CGC, which reported an annual turnover of £20m and 200 full-time staff, rising to 1,000 staff on peak days, caters exclusively at eight racecourses across the north fo England, alongside catering for five northern football and rugby stadiums and supplying public and event catering services at ten heritage sites in the north.
Manchester-headquartered SMG has a strong foothold in both the domestic and international entertainment venue markets, and also has ownership of the First Direct Arena in Leeds and York Barbican Theatre, as well as venues in Poland and Germany. It has reported a turnover of £45m and the combined European group has total revenues of £175m under management.
The deal will enable SMG to supplement its SAVOR catering services, providing food and beverages solutions across its range of high profile venues, which host the likes of Rihanna, Coldplay, Michael McIntyre, Take That, and U2.
Wes Westley, SMG president and CEO, said: “Local knowledge is the foundation of our worldwide success and this acquisition really strengthens our established food and beverage service, SAVOR.
“As the owner of a number of Europe’s most prestigious venues, we stage some of the world’s biggest acts, so we want to provide our customers with the highest quality experience. CGC is undoubtedly the best in its field and will enable us to extend our offering, so we’re delighted to be working alongside the team.”
Darran Coulson, Managing Director of CGC Events, commented: “We’re very excited to be joining the SMG family. Having established an excellent reputation in the north of the country, we’re now looking forward to blending our local knowledge with SMG’s global reach and expertise.”