SSP Group plc has acquired Calgary-based ECG Ventures Limited (ECG) and will take over the leases of three units at Calgary Airport and two at Edmonton Airport.
The five new restaurant/bars – The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, Bistro on the Bow, Belgian Beer Café (two units) and The Canadian Brewhouse – complement SSP’s existing business at both airports, the company said. This is the second acquisition that SSP has completed in North America in the past twelve months, following the acquisition of the Midfield Concession business, with the final airport transferring in November.
SSP also announced it has signed a new contract with Jeddah Airport to operate three food and beverage packages, representing a total of 26 units. Both moves are part of a strategic objective to pivot to higher growth markets, the company said.
“Both the acquisition of ECG in Canada and the significant contract win at Jeddah are excellent examples of our business development strategy in action,” said Patrick Coveney, Group CEO of SSP. “We are clear that a combination of investing in organic growth and carrying out selective infill M&A will create sustainable long-term value and returns, and North America and the Middle East are important areas of focus for expansion. We very much look forward to welcoming the ECG team to SSP and to delighting passengers at Jeddah with our carefully selected mix of brands and concepts.”
