Vermaat Exits Under Partners Group with Sale to Compass for €1.5 Billion
Deal News | Jul 22, 2025 | Ropes & Gray
Ropes & Gray has advised Partners Group regarding their full exit from the premium Dutch catering company, Vermaat. The exit was realized through a sale to Compass Group, valuing Vermaat at approximately €1.5 billion. Partners Group initially purchased Vermaat in 2015, maintaining a minority stake following Bridgepoint's investment in 2019. Notably, the legal team from Ropes & Gray was led by John Newton and Tom Alabaster, with support from Victoria Srivastava, Melissa Vance, and Owen Sparkes.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Catering and Hospitality
- Legal Services
Geography
- Netherlands – Vermaat is based in the Netherlands.
- Global – Compass Group is a global entity, and Partners Group operates internationally.
Industry
- Private Equity – Involves Partners Group's investment activities and strategic exit via sale.
- Catering and Hospitality – Vermaat operates within the premium catering and hospitality services sector.
- Legal Services – Ropes & Gray provided legal advisory services in the transaction.
Financials
- €1.5 billion – The transaction value for the sale of Vermaat to Compass Group.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermaat | Target company | Company | A premium catering and hospitality services provider based in the Netherlands. |
| Partners Group | Selling company | Company | A global private equity firm responsible for selling its stake in Vermaat. |
| Compass Group | Bidding company/buyer | Company | An international food service company acquiring Vermaat. |
| Ropes & Gray | Legal advisor | Company | Provided legal counsel to Partners Group in the sale of Vermaat. |
| John Newton | Private equity partner | Person | Led the Ropes & Gray team advising Partners Group. |
| Tom Alabaster | Asset management partner | Person | Co-led the Ropes & Gray team advising Partners Group. |
| Victoria Srivastava | Private equity senior associate | Person | Supported the Ropes & Gray team. |
| Melissa Vance | Private equity associate | Person | Supported the Ropes & Gray team. |
| Owen Sparkes | Paralegal | Person | Supported the Ropes & Gray team. |