Tim and Robyn Jones with Charles Boyd

Charlton House acquires Chester Boyd

14th May 2007, 4:46pm

Independent contract catering company Charlton House has acquired Chester Boyd, the highly regarded City of London corporate and venue catering specialist.

The acquisition has added  £10 million to Charlton House's annual turnover, which now stands at £67 million across 150 different contracts.

Chester Boyd's portfolio of 14 catering contracts at historic and unusual City of London venues officially came under the Charlton House banner on May 11. Ninety four permanent Chester Boyd employees and 134 casual staff have joined the Charlton House group.

The acquisition is a first for Charlton House. Prior to this transaction it was the largest organically grown contractor in the hospitality sector.

Tim Jones, co-founder and chairman of Charlton House said: "Like Charlton House, Chester Boyd is a market leader; it is one of the largest caterers in the Square Mile, with an enviable portfolio of banking and insurance clients.

"The company's reputation for exclusive venues, outstanding food and value for money makes it a natural extension to our own business, and we feel the timing is right to make this move now.

"Having made a conscious decision to expand our traditional staff restaurant business to take on more commercial contracts, Chester Boyd will strengthen our presence in the City and give Charlton House entry into the Livery Hall sector."

Chester Boyd was formed in 1983 as a joint venture between Charles & Liz Boyd and a City Livery Company. Originally formed to fulfil the catering requirements of the Butchers' Company, Chester Boyd subsequently acquired a number of similar exclusive catering contracts, including Founders' Hall and The Naval and Military Club.

The company's high profile outdoor event catering division has also come under Charlton House management.

Charles Boyd is to join Charlton House as chief executive of Chester Boyd, which will run as a separate division of Charlton House.

Robyn Jones, co-founder and chief executive of Charlton House said: "Charles Boyd is a true entrepreneur and a leader in his field. We see this acquisition as a marriage of true minds. It's an incredibly exciting chapter in our history, and I cannot think of a better company with whom to join forces.

"With a combined annual turnover of £67 million, the acquisition will elevate Charlton House into the next phase of our development."

Charles Boyd said: "I have known Robyn and Tim for over 10 years and have the greatest respect for them and their company. The ethos of both the people and the two companies is very similar. Each business has been built with the highest integrity, something that is very dear to me."

Related Articles:

• 18 Jul 2011 - Reading catering operation wins top title
• 27 Jun 2011 - Charlton House caterers introduce rapeseed oil in its restaurants
• 28 Feb 2011 - Charlton House secures contract with London brewer Fuller, Smith & Turner P.L.C
• 14 Feb 2011 - Caterer Charlton House retains Steria Limited group contract
• 13 Jul 2009 - Charles Boyd to launch new London venue

Click here to submit a comment!

Have your say!

To comment on this article, simply enter your name and email and send us your views. Please note that your comment will appear publicly below this article once it has been processed. For enquiries please email info@costsectorcatering.co.uk.