Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have always been part of the contract catering world - but in recent years, M&A activity has accelerated. From billion-euro exits to independents joining forces with larger groups, consolidation is reshaping the landscape. Newest example being Compass Group's acquisition of Vermaat for €1.5 billion.

In this Served. panel talk, we sat down with two experts who know both sides of the table: Graeme Smith, Corporate finance specialist at AlixPartners, and Ruston Toms FIH, Co-Founder and Former Director of Blue Apple Workplace Catering , who sold his business to CH&CO which then got acquired by Compass Group.