EAT.

Business

Founded in 1996 by Niall and Faith MacArthur, EAT. is a leading business in the £3 billion specialist food and coffee ‘to go’ market. At acquisition it had 105 stores across the UK selling a wide range of soups, salads, sushi, panini, sandwiches, baked goods and coffee, all freshly prepared by EAT. each day.

Market

The sub-£10 meal category of the food and drink sector has proven resilient throughout the downturn and EAT. has performed robustly, with sales in the last 12 months of £94 million, up from £68 million in 2008

Strategy

The market overall is seeing a gradual recovery in consumer confidence and a continuing shift to healthy, branded, eating out and food-to-go. To capitalise on this trend, Lyceum invested alongside the founders and management to implement a growth strategy that includes:

• Accelerating a significant store roll-out programme which could support over 300 branches and a brand development programme
• Further developing the business and brand in the UK and internationally by investing in its leading product ranges, shops and people
• Continuing to provide consumers with high quality products, exceptional service and great value to further build on its loyal customer base.

Developments

Below are links to interesting news items on EAT. :

• Panini tax debate (The Independent)
• Sales success (thisismoney.co.uk)
• Lyceum’s investment (Financial Times)

For the latest information on our investment in EAT., download our platform focus document.