Gategroup, a global leader in airline catering and hospitality services, and TAP Air Portugal have reached an agreement for Gategroup to acquire a majority stake in Cateringpor – Catering de Portugal SA, following a public tender process. The transaction involves the acquisition of an additional 51% of Cateringpor's shares, resulting in full ownership of the company, and is subject to compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including approval from the Portuguese Competition Authority. Cateringpor will continue to provide in-flight catering services to TAP Air Portugal under the contractual framework defined in the tender.
This divestment is part of the commitments made in TAP's restructuring plan approved by the European Commission in 2021.
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo – Portugal advised Gategroup on its acquisition of sole control of Cateringpor. The team involved in this transaction was led by Mafalda Barreto, partner in the Corporate/Municipal Law practice, and included Ana Luísa Guimarães, partner in the Public and Regulated Sectors practice, Joaquim Caimoto Duarte, counsel in the Competition and European Union Law practice, and Leonor Rocha, senior associate in the Corporate/Municipal Law practice.
This transaction reflects Gategroup's continued focus on strategic geographic expansion. By consolidating its position in Cateringpor, Gategroup strengthens its portfolio in a key aviation hub. The transaction supports disciplined and profitable growth while further optimizing the group's regional presence through consolidation and economies of scale.
Gategroup has been a minority shareholder in Cateringpor since 2020 and has worked closely with TAP Air Portugal as its catering partner at its main hub. Cateringpor, for its part, has a long history with TAP Air Portugal, the Portuguese national airline, and plays a vital role in supporting its operations.
