The airline catering industry in Europe is a vital component of the aviation sector, specializing in providing food and beverage services for airlines. Companies range from large catering firms managing inflight meals to smaller local providers focusing on specific regional cuisines. As travel habits evolve, sustainability and health-conscious choices are shaping menus, prompting a shift towards locally sourced and nutritious options. The introduction of new technologies is playing a key role in improving logistics and efficiency. With a growing emphasis on passenger experience and comfort, the industry is stepping up to meet the changing demands of travelers.


The list of top airline catering investors in Europe features a mix of venture capital firms, private equity groups, and corporate investors, each making significant contributions to the sector. Headquartered in key financial hubs like London, Paris, and Luxembourg, these investors range in size from small, agile firms to large entities overseeing thousands of employees. Founded between 1854 and 2011, these firms collectively engaged in numerous deals, with 2024 seeing a high number of transactions reflecting their active participation and interest in the evolving catering market.


Top 18 Airline Catering Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the airline catering context, such as its investment in Sabena technics, which provides services to the aviation industry, and Dupont Restauration, which likely operates in food services. Additionally, their investment in Foodles, a company that may intersect with food provision, further emphasizes their engagement in sectors related to airline catering.


2. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. In the context of the airline catering industry, CVC has made significant investments, including a notable equity commitment to Avolon Holdings, an aircraft leasing group, which plays a crucial role in the aviation sector. Additionally, their acquisition of HiSERV, a ground service equipment specialist, highlights their interest in companies that support airline operations, including catering services. These transactions demonstrate CVC's engagement in the airline and travel industry, making them a relevant investor in the airline catering space.


3. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. They focus on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. LDC has been actively involved in the airline catering industry, having acquired AIM Altitude on June 30, 2010, and Airline Services Interiors on March 23, 2012. These acquisitions highlight their strategic interest in the airline catering sector. Furthermore, their recent acquisition of Pierre Martinet, a leader in the salad catering market, indicates their ongoing commitment to enhancing their presence in the broader catering sector, which includes airline catering. LDC's investment in 15below, a software developer for the travel industry, also reflects their engagement with the airline sector.


4. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT has invested in Unilode Aviation Solutions, which provides services to the aviation industry, indicating their engagement in sectors related to airline operations. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of ISS, a company that offers facility services including catering, further demonstrates their involvement in the catering space, albeit not exclusively in airline catering. Their investment in Classic Fine Foods also highlights their interest in food services, which can be relevant to airline catering. Overall, EQT Group's diverse portfolio and strategic investments suggest a capability and interest in sectors that intersect with airline catering.


5. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market by making minority investments and offering extensive support services to help businesses scale. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies within the catering sector, including Entier, a Scottish catering group that received a £6.5m investment to expand its overseas operations, and Peyton and Byrne, which secured £6.25 million to accelerate its premium catering roll-out. Additionally, BGF's investment in Vosaio, a group travel specialist, further demonstrates its engagement in sectors that intersect with travel and catering, making it a potential player in the airline catering industry.


6. Bunzl UK and Ireland

  • Website: bunzl.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1854
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bunzl

Bunzl Public Limited Company is a distribution and outsourcing company based in London, England, founded in 1854. It provides essential items necessary for businesses to operate, with a focus on tailored solutions across various industries. Notably, Bunzl has made significant strides in the catering sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Aggora Group in January 2018, which specializes in commercial catering equipment and reported a revenue of £27 million for the year ending March 2017. Additionally, in November 2024, Bunzl acquired the C&C Group, which includes C&C Catering Equipment Ltd, further enhancing its Catering and Hospitality Division's market position. These transactions underscore Bunzl's commitment to catering solutions, which are integral to airline catering operations.


