Manchester Arena owner SMG acquires catering firm

Manchester-based SMG Europe, the owner of Manchester Arena, has acquired event catering and hospitality specialist, CGC Events Ltd.

SMG also has a US base, is working on projects throughout the UK, Europe, Middle East and Australasia.

It also owns the First Direct Arena in Leeds and York Barbican Theatre, as well as venues in Poland and Germany.

It has turnover of £45 million and the combined European group has total revenues of £175 million under management.

Leeds-based CGC is an event catering company with an annual turnover of £20 million and 200 full time staff, rising to more than 1,000 staff on peak days.

The business caters exclusively at eight racecourses across the north of England, including the world famous York Racecourse.

Alongside this, CGC also provides matchday and non-matchday catering for five northern football and rugby stadiums as well as public and event catering at ten heritage locations including the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate.

CGC has also offered catering services at events ranging from Welcome To Yorkshire’s 2014 White Rose Awards to the annual Harrogate Flower Shows.

The deal will enable SMG to supplement its SAVOR catering services, providing top quality food and beverages across its range of high profile venues, which host the likes of Rihanna, Coldplay, Michael McIntyre, Take That, U2 and Phoenix Nights which is currently in Manchester.

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.”

John Sharkey, executive vice president SMG Europe, added: “CGC is a great addition to our European business. Its client focus and demand for excellence in customer service aligns with our ethos, and we’re excited to grow the food and beverage component of our entertainment and external catering operations.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →