En Route International sold to Dnata (Emirates Group)

dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers – and part of the Emirates Group of companies – has acquired a majority stake in En Route International Ltd, a UK supplier of bakery and packaged food solutions with operations in London, Dubai and the USA. Initium advised the shareholders of En Route throughout the transaction.

At the time of the transaction, En Route International had 10 years’ catering experience in the travel market. It provided a range of premium quality products and serviced a growing client list, including British Airways, Delta and Emirates. En Route also operated key distribution centres at two of the world’s busiest airports – London Heathrow in the UK and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the USA.

“I think appointing Initium was my lifesaver. Initium does the negotiations for you, which takes the emotion out of it all” – Alison Cooper, En Route

Alison Cooper, Managing Director, En Route, said: “Becoming part of dnata brings a number of new opportunities to En Route and will undoubtedly enhance our ability to develop and distribute our products to a wider audience.”

This transaction is an excellent example of how acquisition can deliver the resources and structure required to propel your business to the next level. Alison stayed with En Route for a further five years. During that time, under her expert leadership, En Route more than tripled turnover to £42m a year, providing a significant uplift on the value of Alison’s shareholding on her eventual exit.

A serial entrepreneur, business mentor, and active member of our Fellows community, Alison is a regular guest speaker at events, offering advice and insights to other business owners.