Compass Group, the world's largest contract catering company has acquired a US-based healthcare services management firm for £120m.
Crothall Services Group, which specialises in non-medical support services such as housekeeping, maintenance, laundry services and construction management would increase Compass' chances of winning facilities management and catering contracts in North American hospitals.

In April this year, Compass acquired Morrison Management Specialists for £397m to bolster its food, nutrition and dining services in the healthcare sector.

Compass has seen an increase in the number of clients requiring a raft of services from housekeeping to portering in the last few years. Crothall provides a plethora of support services to more than 250 hospitals across North America.

'We see Crothall as an important addition to our business as it will support Morrison in building and strengthening our presence in the healthcare market, which is almost unique in increasingly requesting a one-stop service combining foodservice with certain other facilities management services,' said Compass chief executive Michael Bailey.