Leading UK motorway service area operator Roadchef is being acquired by a fund managed by Macquarie Asset Management, which is committing to develop and accelerate the rollout of fast-charging infrastructure for electric vehicles across its estate.

Roadchef has 30 locations across the UK motorway network serving more than 52 million customers every year, providing rest areas, toilets, food and beverage outlets, refuelling and recharging facilities and accommodation.

Macquarie has operated in the UK for more than 30 years, opening its London headquarters in 1989. Today, Macquarie is one of the largest investors in the UK, having invested and arranged more than £50 billion in the country’s essential infrastructure in recent years.

Macquarie Asset Management says it intends to also support Roadchef to invest further in its sites, facilities, and partnerships with a number of the UK’s most popular brands such as McDonald’s, Costa Coffee and Leon.

Mark Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Roadchef, said, “We are delighted to continue our growth journey with Macquarie Asset Management, who recognise our potential and will continue to invest, grow and build Roadchef.”

Gordon Parsons, a Senior Managing Director at Macquarie Asset Management, added, “As a key part of the UK’s motorway infrastructure, we believe Roadchef has a major role to play in facilitating the transition to net zero. Its extensive network of locations across the country make it well positioned to support the fast-charging infrastructure that is key to the adoption of electric and low carbon vehicles. We look forward to working closely with the management team to develop Roadchef’s energy transition strategy and its offering for motorists.”

(Picture – Roadchef)