Swiss catering company gategroup has completed its acquisition of a majority holding in KLM Catering Services (KCS) from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Under the deal, gategroup now owns 75% of KCS, with KLM keeping the remaining 25% stake.
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KCS has been active in inflight catering for more than 80 years. It employs over 1,300 staff and produces more than 55,000 meals each day for around 350 intercontinental, European and cargo flights.
It also operates a fleet of 82 catering trucks and supplies a broad range of airlines.
As part of the transaction, KCS will continue to supply onboard catering to KLM under a 20-year agreement, maintaining service for the airline’s passengers.
The deal was originally announced in March this year.
When the transaction was first disclosed, gategroup said KCS would continue to operate as an “independent entity”, with the aim of maintaining uninterrupted passenger service.
The company also said it would invest in a “flagship” catering facility at Amsterdam Schiphol.
At the time of announcing, KLM CFO Bas Brouns said: “We will remain involved in the onboard catering for our flights, ensuring the quality and service our passengers expect from KLM. The proposed acquisition will not impact jobs within KCS.”
Herman Anbeek, president Europe, gategroup, added: “This partnership with KLM represents an important step forward for our business in Europe. Together, we will continue to enhance performance, reliability and the overall customer experience.”
Based in Zurich, gategroup serves passengers through a network of nearly 300 locations across more than 68 countries.
