Gulf Capital taps into food services sector

Gulf Capital, an active alternative investment firm in Abu Dhabi, has announced the acquisition from Vintage Holdings of 100 percent of Chef Middle East LLC, an importer and distributor of high-end, specialty and fine food products from around the world.
Chef was established in 1995 in Dubai as a regional supplier of the finest quality foods to the hotel, food services, casual dining and airline industries.
Karim El Solh, CEO, Gulf Capital, said: “We are excited to be exposed to the thriving food and consumer sector in a growing niche through a highly reputable market leader, such as Chef.”
Richard Dallas, MD, private equity at Gulf Capital said: “The defensive nature of the food services sector, which has historically been resilient to recessions, and the leadership position of Chef within this high-growth, demographically-driven niche subsector makes this acquisition ideal for us, and offers Gulf Capital a solid platform for future growth in the food sector.”
Muhannad Qubbaj, MD, private equity at Gulf Capital, said: “Chef is a perfect addition to our portfolio and helps us balance it across the defensive sectors in the regional economies, where demographics are of an exciting nature and remain a fuel for growth in our geography of focus.”
Abdullah Shahin, executive director, private equity at Gulf Capital, said: “Chef is a dynamic and engaging business which is well regarded by its customers and suppliers alike and known for quality reliable service.”
Suresh Rajagopalan, MD, Vintage Holdings, said: “We are proud of the growth we have driven in the Chef business since we acquired it in 2006.” Gulf Capital was advised by Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP while Vintage Holdings was advised by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.