 STAMFORD, CT—In a move that further consolidates the Food & Beverage segment of the public facilities industry, Centerplate has acquired its New England rival, Boston Culinary Group. In January the merger transaction between the two companies had been completed and now with more than 250 venue partners, Centerplate is believed to be the largest Food & Beverage provider for professional sports stadiums and convention centers.
"By entering into this strategic merger with Boston Culinary Group, we have made a great stride today toward achieving our goal of becoming number 1 in hospitality," said Des Hague, president and CEO of Centerplate. "We look forward to serving our new venue partners with an unmatched level of  commitment, delivering extraordinary experiences for their guests and ultimately driving total returns.
As one of the largest foodservice management companies in the public assembly facility industry, the 40-year old BCG services more than 100  venues, which in addition to meeting and entertainment venues, also reportedly includes 15 ski resorts and 12 university venues. BCG logos and other branding materials will be phased out this year, replaced with the Centerplate branding and other promotional materials. The merger is not expected to result in significant loss of jobs for front-line concession and F&B employees, according to the company.
Joseph Donnell, founder of BCG, will serve as Chairman of the Board of  Directors at Centerplate. "We are thrilled to join Centerplate in continuing our legacy of combining culinary expertise with genuine customer service," saidDonnell. "We have established a strong foundation based on hard work and dedication, and we are excited to continue building our business with Centerplate."
Centerplate, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, has been the Food & Beverage provider to 11  Super Bowls, 19 World Series, key events for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, and 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls. In 2010, Centerplate will be an F&B provider for Superbowl XLIV at Land Shark Stadium and at the Vancouver Convention Centre, one of the venues to be featured in the 2010 Winter Olympics.
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