gategroup has agreed to acquire a 75% stake in KLM Catering Services (KCS) from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, forming a long-term strategic partnership centred on inflight catering at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Under the terms of the agreement, KLM will retain a 25% share in KCS, with the structure designed to support the long-term development of the business while allowing the airline to focus on its core operations.
The partnership will combine gategroup’s global catering expertise with KCS’s local experience, with plans to invest in a new flagship catering facility at Schiphol. The facility will incorporate advanced automation, environmental sustainability standards and a modern working environment.
Herman Anbeek, president Europe at gategroup, said: “This partnership with KLM represents an important step forward for our business in Europe. Together, we will continue to enhance performance, reliability and the overall customer experience.”
KLM said the agreement would enable it to leverage gategroup’s expertise while maintaining involvement in onboard catering. Bas Brouns, chief financial officer at KLM, said: “We are pleased to have found a strong and specialized partner in gategroup, with many years of experience in airline catering. We will remain involved in the catering on board our flights.”
KCS will continue to operate as an independent entity, with business operations unchanged as it is gradually integrated into gategroup’s global network.