The move will see Alastair Storey, chairman and CEO of WSH, become chairman of Searcys, with the existing management team continuing to run the business.
Storey said: “Searcys is a great business that has a lot of synergy with WSH and we have long admired it. The WSH family of businesses operates with the philosophy of celebrating the sourcing of great fresh ingredients, showing a passion for food and encouraging a nimble entrepreneurial style that provides a great customer experience.
“Searcys will also benefit from WSH’s huge commitment to training and development which we strongly believe that with the right level of investment will see the brand go from strength to strength. I am very much looking forward to working with the team and meeting our clients and partners.”
Searcys managing director Chris Maddison welcomed the acquisition and believes joining forces with WSH is exciting for everyone connected with the company.
He said: “Searcys sits seamlessly alongside the other brands WSH owns and this transaction will provide the best of both worlds by ensuring that the company continues to operate independently, whilst having access to funding and advice that will provide a bright future.
“WSH has a great history of taking strong independent brands into its fold and helping them grow and prosper, while retaining the individuality that made them unique and appealing in the first place.
“Our clients will continue to receive the very highest standards of service and hospitality from the people that they know and trust, and our team will have access to training and development opportunities that are unrivalled within the industry.”
The deal, which includes all current assets and leases, sees Searcys now joining other independent hospitality and retail brands in the WSH family including BaxterStorey, Benugo, Caterlink, Holroyd Howe and Portico.
Searcys, founded in 1847, operates in venues such as 30 St Mary Axe (the Gherkin), St Pancras International, Blenheim Palace and Westfield London. In 2010 Searcys underwent a MBO from the Alternative Hotel Group (AHG).