involvement with Genuine Dining. Luke has been a huge supporter of our business, and we thank him for his time as Chairman.
“More than simply an investor, we made the decision to partner with WSH because of its commitment to the industry, supporting and enabling businesses to grow. I am very excited about the opportunity this partnership will bring to our people and business.”
Luke Johnson said: “We are immensely proud of the achievements of Genuine Dining since we first became involved, and grateful to Chris and his team for their outstanding efforts in expanding the business. I’m excited to see the next phase of the businesses growth through the support of likeminded business, WSH.”
Catering News is sponsored by Two Services
