Compass Group

Compass Group is a contract catering service which started operating in the UK in 1941 under the name Factory Canteen Ltd. Following a merger with Grand Met Catering services in 1984, the business relaunched as Compass Contract Services. In 1987, the management took over the contract catering division and formed Compass Group. Compass Group is present in more than 50 countries. 

Its business activities include breakfasts, lunches, dinners, lattes and cappuccinos as well as hospitality services.

Compass Group achieved a global turnover of € 29.3 billion in 2019, indicating a growth of 8.5% compared to 2018. 

Compass operates in various types of sectors such as:

• Offices

• Schools

• Colleges

• Hospitals

• Retirement centres

• Sports & entertainment events

• Mining sites

• Offshore platforms

Compass' clients include Google, Apple, Coca Cola, HSBC, Continental, L'oReal, Bank of America, etc.

In 1988 Compass Group was quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

In 1992, Letheby & Christopher and Travellers Fare merged with Compass Group. In 1994, the business acquired Canteen Vending and a year later, it acquired Eurest International and formed a joint venture with RKHS. 

In 1996, Compass Group acquired the french subsidiary, Eurest France and in 1997, it launched Compass Southern Africa with KKS. in 1998, Restaurant Associates, an American business joined the group. By 1999, Compass Group entered both Brazil and Australia. 

In 2000, Compass Group partnered with Levy Restaurants and in 2001, it took over Selecta Group. In 2002, the business expanded by acquiring the Japanese firm Seiyo Foods and Bon Appetit in the US.

By 2010, Compass Group has grown by acquiring various businesses in the HoReCa sector in Canada, Denmark, India, UK, US, Denmark, France, etc.