DNATA, the international airport and travel services company headquartered in Dubai, has announced that it will acquire a 100 per cent share of Alpha Flight Group Ltd (Alpha).
Alpha, which is being acquired from Milan-based Autogrill, is a leading international in-flight catering business with a turnover of £360 million ($569 million) and employs more than 5,800 staff in 11 countries.
It produces 120,000-plus meals per day at 58 airport globally.
The acquisition will increase Dnata’s international portfolio significantly, with the company’s ground handling and catering operations now set to operate in 70 airports in 17 countries. The effective date for the transaction is expected to be by December 31, 2010.
“This acquisition reflects Dnata’s long term strategy to expand and develop our international network,” said Gary Chapman, president of Dnata.
“Alpha will complement our existing ground handling and catering operations in Dubai and internationally. The company has a very strong and dynamic management team and I am confident that together we can further develop the business in line with the outstanding service and quality that Dnata is renowned for.”
It is Dnata’s fifth significant acquisition in the airport services sector in the last four years and consolidates Dnata’s position as a significant player in the global industry.