High Table set for Manchester

CONTRACT caterer High Table is continuing its expansion outside London with the purchase of a majority shareholding in Manchester-based Drummond Thompson.

Established in 1986, Drummond Thompson provides catering management services at 20 sites, including Lever Brothers, the British Council, Premier Brands and Whitbread's Boddingtons Brewery. Last year its turnover was £2.6m.

The company will not be absorbed into High Table, although there will be some back of house co-operation. The name will be retained and managing director David Thompson will stay with the company he founded.

High Table will initially acquire 55% of the shares in Drummond Thompson, rising to 100% over two years.

Tim West, managing director of High Table, said: "This move is complementary to our strategy of expanding from our London base."

It is two years since this process started with the opening of a Leeds office, followed by the opening of a Bristol office in April.

High Table, which is itself part of Paris-based restaurant and catering organisation the Elitair/Elior Group, generated a turnover in excess of £23m to September this year.