Compass to acquire Lackmann Culinary ServicesCompass to acquire Lackmann Culinary Services

Elissa Elan

WOODBURY N.Y. On-site foodservice conglomerate Compass Group PLC has entered into an agreement to acquire Lackmann Culinary Services, a Woodbury, N.Y.-based contractor specializing in college and corporate dining, sources at Lackmann confirmed Monday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded by Thomas Lackmann in 1964, Lackmann Culinary Services has been recognized as one of the largest foodservice companies in the Northeast.

Industry experts noted they were not surprised by news of the acquisition.

“People like Tom Lackmann set the stage for all the big guys,” said John Cornyn, co-founder of the Cornyn-Fasano Group, a Portland, Ore.-based consultant firm specializing in contract foodservice and facilities management. “It is the proverbial life cycle of small businesses these days; Lackmann lasted much longer than most.”

According to data compiled for Nation’s Restaurant News’ Top 100 study, Lackmann reported 2008 revenues of $97 million and operates 72 accounts.

Compass Group, the world's largest foodservice company, reported U.S. food and beverage revenues of more than $7.7 billion last year. It operates such brands as Eurest, Canteen, Flik International, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates Managed Services, Morrison Management and Levy Restaurants.

Contact Elissa Elan at [email protected].