The partnership will give Genuine Dining teams the opportunity to grow and develop through shared training and development programmes.
Noel Mahony, executive director at WSH, said: “WSH has a proven track record of investing in and growing successful businesses in our industry. 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.”
Genuine Dining which will continue to operate under its own independent structure with Chris Mitchell continuing to lead the business as chief executive. Tim Axe, Amanda Kay, Paul Robottom and Ruth Lawton-Owen will continue as managing directors of their respective businesses.
Mitchell added: “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.”