Wed 10th Jul 2019 - Fourth merges with US peer Hot Schedules to create ‘global powerhouse’ Fourth merges with US peer Hot Schedules to create ‘global powerhouse’: Fourth, the software provider to the UK hospitality industry, is to merge with US peer Hot Schedules to form the “world’s only provider of end-to-end restaurant and hospitality management solutions”. The merger is backed by Fourth’s existing investor, Insight Venture Partners, and new investor Marlin Equity Partners, with the latter taking a slightly larger stake in the combined business. Ben Hood, co-founder and chief executive of Fourth, will become chief executive of the newly merged company, which will have revenues of circa £150m and support 8,500 hospitality and leisure companies around the world in more than 120,000 locations. Fourth and Hot Schedules said the merged company represented the world’s “only provider of end-to-end restaurant and hospitality management solutions for customers across the globe – from a single-siter or franchisee restaurant to a global restaurant or hotel chain”. The combined company’s SaaS solution suite includes scheduling, time and attendance, applicant tracking, training, inventory management/procurement, HR/benefits, and payroll services. It has teams in the UK, US, Australia, Bulgaria, China and United Arab Emirates. Clients include Brinker International, California Pizza Kitchen, Caffe Nero, Casual Dining Group, Cheesecake Factory, Greene King, Papa John’s, PF Chang’s, PizzaExpress, Red Lobster, Shake Shack, Stonegate Pub Company, The Restaurant Group, Wyndham and YO! Sushi. Hood said: “We are excited to join forces with a company that aligns so closely to our mission, values, history, culture and overall commitment to customer success. After overseeing Fourth’s journey to date, it is a dream partnership.” David Cantu, co-founder and chief customer officer at HotSchedules said: “As the two largest players in the restaurant and hospitality vertical, our combined strengths and industry expertise will ensure our customers have the solutions they need to solve complex business problems and remain competitive.” Marlin Equity Partners principal Doug Bayerd said: “We are excited to team up with Insight Partners to bring two industry leaders together. Our combined investment underscores our commitment to the hospitality management solutions market and the value these companies provide for their customers.” The business will be headquartered in London and Austin, Texas.