Food service business Compass Group UK and Ireland has acquired food and HealthTech start-up Feedr.
The deal, completed in March, is hoped to play a key role in reshaping the 鈥渞eturn to work鈥� strategy for Compass.
Compass Group UK and Ireland plans to utilise Feedr鈥檚 software across its portfolio of corporate clients, with further potential applications of the technology in education and healthcare sectors.
Feedr鈥檚 mobile ordering platform offers pre-prepared meals for consumers and a 鈥榗loud canteen鈥� used by corporates.
The software will be used by Compass to improve employee鈥檚 interaction with on-site restaurants, allowing them to browse menus, pay and collect.
In addition to adopting Feedr technology, Compass will invest in growing Feedr as an independent brand which will continue to operate in the delivery market with its Cloud Canteen product, with Feedr leveraging the Compass global platform to accelerate its growth.
The timing of the acquisition has enabled Feedr and Compass to collectively support vulnerable populations during the COVID crisis, launching a first initiative in early April, where free Compass meals were connected to vulnerable customers鈥� homes using Feedr鈥檚 technology.
In addition, Feedr launched a home delivery solution for its existing customers.
As employees return to work, Feedr will use its technology to support social distancing and eliminating queues through click and collect initiatives in workplaces.
Robin Mills, Managing Director, Compass Group UK and Ireland said: 鈥淐ompass is eager to embrace the potential of technology to improve the way we serve our clients and customers, and to help people make healthier choices.
鈥淔eedr will provide the agility we need to meet the changing needs of workplace dining as we emerge from lockdown and adjust to a new normal.鈥�
Riya Grover, Co-Founder and CEO of Feedr added: 鈥淲e are thrilled to be part of Compass Group and to integrate our ordering, payments and health technology across their portfolio.
鈥淥perating at new levels of scale will allow us to accelerate our product innovation, and to support our marketplace of restaurant partners with new opportunities.鈥