7. Accor

  • Website: group.accor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1967
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: accor

Accor is a prominent hospitality group founded in 1967, headquartered in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Accor operates a diverse portfolio of hotel brands and services, catering to both leisure and business travelers. The company is focused on delivering quality service and innovative solutions in the hospitality industry. Recently, Accor has been active in the catering sector, notably through its exclusive negotiations to fully acquire Potel et Chabot, a luxury catering company, aiming to become the sole shareholder by autumn 2023. This acquisition is expected to generate approximately €130 million in revenue in 2023, highlighting Accor's commitment to expanding its footprint in the catering industry. Additionally, Accor was involved in discussions to acquire Potel & Chabot in 2017, further emphasizing its interest in catering services. These transactions indicate Accor's strategic direction towards integrating catering into its broader hospitality offerings, which may include airline catering services.


8. Naxicap Partners

  • Website: naxicap.fr
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: naxicap-partners

Naxicap Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity and growth capital investments, focusing on mid-cap and small-cap companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and real estate. Naxicap Partners provides financial resources and strategic support to help businesses scale and enhance their market presence. Notably, they have been involved in transactions such as the investment in Newrest, a key player in the airline catering industry, which raised an undisclosed amount in a venture round in 2005. This investment highlights their engagement in the airline catering sector, alongside other investments in companies like Pierre SCHMIDT Charcutier-Traiteur and Groupe Bertrand, which, while not directly related to airline catering, showcase their diverse investment portfolio.


9. gategroup

  • Website: gategroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Opfikon, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: gategroup

gategroup is a corporate investor based in Opfikon, Zurich, Switzerland, specializing in catering and hospitality services for the travel industry. Founded in 2008, gategroup has established itself as a key player in airline catering, providing high-quality food services to airlines and other transportation services. Notable transactions include the acquisition of a 74% stake in Skygourmet in 2010, which marked a significant expansion in the airline catering sector. In December 2019, gategroup acquired the European operations of LSG Group from Lufthansa Group, enhancing their market presence and operational capacity. Additionally, in July 2020, they agreed to acquire Q Catering from Qantas Catering Group, further strengthening their business in Australia. These strategic acquisitions highlight gategroup's commitment to enhancing passenger experiences through quality catering services in the airline industry.


10. Permira

  • Website: permira.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: permira

Permira is a London-based private equity investment firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira has made significant investments in the aviation sector, including the acquisition of Topcast Aviation Supplies, the largest independent aircraft parts distributor in the Asia Pacific region. This transaction highlights Permira's strategic interest in the aviation industry, which could extend to airline catering. Additionally, Permira has a history of acquiring stakes in companies like eDreams ODIGEO, a major online travel agency, and Intelsat, a satellite communications group, showcasing its diverse investment portfolio and capability to transform businesses into market leaders.


11. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Hofmann Menu Manufaktur in 2013, a leading provider of customized 'cook & freeze' products, which are relevant to the airline catering sector. In 2015, they also acquired World Wide Wings, further emphasizing their engagement in the food service industry. These acquisitions highlight Partners Group's capability to invest in companies that could potentially serve the airline catering market, making them a relevant player in this space.


12. Rocket Internet SE


Rocket Internet SE is a venture builder based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in incubating and investing in internet and technology companies globally, providing operational support and capital to entrepreneurs. Notably, Rocket Internet has made significant investments across various sectors, including eCommerce, PropTech, and FinTech. One of their relevant transactions includes the acquisition of Order-In, an Australian online corporate catering service, which enhances their portfolio in the catering space. This acquisition reflects their interest in the catering industry, which is pertinent to airline catering. Additionally, Rocket Internet has been involved in other sectors, such as hospitality with room007 hotels & hostels, and food delivery with HelloFresh, showcasing their diverse investment strategy.


13. Tikehau Capital


Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in alternative asset management. Founded in 2004, the firm offers a diverse range of services including private debt, private equity, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital serves a variety of clients, including institutional and private investors, as well as SMEs seeking tailored financing solutions to support growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau Capital is currently in exclusive negotiations to acquire Sabena Technics, a company with a significant presence in aeronautical maintenance, which could relate to airline catering operations. Additionally, they have been involved in other transactions such as debt financing for Daher and Latecoere, which are also connected to the aviation sector, although not directly to airline catering. Their investment strategy reflects a broad interest in various industries, including those that support the aviation ecosystem.


14. Gibbons

  • Website: just-eat.co.uk
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Borehamwood, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: gibbons

Gibbons, founded in 2016 and based in Borehamwood, England, operates as a corporate investor through its platform Just Eat, a leading food delivery service. Just Eat connects consumers with local restaurants, facilitating the online ordering and delivery of a wide variety of food items. In a significant move to expand its offerings, Just Eat acquired City Pantry, a UK corporate catering marketplace, for an initial cash offering of £16 million in July 2019. This acquisition aims to leverage City Pantry's brand and technology to enhance Just Eat's presence in the corporate catering market. Additionally, Just Eat has been actively acquiring popular dining establishments, such as those in Gordon Ramsay's collection, to cater to consumer demand for delivery, further indicating their commitment to expanding their catering capabilities. These transactions highlight Just Eat's strategic direction towards catering services, which could encompass airline catering in the future.


15. Equistone Partners Europe


Equistone Partners Europe is a private equity investment firm based in London, specializing in management buyouts and growth capital for mid-market companies across Europe. Founded in 1979, the firm aims to partner with management teams to provide capital and strategic support for long-term growth and impressive returns. Notable transactions include the acquisition of ATPI Limited in 2008, a company that offers travel management services, which may encompass airline catering solutions. They also acquired Travel Counsellors in 2014, a travel agency that could intersect with airline catering needs. Their investment in Wallenborn Transports further highlights their engagement in the transportation sector, which is relevant to airline operations. Overall, Equistone's diverse portfolio and strategic focus on the travel and transportation industries position them as a potential player in the airline catering market.


16. PAI Partners

  • Website: paipartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1872
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: pai-partners

PAI Partners is a private equity firm based in Paris, founded in 1872, that specializes in managing dedicated buyout funds and executing leveraged buyout transactions. The firm serves institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, providing them with access to private equity investment opportunities across various sectors. PAI Partners has a strong track record in investment management, focusing on delivering financial returns through strategic investments. Notably, they completed the acquisition of Areas, the world's third-largest F&B operator, which is a key player in the travel catering market, for an enterprise value of €1,542 million in July 2019. Additionally, they acquired a majority stake in Alvest Group, a company specializing in ground support equipment for the aerospace industry, further emphasizing their involvement in sectors related to airline operations. These transactions highlight PAI Partners' commitment to investing in the airline catering and related industries.


17. Eurazeo

  • Website: eurazeo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape, particularly in Europe. Eurazeo provides tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion across diverse sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has participated in transactions relevant to the catering industry, such as the seed funding round for Pyxo, a startup that develops reusable food containers for the catering and hospitality sectors. This involvement highlights Eurazeo's engagement with businesses that intersect with the airline catering industry, further solidifying its relevance in this space.


18. TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P.


TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. is a private equity investment management firm based in London, England, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in private equity and structured opportunities, focusing on protecting and growing investors' savings by partnering with management teams to enhance business performance. TowerBrook operates across various sectors, providing strategic support to drive value creation for its portfolio companies. Notably, TowerBrook has made significant investments in the airline catering context, including the acquisition of AIM Altitude in September 2013, a company that specializes in inflight catering and related services. Additionally, they participated in the acquisition of Sabena technics in June 2019, which, while primarily focused on aircraft maintenance, also has implications for airline operations and services. These transactions highlight TowerBrook's engagement in sectors that are closely related to airline catering, reinforcing their relevance in this investment category.



Airline Catering Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Bunzl UK and IrelandLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500018545
AccorIssy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France10001+19670
Naxicap PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-20020050
gategroupOpfikon, Zurich, Switzerland10001+20080
PermiraLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019858
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
Tikehau CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France501-100020046
GibbonsBorehamwood, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020160
Equistone Partners EuropeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019791
PAI PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-20018724
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P.London, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020015


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