REG - Competition and Mkts - CMA update: Aramark/Entier

AramarkAnnouncement

15/01/2026 13:00

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RNS Number : 0961P  Competition and Markets Authority  15 January 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 12H00 THURSDAY 15 JANUARY

CMA requires Aramark to sell Entier after finding competition concerns

Aramark's purchase of Entier found to harm competition in the UK for offshore
catering services.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has decided that Aramark must
unwind its purchase of Entier, following an in-depth investigation which found
that the deal harmed competition in the UK for offshore catering and
facilities management services for infrastructure assets located in the UK
Continental Shelf (UKCS).

Aramark, a global food and facilities management provider, acquired 90% of
Entier, a leading British catering company based in Aberdeen, in January 2025.
Both companies supply offshore catering and related services to oil and gas
platforms and other infrastructure in the UKCS and the North Sea.

The CMA's independent panel concluded that the deal combined two of three
major suppliers in the UK.

Offshore infrastructure operators consider offshore catering critical to their
operations and staff morale. This merger reduces the choice available to these
customers.

Evidence from existing customers and other competitors showed that Aramark and
Entier are considered very strong suppliers, with most customers expecting to
invite both companies to tenders for upcoming contracts for the UKCS. The
panel found that other competitors were unlikely to provide strong enough
alternatives to the Aramark-Entier merged entity in the next two years.

As a result, the CMA determined that the merger would lead to a substantial
lessening of competition, potentially leading to higher prices or reduced
quality for customers for offshore catering services for the UKCS.

Aramark chose not to offer a remedy and withdrew an initial remedy proposal.
The panel nevertheless considered a range of possible remedies, including
partial divestments, but concluded that only the sale of Entier to an approved
buyer would effectively address the competition concerns.

Richard Feasey, chair of the independent panel investigating the merger, said:

"People working in the offshore oil and gas fields face incredibly difficult
working conditions at sea, so keeping them fed and looked after is critical -
that's why effective competition for these catering services is so important.

"Our investigation found that this deal would leave customers of these
services with very limited choice, making it harder for them to get the best
value and quality. We assessed all the options available which could resolve
our concerns and restore competition. We found the only effective way of
achieving this was requiring Aramark to sell Entier."

The CMA now has 12 weeks to either accept Final Undertakings from Aramark, or
to make a Final Order requiring Aramark to sell Entier to a suitable
CMA-approved buyer.

More information can be found on the Aramark / Entier case page
(https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/aramark-slash-entier-merger-inquiry) .

Notes to editors

1.   Following its in-depth investigation, the CMA concluded that the merger
has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of
competition in the market in the UK for the supply of offshore catering and
ancillary facilities management services to customers for offshore
infrastructure assets in the UKCS. The CMA did not find a substantial
lessening of competition in the market for the supply of offshore catering and
ancillary facilities management services to customers for marine assets in the
North Sea (including the UKCS).

2.   During the investigation, after the CMA had issued its interim report
(24 October 2025), Aramark submitted a remedy proposal to address the CMA's
provisional competition concerns set out in the interim report. The CMA
consulted
(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69131d322017198896ad7f4a/Invitation_to_comment_on_remedies_1.pdf)
publicly on 11 November 2025 on a range of possible remedies, including
Aramark's proposed remedy. Aramark subsequently withdrew its remedy proposal.

3.   The CMA's decision in its final report (15 January 2026) is that
Aramark must sell its shareholding in Entier Limited. This requirement does
not apply in relation to Entier Australia Pty Ltd, which holds all the assets
and employees used by Entier to serve its contracts in Australia.

4.   The UKCS is an area designated by law. It comprises the seabed and
subsoil beyond the UK's territorial sea over which the UK exercises sovereign
rights to explore and exploit natural resources. It is bordered by the seas of
several countries, including Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands. The UKCS
includes parts of the North Sea, but also parts of the North Atlantic, Irish
Sea and the English Channel.

5.   For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office on 020 3738 6460
or press@cma.gov.uk.

 

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