Buy back of Shares

Compass Group PLC
20 August 2003

20th August 2003, 7.00am



                               COMPASS GROUP PLC

             Participation in buy-back of Yoshinoya D & C Ltd shares


Compass Group PLC announces that its Japanese subsidiary Seiyo Food Systems has
participated in a buy-back of shares carried out by Yoshinoya D & C Ltd, selling
61,400 of its shares in Yoshinoya. This represents total proceeds to Seiyo of Y
11 billion (approximately £58 million).  The company confirms that its
shareholding in Yoshinoya has therefore reduced to 72,140 shares, representing
12.7% of the equity of Yoshinoya.



                                     ENDS


Enquiries :


Compass Group PLC                                    Tel:  [phone]

Sarah Ellis, Director Investor Relations


Brunswick                                            Tel:  [phone]

Timothy Grey
Pamela Small



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