Acquisition

Compass Group PLC
2 March 2001



2 March 2001



Compass Group Announces Competition Clearance

Regarding Acquisition of Morrison Management Specialists

Compass Group PLC today announced that it has received early termination of
the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976 with respect to the tender offer by its wholly-owned indirect acquisition
subsidiary, Yorkmont One, Inc., for all of the outstanding shares of common
stock of Morrison Management Specialists, Inc.  The tender offer was commenced
on February 16, 2001 at a price of $40.00 per share, net to seller, in cash.

The tender offer is also subject to certain conditions, including the valid
tender of at least a majority of the shares of Morrison common stock on a
fully diluted basis, without withdrawal.  The early termination of the
Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period has satisfied one of the conditions to the
tender offer.

Compass Group is the world's largest foodservice company with annual revenues
in excess of £7.3bn billion employing over 250,000 people in 80 countries
worldwide.  For further information: www.compass-group.com.


Ends

Enquiries:

Hudson Sandler

Nick Lyon/Wendy Baker

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