METRO acquires UK food service delivery specialist

DLA Piper has advised METRO, a leading international food wholesaler, on the acquisition of Caterite Food & Wineservice, a UK-based food service delivery specialist.

Caterite's acquisition enables METRO to expand its footprint in northern UK. METRO will benefit from Caterite's customer base of over 2000 hotels, restaurants, and catering (HoReCa) clients in the premium and masstige segments, offering a mix of locally and internationally sourced food, complemented with value-added products from its own processing and production facilities.

A team from DLA Piper's Manchester, London, Sheffield, and Birmingham offices worked on the transaction and was jointly led by partner James Kerrigan and legal director Jonathan Paines, both from the Corporate practice. They were supported by partners David Thompson (Tax), Sarah Smith (Lit&Reg), and Tom Kelsall (Real Estate), legal directors Richard Johnson, Chloe Cumber, Helen Hall, Lucy Duane, senior associates Lindsey Peck, Taryn Jones, Andrew Brown, and associates Jenni Entwisle, Charlotte Gibson and George Somers.

James Kerrigan, partner, commented: “This deal underscores the strength of our cross-border capabilities and the seamless collaboration within our expansive deal team. The acquisition not only enhances METRO’s footprint in the UK but also brings together a wealth of expertise and local knowledge, driving innovation and growth in the food service sector.”