Statement re Bond Mandate

25 April 2002

                               Compass Group PLC                               

                                 Bond Mandate                                  

Compass Group PLC announces it has mandated ABN AMRO, Royal Bank of Scotland
and Schroder Salomon Smith Barney as joint bookrunners for an inaugural Euro
benchmark bond issue and Barclays Capital, Royal Bank of Scotland and Schroder
Salomon Smith Barney as joint bookrunners for a Sterling bond issue.

Compass Group is rated Baa1/BBB+ (both with stable outlook) by Moody's and
Standard and Poor's. The transactions will be launched, subject to market
conditions following an investor roadshow.

Proceeds will be used to refinance existing bank debt.

Ends

Enquiries

Tim Grey / Simon Sporborg, Brunswick 020 7404 5959

Notes to Editors

Compass Group is the world's largest foodservice company with annual
foodservice revenues in excess of £9bn. Compass Group has over 360,000
employees working in more than 90 countries around the world providing
foodservice and hospitality. For more information visit www.compass-group.com