SPAIN/USA. Global travel restaurateur Areas has completed the acquisition of Travel Hospitality Services (THS), the airport food & beverage division of Delaware North in the USA. It marks the largest acquisition in the Spanish company’s history.
The transaction, first announced in July this year, has now been approved by US competition authorities.
A major milestone in Areas’ global growth strategy, the deal significantly expands its presence in North America and reinforces its position as one of the world’s leading travel hospitality operators.
THS operates 237 food & beverage venues across 22 US airports, generating more than US$500 million in annual revenue.
With its integration, Areas triples its size in the USA. The company now manages nearly 400 locations across 27 airports and 12 travel plazas, supported by a combined workforce of more than 6,000 employees nationwide.
Following this acquisition, Areas noted the USA division becomes the company’s largest business unit worldwide, ahead of France and Iberia. It will account for an estimated 30% of the group’s total revenue.
Areas CEO Óscar Vela said, “The acquisition of THS represents a giant step forward in our growth strategy in the US market, positioning the country as our number one business unit and strengthening our leadership in the global travel hospitality industry.
“We warmly welcome the THS teams joining our organisation, who share our service mindset and commitment to delivering the best possible experience to travellers.”
Areas USA CEO Carlos Bernal commented, “Our team has worked diligently over the past few months to ensure a seamless transition for both existing and incoming employees as we come together as one team.
“I want to thank our airport partners, joint-venture partners and brand partners for their continued support and assure them that our unwavering focus on service excellence remains unchanged.
“As always, we remain dedicated to providing travellers with an outstanding dining and retail experience and exceptional customer service.”
With this transaction, Areas’ annual revenues are set to reach a €2.7 billion annually and the company will continue its advance towards the goal of achieving €3 billion in annual revenue in the coming years.
Areas now employs 24,000 people and operates over 2,200 restaurants and stores across 11 countries. 
