The Nero Group has bolstered its portfolio with the acquisition of FCB Coffee, a London-based coffee chain, marking its second acquisition in just two weeks. The deal, for an undisclosed amount, further strengthens the group’s foothold in the UK’s coffee industry, especially in high-traffic commuter locations such as railway stations.
Founded in 1998, FCB Coffee operates a network of 11 sites across London and the Southeast, with notable kiosks situated at key railway stations including Paddington, London Bridge, and Brighton. These locations cater predominantly to commuters, offering a convenient spot for a premium coffee experience on the go.
This acquisition adds to The Nero Group’s growing presence in the UK’s rail and underground stations. With the purchase of FCB Coffee, the group now boasts over 50 stores at these bustling transportation hubs, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality coffee in locations that serve millions of commuters daily.
Gerry Ford, CEO of The Nero Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, saying, “I’m very pleased to bring FCB into our group. Its stores offer commuters in transport locations very high-quality coffee. This acquisition is in line with our strategy to provide premium coffee experiences no matter where our customers might be. As the coffee market evolves, we continue to remain focused on the premium, specialty coffee segment.”
The acquisition of FCB Coffee comes shortly after the group’s recent purchase of Nottingham-based coffee roaster and café chain, 200 Degrees Coffee, in October 2024. FCB Coffee represents the sixth addition to The Nero Group’s diverse portfolio. It joins a distinguished lineup of coffee brands including Caffè Nero, Coffee#1, and Harris+Hoole, as well as the wholesale division Aroma, which supplies coffee products to a variety of businesses.
While FCB Coffee will now operate under The Nero Group umbrella, there have been notable leadership changes within the company. According to a Companies House filing, FCB Coffee’s Managing Director Barny Clevely departed from the business on 29 October 2024. Subsequently, two senior executives from The Nero Group, James Stewart and Benedict Price, were appointed as Directors of FCB Coffee on 5 November 2024, marking the latest step in integrating the brand into the larger group.
The Nero Group, headquartered in London, has grown substantially over the years, now operating more than 790 stores across the UK. Of those, 625 are Caffè Nero locations, making it one of the most recognizable coffee chains in the country. Additionally, the group runs another 300 Caffè Nero outlets across nine international markets, further solidifying its global presence.
This latest acquisition underscores The Nero Group’s ongoing strategy of expanding its footprint in the premium coffee sector. By acquiring established brands like FCB Coffee and 200 Degrees Coffee, the group is positioning itself as a key player in the growing market for high-quality, specialty coffee, particularly in high-traffic locations.
The move also reflects broader trends within the coffee industry, where consumer preferences continue to shift towards premium and artisanal offerings. In a competitive market, The Nero Group’s acquisition strategy allows it to diversify its portfolio while also expanding its reach to new customer bases.
As the coffee landscape continues to evolve, The Nero Group is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends. The integration of FCB Coffee is expected to enhance the group’s offering of top-tier coffee in commuter-centric locations, providing even more opportunities to serve customers seeking convenience without compromising on quality.
In the coming months, coffee lovers in London and the Southeast can expect to see an expanded presence of The Nero Group’s offerings, with even more options for enjoying premium coffee while on the move. With this latest acquisition, The Nero Group’s trajectory towards becoming a dominant force in the specialty coffee market appears poised to continue.
The Nero Group’s vision of delivering quality coffee to people wherever they are is evident in its continued expansion. As it grows its portfolio and broadens its market share, The Nero Group is set to redefine the coffee experience for commuters and coffee enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
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