Merger of Scotland's largest privately-owned caterer Entier with US firm Aramark to be investigated

A merger of Scotland’s largest privately-owned caterer with a US food services company is to be investigated.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to conduct an in-depth investigation into Aramark’s takeover of Entier, based near Aberdeen, in January this year.

The US firm bought a 90% stake in the company, and both provide catering and ancillary facilities management services to the offshore energy sector in the North Sea.

The firms provide food and housekeeping for people working on oil rigs and building wind farms.

Entier had a turnover of approximately £83m worldwide in 2024, with around £70m from its operations in the UK.

The firm employs around 700 staff and has grown operations across the UK, as well as in Australia, Trinidad, Canada, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

Having conducted a phase one investigation, the CMA says it is concerned the deal may lead to higher prices and/or a lack of choice for companies which need to provide on-site catering to their staff based at sea.

Aramark and Entier did not offer any Undertakings in Lieu, therefore the case has been referred to an in-depth Phase 2 inquiry, led by an independent panel of experts.

A spokesperson for Aramark said: “We are engaging constructively with the CMA and remain confident that this transaction is a positive development for customers.

“We look forward to continuing our dialogue with the CMA during Phase Two.”

Entier has been contacted for comment.