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Tue 3rd Feb 2026 - Exclusive: hospitality tech firm Zonal acquired by Volaris Group |
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Exclusive – hospitality tech firm Zonal acquired by Volaris Group: UK hospitality technology provider Zonal, which supports many of the sector’s biggest bar, restaurant,and hotel companies, has been acquired by Volaris Group, an established ‘buy-and-hold’ software and technology group headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Zonal, which was founded by the McLean family in 1979, said that the acquisition by Volaris heralds “an exciting new era” for the business, whose customers include Greene King, Mitchells & Butlers and PizzaExpress. The company, which works with 17,000-plus businesses across the hospitality sector, said that the new backing by Volaris Group creates opportunities to accelerate Zonal’s next-generation software, while maintaining the company as an autonomous and independent subsidiary of the larger group. Volaris, which is the operating company of Constellation Software, is a strategic and long-term technology investor, operating a “buy-and-keep” philosophy, which means it is committed owners to the business and “dedicated to Zonal’s success in the long-term”. The acquisition will see Zonal chief executive and shareholder Stuart McLean step down from the business. McLean said: “We saw in Volaris a genuine long-term home for Zonal. Just as importantly, we also recognised the significant opportunity for Zonal to accelerate forward in its development, and for both the company and the team to grow and develop with it, all the while continuing to put our customers first in everything we do. What impressed me most about the Volaris team was a genuine commitment to understanding Zonal and our culture – not just the financials and our products, but as a people-led, customer-first business. Building and leading this company has been the privilege of my life, but this is a truly great opportunity for Zonal and our customers. I look forward to seeing the business go from strength to strength and will be cheering everyone on from the sidelines.” Jesper Ulsted, portfolio leader at Volaris Group, which operates in over 50 countries and 40 vertical markets, said: “We are excited to welcome Zonal to the Volaris family. Its strong brand, innovative technology and customer-centric culture make it a great fit for our portfolio. The McLean family have built and nurtured the Zonal business and, under the stewardship of Stuart McLean, it has become a widely admired technology company in the UK hospitality sector. We look forward to supporting Zonal as it continues to deliver exceptional solutions to its customers and to pursue further opportunities for growth.”
Premium Club subscribers to receive all 49 videos from Restaurant Marketer and Innovator on Friday, 13 February: Premium Club subscribers are to receive all 49 videos from Restaurant Marketer and Innovator on Friday, 13 February, at 9am. The videos include: Romy Miller, chief marketing officer at Knoops, sharing how the brand carved out a new category in the crowded drinks space, cutting through noise to create a cult following; Russell Danks, managing director at Laine Pub Co, exploring how the group built a brand strategy designed around Generation Z; and Olivia Fitzgerald, managing director at 125 Data & Insights, speaking with Tom James, managing director at Bill’s, about how it became the first hospitality brand to invite its customers quite literally “into the boardroom”. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.
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