The research, put together by market analyst Plimsoll, suggests there are a number of cash-rich suppliers ‘waiting in the wings', ready to usher in a period of industry consolidation.
"I am sure any director worth his salt would agree that, in the current climate, there are simply too many companies chasing too little market," said analyst David Pattison. "With many directors eyeing the exit doors, and highly leveraged buy-outs consigned to history for the time being, it really is a buyer's market out there for cash-rich companies."
Pattison said there were ten firms that have enough cash to buy up large chunks of the industry.
The research, Plimsoll Industry Analysis - Catering Suppliers, looked at 216 companies and rated each on their acquisition attractiveness.
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