Acquisition

Compass Group PLC
12 April 2002


12 April 2002

    Acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Gruppo Events Limited

Compass Group PLC announces that it has acquired the entire issued share
capital of Gruppo Events Limited.  The consideration payable is approximately
£3.6 million, which will be satisfied by the issue of 632,900 ordinary shares
in Compass Group PLC and the payment of £650,000 in cash.  Subject to
performance conditions a further cash amount up to a maximum of £3 million may
become payable.


Gruppo Events runs the restaurant and corporate hospitality operations at
Somerset House in London.


Note to Editors

Compass Group is the world's largest foodservice company employing over 360,000
people in over 90 countries and with annual revenues in excess of £9bn. Compass
Group provides foodservice for clients including major employers, educational
establishments, hospitals, leisure venues, retail locations and at major
airports and stations throughout USA, Europe, and developing markets in Asia
and South America. It operates through sector-specific subsidiaries such as
Eurest, the world's largest specialist in providing foodservice to business and
industry clients, and Select Service Partner, the European market leader in
foodservice at airport restaurants and rail stations. Further information on
the Group can be found at www.compass-group.com



                                Ends


Enquiries:

Tim Grey/Simon Sporborg, Brunswick          020 7404 5959






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