Food Manufacture understands the sandwich and salad chain is operating a ‘business as usual’ policy in the interim, but expects there will be growth opportunities for both existing and new food businesses following the acquisition.
Under the deal, which was announced on Wednesday [22 May], Pret plans to convert as many of Eat’s shops – it operates around 90 sites – as possible to Veggie Prets. The concept first debuted in September 2016, with the opening of the brand’s first permanent store, and has since expanded to three further locations across London and Manchester.
“The purpose of this deal is to serve a growing demand of vegetarian and vegan customers who want delicious, high-quality food and drink options,” explained Pret chief executive officer (CEO) Clive Schlee.
'Turbo charge’
“The acquisition of the Eat estate is a wonderful opportunity to turbo-charge the development of Veggie Pret and put significant resources behind it.”
Eat CEO Andrew Walker added: “It has been a privilege to lead Eat for the past three years and I believe this acquisition creates new opportunities for employees and customers alike.”
Pret A Manger opened in London in 1986 and currently has more than 500 shops in nine countries.
Earlier this month it began rolling out a full list of ingredients for all the fresh food it sells in stores, following the deaths of two customers who suffered allergic reactions from eating its products.
