Statement re Early Redemption

Compass Group PLC
7 March 2002

7 March 2002


                              COMPASS GROUP PLC
                          Early redemption of £200 million
          10 per cent. First Mortgage Debenture Stock 2018 (the 'Stock')

Compass Group PLC ('Compass Group'), the world's largest foodservice company,
announces that at a meeting of holders of the Stock (the 'Stockholders') held
today, the resolution (the 'Proposal') to approve the early redemption of the
Stock, as set out in the Notice of Meeting contained in the circular to
Stockholders dated 12th February, 2002 was duly passed by an overwhelming
majority.

The register for the Stock was closed on 5th March, 2002 and it is expected
that the Stock will be redeemed on 14th March, 2002 (the 'Redemption Date').
It is anticipated that cheques in respect of the redemption proceeds, together
with accrued interest up to and including the Redemption Date, will be
despatched to holders on 14th March, 2002.

In order to receive their entitlement under the Proposal, Stockholders need
take no action in relation to their Stock certificates, which will
automatically cease to be valid after the Redemption Date and should be
destroyed following receipt of the redemption proceeds.

                                    Ends

Note:
Compass Group is the world's largest foodservice company employing over
300,000 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






                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange