Centreplate is a leading event hospitality operator in top sports stadia, entertainment venues and convention centres in the United States and Canada.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the combined revenues of the two companies is expected to exceed £660m in 2013.
A spokesman said: “The deal between The Lindley Group and Centerplate, individually recognised as industry leaders in guest-focused, locally-inspired hospitality and strategic design services for each of their respective markets, creates a global leader in event hospitality.
“Jointly, the new company will provide food, beverage and merchandise services to more than 115m guests annually, at many of the world’s most successful and iconic sporting facilities, convention centres, and leading tourist attractions in North America and the UK, including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, and The Hepworth Wakefield, a leading regional art gallery.”
The move to expand internationally comes after a period of significant growth for Centerplate, which was named the fastest growing restaurant hospitality group in the United States by leading trade publication Nation’s Restaurant News.
The spokesman added there were no plans to reduce the company’s combined workforce, which currently stands at over 35,000 people worldwide.
Each entity will continue to operate under its current name. The Lindley Group chief executive Adam Elliott is to become president of The Lindley Group and executive vice president of Centerplate. He will report to Centerplate president and chief executive Des Hague.
Hague was born and raised in the UK and began his hospitality career in roles throughout Europe.