On October 31, Deutsche Lufthansa AG confirmed the sale of the remaining part of the LSG Group to the Aurelius Group, a private equity firm. This development comes after the 2019 transaction where the European business operations of the LSG Group were sold to gategroup.
Remco Steenbergen, Chief Financial Officer of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, recognized the contributions of the LSG Group staff, attributing Lufthansa’s ascension as Europe’s leading airline group in part to their dedication and passion. Steenbergen conveyed, «In the Aurelius Group, [the LSG Group] now have a new owner who can provide new input and ideas, and who will continue to invest in the catering business segment.»
Highlighting the strategic direction, Steenbergen indicated this divestiture as part of Lufthansa Group’s broader plan to concentrate more on its primary air transport business to enhance profitability.
Erdmann Rauer, Chief Executive Officer of the LSG Group, commented on the transition, saying, «Today marks the start of a new chapter in our company’s long history, and we are greatly looking forward to the opportunities ahead.» He extended his gratitude to the Lufthansa Group, stating, «In all the years that we have been a part of it, the Lufthansa Group has helped us rise to become the leader in our industry.» Rauer also praised the LSG Group’s adaptability during challenging times, adding, «During the pandemic in particular, our LSG Group has proven its worth and strength as one of the most important catering providers in the air transport sector.»
The sale envelops all of the LSG Group’s classic catering, on-board retail, and food commerce operations. This includes all LSG brands, such as 131 LSG Sky Chefs catering establishments spanning the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Emerging Markets. The deal also incorporates Dublin-based Retail InMotion (RiM) and SCIS Air Security Services in the USA. Globally, the LSG Group boasts a workforce of around 20,000 and has 36 joint ventures.
