Amsterdam, IJsselstein, 16 December 2025 – Following approvals from the relevant authorities, Compass Group – a leading global foodservice provider – has acquired Vermaat Group, supercharging its growth ambitions in Netherlands, marking an exciting new chapter for both organisations.
Vermaat Group – a leading foodservice business – will continue to operate on a standalone basis while leveraging the benefits of being part of Compass Group. Led by the existing CEO, Rick Zeelen, Vermaat brings new talent and capabilities to Compass. With proven brands and concepts, flexible operating model and entrepreneurial mentality, Vermaat’s high-performing and multi-sector platforms across Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany, will provide an even stronger foundation for growth in Europe.
Compass Netherlands Joins Forces with Vermaat Netherlands
With this transaction, Compass Netherlands has become part of Vermaat Group and will join forces with Vermaat Netherlands. Sharing a passion for food, hospitality and an entrepreneurial, people-oriented culture, both organisations are closely aligned. From their existing service offices, the two organisations will work closely together and strengthen each other to achieve joint success. For the Vermaat organisations in Belgium, France and Germany, nothing will change. All brands and labels currently operating under Vermaat Group will remain separate from the Compass organisations in those countries.
Talent & Taste Powered by Tech
Compass Group strengthens Vermaat Group across the board, enabling the forward-looking hospitality specialist to better respond to the unique needs of clients, guests and employees.
Kathinka Friis-Møller, CEO of Compass Group Europe: “I am delighted that Vermaat Group is now part of Compass Group Europe. When we welcome companies to the Compass family, we look for amazing businesses with an entrepreneurial growth mentality, successful brands and fantastic prospects for accelerating growth through the support we can offer as a global business. Vermaat Group brings all this and more and we couldn’t be more delighted that we have finalised the acquisition. Vermaat’s high-performing and multi-sector platform will provide us with an even stronger foundation for growth in our offering in Europe. Their culture aligns with our own and we cannot wait to see what the future holds as we work together in the region.”
Rick Zeelen, CEO of Vermaat Group: “At Vermaat Group, we are extremely enthusiastic about the opportunities this brings – for our clients, guests, and our teams. The European food and hospitality sector is developing at a rapid pace. Not only in terms of sustainability and healthy nutrition, but also in the areas of data, digitalisation and innovation. With the support and international reach of Compass Group, Vermaat Group can fully focus on Talent & Taste powered by Tech. We will accelerate innovation and continue to invest in our talents and teams. At the same time, we want to expand our offering within Europe with high-quality food hospitality services. Together with Compass Group, we can realise our ambition to bring innovation and accelerate our growth in the European market.”
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About Compass Group
Compass Group is a global leader in food services, operating in over 25 countries, with around 590,000 employees worldwide and generating underlying revenues of over $46bn (€39bn) for the 2025 fiscal year. The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and specialises in providing food and a range of support services across the core sectors of Business & Industry, Healthcare & Seniors, Education, Sports & Leisure and Defence, Offshore & Remote, with an established brand portfolio.
About Vermaat Group
Vermaat Group is a European leader in premium tailor-made hospitality solutions, with 8,800 colleagues serving over 200,000 guests daily across more than 700 locations. Established in 1978 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, it has evolved from a humble family grocery shop into a market leader in the Dutch food and hospitality sector, with significant presence in France and Germany. Renowned for its culinary creativity, extensive partnerships and unique guest experiences, Vermaat Group consistently pushes boundaries through innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship exemplified by standout next-generation concepts such as Join Program.
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For further information:
pers@vermaatgroep.nl
