Areas enters UK market with acquisition of TRGC
By Naomi Chadderton |
Areas has reached an agreement to acquire The Restaurant Group Concessions (TRGC), marking its entry into the UK travel hospitality market and significantly expanding its international footprint.
The acquisition represents a major milestone in Areas’ growth strategy, establishing the UK as the company’s 12th market and a new standalone business unit. The UK is Europe’s second-largest travel retail and hospitality market and one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
TRGC operates 38 food and beverage outlets across 10 UK airports, with a portfolio that includes international brands such as Wagamama and Giraffe alongside proprietary concepts including The Curator at London Heathrow, Sonoma at London Gatwick and Smithfield at London Luton.
Upon completion of the transaction, Areas will assume responsibility for the business’s approximately 2,200 employees. TRGC generates annual revenues of more than €240 million, making the UK one of Areas’ five largest operations globally.
The acquisition strengthens Areas’ position in airport hospitality by combining TRGC’s established airport partnerships and operational expertise with the group’s global scale and capabilities.
The deal also supports Areas’ ambition to exceed €3 billion in annual revenue. Following completion, the company will operate around 2,200 points of sale across 12 countries, employing more than 26,000 people.
“This acquisition represents a transformational step forward in Areas’ European growth strategy,” said Óscar Vela, Global CEO of Areas.
“By entering the UK through a leading platform with a strong presence in the country’s top airports and an outstanding portfolio of brands, we are further consolidating our leadership in travel hospitality. We are also delighted to welcome the TRGC teams to Areas, who share our commitment to operational excellence and delivering the best experience to travellers worldwide.”
READ MORE: Avolta opens first Bill’s restaurant at Heathrow Airport
READ MORE: ARRA: Rethinking the role of restaurants and shops at airports
READ MORE: Carlos Bernal elected as Chair of the Airport Restaurant & Retail Association
Lotte Duty Free celebrates 100 days at Incheon Airport
Image Credit: Lotte Duty Free Lotte Duty Free held a special event in the departure hall of...
PMI reports double-digit adjusted EPS growth in Q2
Image Credit: PMI Philip Morris International (PMI) delivered record...
Ospree Duty Free partners with VFS Global to offer exclusive shopping benefits
Image Credit: Ospree Duty Free Ospree Duty Free has partnered with VFS Global to offer...
-
International,Lotte Duty Free celebrates 100 days at Incheon Airport
-
International,PMI reports double-digit adjusted EPS growth in Q2
-
In the Magazine
TRBusiness Magazine is free to access. Read the latest issue now.

Trbusiness. The travel retail Trbusiness. The magazine for global retail and duty free professionals.










