Hospitality leader augments position as premier hospitality provider in North America

STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Centerplate, the hospitality partner to North America's premier convention centers and sports venues, announced today that they have signed a merger agreement with the Boston Culinary Group (BCG) with the transaction slated for early 2010. As one of the largest foodservice management companies in the recreation and leisure industry with a proven 40-year track record, BCG will complement Centerplate's leadership position and enhance its ability to provide a total solution platform to clients.

Since merging with Kohlberg & Company, LCC earlier this year, Centerplate has reenergized its business through engaging new talent, launching the Center of Excellence (CoE) platform and completing a comprehensive brand repositioning. As a milestone that underscores the company's long-term commitment to driving returns for their clients, Centerplate looks forward to continuing its 80-year tenure of developing custom hospitality solutions with a larger platform. With the addition of BCG's 100+ venue partners, including such marquee venues as Dolphin Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins; the Bank Atlantic Center, home of the Florida Panthers; the Virginia Beach Convention Center; and 16 marquee ski resorts throughout the country, Centerplate will boast the most impressive roster of premier sports, entertainment and convention venues in North America. With the addition of 12 premier university accounts, Centerplate will serve as hospitality partner to 29 universities including such pre-eminent schools as the University of Florida, University of Louisville, University of Alabama, Virginia Tech, Kansas State University, University of Mississippi, Yale University and Harvard University.

"When I joined the company to lead its resurgence, I knew that in addition to enhancing our core services, strategic mergers would play a key role in achieving our objective of becoming #1 in hospitality. With Boston Culinary Group, we look forward to a new era in hospitality," said Des Hague, president and CEO of Centerplate. "Through this exciting new partnership, we will elevate our core business to support our clients in building their brands and driving their total returns."

"We are thrilled to join Centerplate in continuing our legacy of combining culinary expertise with genuine customer service," said Joseph O'Donnell, founder and Chairman of BCG. "Over the years, we have established a strong foundation based on hard work and dedication, and we are excited to continue building our business with Centerplate."

Additionally, Mr. O'Donnell will serve as chairman of Centerplate's Board of Directors and work with Mr. Hague to further the companies' history of outstanding client service and build additional long-term client relationships in the years ahead.

"I have spent a lot of time recently getting to know Joe. We have formed a great relationship and I know that together Centerplate will be a greater force in the industry," continued Des Hague.

"Des and his team have built incredible momentum in their short time as leaders of the organization. We are delighted with their performance and with this merger we are even more excited about the future of the enterprise. Joe O'Donnell is one of the industry's most respected executives and has accumulated one of the most attractive portfolios of foodservice contracts in the industry. Joe's ongoing ownership and chairman positions represent another significant enhancement of the Centerplate's leadership," stated Gordon Woodward of Kohlberg.

In the past few months, Centerplate has also brought aboard new members to the senior management team including hospitality veterans George Wooten as executive vice president of operations, Keith B.W. King as senior vice president, general counsel; and the promotion of Hadi K. Monavar to executive vice president of strategic planning. Other Centerplate news includes the award of several long-term contracts including Baltimore Convention Center, Dallas Convention Center, Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), New York Racing Association (NYRA) and the Los Angeles Zoo.

Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc is acting as financial advisor to Centerplate and Ropes & Gray LLP is acting as its legal advisor. Goulston & Storrs is acting as Boston Culinary Group's legal advisor.

About Centerplate

Centerplate with the merger now creates "Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results." in more than 250 prominent sports, entertainment and convention venues across North America. Centerplate has provided services to 11 Super Bowls, 19 World Series, key events for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, over 100 major College Bowl Games and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration. Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

SOURCE Centerplate

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