Host Management has announced its second acquisition in two months with the purchase of Juice for Life (trading as OJ’s), operator of retail catering contracts in the leisure sector.
Juice for Life was set up in 1994 by Julian and Caroline Davis Smith and, under the OJ’s brand, manages and operates coffee bars, juice bars, restaurants and function services for corporate clients, councils and charitable trusts including nine local authority leisure centres.
News of the Juice for Life acquisition follows the purchase in July of upmarket contract caterer Couture, which runs the catering services at a number of prestigious heritage sites as well as b&I contracts and two leading film studios.
“This purchase gives us another credible lift in the market to enable the company to compete in the sector effectively. Juice for Life, with its strong OJ’s brand, takes Host into another new market giving us a solid base from which to win further contracts,” said Host CEO Bill Toner.
The acquisition brings £2m-worth of turnover to Host, giving a total annualised turnover of £25m.
Juice for Life managing director Julian Davis Smith becomes managing director of Host’s leisure sector business.
Said Davis Smith: “I am delighted to be working with Bill and the team at Host. The deal will bring new opportunities for OJ’s with Host’s resources enabling the company to build on its successes to date, while maintaining the strong brand values it has built on over the past few years.”
Host was founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Jerry Brand. Former Aramark UK CEO Bill Toner took over as chief executive of the company in May 2011, having joined in November 2010 as non-executive chairman.
Toner’s emphasis has been to establish a UK-wide sales and operations team, giving the company the ability to win and service contracts across the UK.
A renewed focus on recruiting and retaining quality staff and on training and inspiring its chefs has seen a training link established between Host and Michelin-starred Gleneagles chef Andrew Fairlie. This has further developed the skills of its chefs and re-emphasised the company’s strategy of serving local, freshly cooked food.
By developing a strong relationship with its clients through hands-on management and a flexible approach, Host has secured some £15m-worth of new business over the past 12 months.
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For further information or comment please contact Linda Pettit at Tilburstow Media Partners on 01342 832866 / 07973 789853 or linda@tilburstowmedia.co.uk.
Alternatively speak to Host CEO Bill Toner on 07831 637910.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Host is an independent, nationally based, contract catering company founded in 2004. The company, headed up by former Aramark UK CEO Bill Toner, has contracts in Scotland, Wales and mainland England including business & industry, directors and partners dining rooms, conference facilities, independent (prep, senior and 6th form) schools, state schools, further and higher education, and the healthcare industry in care homes, hospices and hospitals. www.hostmgt.com
