Caffè Nero acquires Nottingham-based rival 200 Degrees

Founded in 2012 in Nottingham by Rob Darby and Tom Vincent, 200 Degrees has grown into a successful 21-store Midlands coffee brand.

In addition to stores, the business has its own roastery and operates an online e-commerce channel selling directly to customers at home, including a subscription offering. 200 Degrees also operates a wholesale arm, serving over 500 wholesale customers.

200 Degrees joins The Nero Group and will sit alongside the Group’s other brands: Caffè Nero, Coffee#1, Harris+Hoole and Aroma, making it the fifth brand in the Group. The Nero Group aims to expand the 200 Degrees brand as part of its growth strategy in the U.K.

The Nero Group has acquired 200 Degrees in line with its ongoing strategy to develop premium, high quality, speciality coffee brands across the world. The Group now has over 790 stores in the UK, and approximately 1,100 stores across 10 countries.

“I’m delighted to welcome 200 Degrees into the Caffè Nero family. It is a fantastic brand with an emphasis on great coffee and service combined with a local community-based feel which matches perfectly the ethos of The Nero Group,” says The Nero Group Founder and group CEO Gerry Ford. 

“200 Degrees has a solid, loyal customer base and has developed a strong regional position. Our intention is to support 200 Degrees to continue its growth journey and allow the brand to operate separately alongside the other brands in The Nero Group.”

200 Degrees’ managing director Stephen Fern added: “We are thrilled that the strong market position and growth potential of 200 Degrees has been recognised within the sector. The Nero Group is a great partner for us with its commitment to premium coffee and its strong values as a family-owned company. 200 Degrees itself is a premium brand with a commitment to delivering great experiences.”