Acquisition signals healthy appetite for growth at catering group

NCE Group, a catering business headquartered in Leeds, is growing its share of the hospitality market following its acquisition of Nottingham-based Walker Catering.

Northern Catering Equipment Group, which has evolved from a sole trader start-up to a £3m revenue business in six years, purchased its first commodity with Hilton Smythe Business Advisers.

Walker Catering was established in 1990, offering catering supply services to customers in Nottingham, the East Midlands and across the UK. Prior to acquisition, it had 250 active clients.

In addition to Walker Catering, NCE Group operates three other businesses in Leeds and Swansea.

Mo Romanowicz, managing director of the group, said: “We’re happy to have invested in Walker Catering. It has not only brought additional revenue, but also experienced and capable staff who will help us go from strength-to-strength.

“The team at Hilton Smythe has been invaluable in terms of providing a clear action plan and supporting us every step of the way with clear communication.

“We’re already discussing further opportunities for growth through acquisition for our next stage of development.”

Jacob Lord, deal executive at Hilton Smythe Business Advisers, said: “The NCE Group has a clear growth strategy through acquisition, and the addition of Walker Catering to its portfolio supports its long-term aims and objectives.

“From our first meeting to completion, Hilton Smythe has been working hand in glove with The NCE Group to ensure Mo and the team were kept up to date with any developments and that the deal ran smoothly.”