Catering group CH&Co, based at Reading, has entered into a joint venture with high-street cafe group Apostrophe, by acquiring a 50% stake in the business.

CH&Co has also acquired a master franchise agreement from Apostrophe, which will allow CH&Co to deliver the Apostrophe brand at its catering venues, including popular visitor attractions and office environments.

Apostrophe opened its first outlet in Shoreditch, East London, in 2001 and is now present in 18 locations in central London, Heathrow and Gatwick.

CH&Co is a privately-owned corporate and commercial caterer and has been trading since 1991. It currently owns six operating brands and Ampersand, the public attraction and venue catering business in the CH&Co portfolio, already runs an Apostrophe outlet outside the Tower of London.

“This joint venture offers new horizons for CH&Co commercially and wider choice for our clients gastronomically,” said Tim Jones, chairman of CH &Co. “Increasingly our clients are seeking premium quality high street brands in their own in-house environments. To help meet this desire we can now offer the benefits of Apostrophe at visitor attractions or in the workplace. Apostrophe enjoys strong recognition and has tremendous potential to grow. We look forward to being part of its future success.”

“As a combined force Apostrophe and CH&Co offer a unique proposition in the market place, combining a leading high street presence with industry leading contract catering expertise,” said Amir Chen, CEO of Apostrophe. “This joint venture gives Apostrophe the ability to grow into new markets, which were previously inaccessible. It also provides Apostrophe with additional fire power to expand its presence on the high street and underpins a focused and ambitious growth strategy for the future.”

This growth strategy will make its mark imminently, with two new Apostrophe outlets opening in the City in early 2012.