Compass Group signs M&S franchise agreement
Compass Group has partnered with Marks & Spencer (M&S) to introduce the Simply Food brand into its retail offer.
The first M&S Simply Food Store has opened at the Royal Derby Hospital, which has been a Compass client for five years, under a new franchise agreement. The caterer already operates a fully licensed Costa Coffee, an Amigo convenience store and a Deli Marche at the site.
The introduction of the Simply Food brand will be focused on Compass's healthcare division Medirest, with more openings in hospital locations in the pipeline.
Commenting on the new agreement, Ian Sarson, group managing director of Compass Group UK & Ireland, described M&S as an "ideal strategic partner".
Paul Horwell, head of UK franchise at Marks & Spencer, added: "Compass joins our roster of trusted franchise partners and the combination of Compass' retail expertise in specialist locations with the M&S' innovative, quality food offer is an exciting prospect.
"Derby is a great opportunity for both parties and I'm looking forward to seeing how much further we can take the partnership."
