SSP has agreed to acquire Airport Retail Enterprise, enhancing its presence in the Australian and New Zealand airport food and beverage sector with the addition of 62 outlets.

Information on the Target

In 2009, SSP made its debut in the Australian airport sector by launching operations at Sydney International Airport, followed by expansions into Brisbane and Hobart Airports shortly thereafter. By 2019, SSP had further solidified its presence in Australia by acquiring 14 food and beverage outlets from local hospitality company Red Rock, gaining full control of food and beverage services at Perth and Melbourne Airports.

In 2024, SSP took a significant step by entering into an agreement to acquire Airport Retail Enterprise (ARE), the country’s leading airport food and beverage operator. This acquisition added 62 outlets, primarily consisting of bars, casual dining restaurants, and cafes across seven Australian airports, thereby expanding SSP's footprint to include Canberra, Mount Isa, Townsville, and Gold Coast airports. In the same year, the company also ventured into the New Zealand market, establishing operations at Christchurch Airport with five outlets.

Industry Overview in Australia

The airport food and beverage sector in Australia has been growing steadily, driven by increasing passenger numbers and demand for quality dining experiences within airports. Major urban centers like Sydney and Melbourne see millions of tr