Completion of Sale

Compass Group PLC
11 July 2001

                                                                  11 July 2001


      Compass Group announces completion of the sale of Meridien Hotels


Compass Group confirms the successful completion of the sale of Meridien
Hotels to Grand Hotels (M) Acquisition Company I Limited, a company formed by
Nomura International plc's Principal Finance Group.


                                     Ends


For further information please contact:


Hudson Sandler             0207 796 4133

Wendy Baker
Noemie de Andia