Shareholder Conference

Compass Group PLC
22 March 2001

                                                                 22 March 2001

                              COMPASS GROUP PLC

                            SHAREHOLDER CONFERENCE

Compass Group PLC is hosting a Shareholder Conference in New York today,
Thursday 22 March 2001.  The conference is aimed at USA and European fund
managers.  UK investment analysts will also attend.

The conference programme will include a strategy update from Michael J. Bailey
(Chief Executive) and Andrew Lynch (Finance Director) and an overview of the
North American Division from Gary Green (CEO North American Division) and his
team.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit Compass Group
operated Business and Industry restaurants and branded locations in the
afternoon.

The presentations from the Shareholder Conference will be posted on the
Compass Group PLC website: http://www.compass-group.com.

Enquiries:
Nick Lyon, Hudson Sandler             Tel: [phone]