Entrepreneurship, profitability and innovation
In 1991, Francis Markus and Robert Zolade joined forces based on their experiences at the world’s largest international foodservices companies and purchased a 35% interest in Générale de Resturation, a subsidiary of the Accor group specialising in contract catering.
They rapidly developed the Group through a strategy based on partnerships, profitability and innovation. By bringing together French and foreign companies with expertise in contract catering and related services, they eventually made Elior the third leading operator in the European contracted foodservices and related services market.
1991
The Group is founded by Francis Markus, Robert Zolade and 300 managers, who join forces to acquire a 35% interest in Accor foodservice subsidiary Générale de Restauration.
1993
The Group moves into concession catering by acquiring a stake in Elitair.
1994
The Group acquires Accor’s remaining interest in Générale de Restauration and sets up concession catering firm Elite Aeropuertos in Spain.
1995
The Group signs a partnership agreement with Catering & Allied, a contract caterer operating in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
1996
The Group acquires UK-based caterer Drummond Thompson.
1997
The Group acquires a 51% interest in Holding de Restauration Concédée (HRC), a French concession caterer.
1998
The Group changes its name to Elior and sets up a two-pronged organisation in France, operating in contract catering under the Avenance name and in concession catering as Eliance.
1999
Elior steps up its expansion in Europe by acquiring companies in the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy.
2000
Elior is listed on the Euronext Paris First Market and included in the SBF 250 Index. It launches the Avenance brand in the United Kingdom.
2001
Elior becomes the market leader in Spanish contracted foodservices by forging strategic alliances with Àreas in concession catering and Serunion in contract catering. It also sets up operations in Portugal and Morocco and enhances its positions in Latin America.
2002
Elior is included in the SBF 120 Index. It acquires UK concession caterer Digby Trout Restaurants and gains full control of Serunión.
2003
Elior carries out a €110 million share issue.
2004
Elior buys out the minority interests in its Italian subsidiary Risto Chef, which is renamed Avenance Italia. In France, it gains full control of Les Repas Parisiens (LRP) in the Business and Industry segment and Hôpital Service in the Healthcare and Seniors segment. Lastly, the Group acquires a 51% interest in Azure, a UK-based company specialised in catering for sporting events.
2005
Elior increases its stake in Áreas to 69% and, through Àreas, raises its interest in duty-free leader Dufry to 18%. The Avenance brand is launched in the Netherlands.
2006
Elior broadens its multi-service lineup by acquiring FMC and GDS. Robert Zolade opens HBI's capital to two investor partners and launches a public tender offer for Elior. In December, HBI acquires all of Elior's share capital and voting rights and the company is de-listed.