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Crescent Point Energy

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FY2015 Annual Report · Crescent Point Energy
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GLOBAL REACH

LOCAL FLAVOURS

Annual Report 2015

50+
WE OPERATE 
IN OVER 50 
COUNTRIES

50,000+
WE WORK IN 
MORE THAN 
50,000 CLIENT 
LOCATIONS

500,000+
WE EMPLOY 
MORE THAN 
500,000 GREAT 
PEOPLE

COMPASS PROVIDES  
GREAT FOOD AND SUPPORT 
SERVICES TO MILLIONS  
OF PEOPLE AROUND THE  
WORLD EVERY DAY
Our core strategy continues to deliver  
shareholder value and we remain positive  
about the structural growth potential  
in food and support services globally.

GLOBAL REACH  
LOCAL FLAVOURS

Our global presence ensures  
we share international best 
practice across the Group to  
bring clients and consumers  
the latest innovations. Our 
individual operations bring  
local creativity and flair to  
our food and service. 

5bn+
WE SERVE OVER  
5 BILLION MEALS 
A YEAR

GROUP PERFORMANCE
DELIVERING GROWTH

UNDERLYING OPERATING MARGIN (%)

CONTENTS

UNDERLYING REVENUE (£m)

£17,843m

2015

2014

2013

2012

7.2%

17,843

17,058

17,557

16,905

2015

2014

2013

2012

7.2

7.2

7.1

6.9

1,296

1,245

1,265

1,178

UNDERLYING BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)

UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT (£m)

53.7p

2015

2014

2013

2012

£1,296m

53.7

48.7

47.7

42.6

2015

2014

2013

2012

REPORTED PROFIT BEFORE TAX (£m)

DIVIDEND PER ORDINARY SHARE (PENCE)

£1,159m

29.4p

2015

2014

2013

2012

1,159

1,144

2015

2014

2013

2012

721

789

29.4

26.5

24.0

21.3

Regional  
performance

Key performance 
indicators

 Read more on page 6

 Read more on pages 16 and 17

See page 160 for glossary of terms

STRATEGIC REPORT
2  Chairman’s statement
5   Strategic report overview
6   Our regions
7   Sectors and services
8   Chief Executive’s statement
11   Market perspective
12   Business model
14   Strategy for growth
16   Key performance indicators 
20   Regional review
27    Finance Director’s statement
31    Principal risks
35  Our responsibilities
40  Our Board

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
43 
59 

 Governance and Directors’ Report
  Directors’ Remuneration Report

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 Directors’ responsibilities
79 
80  Independent auditor’s report
83 
94 

 Consolidated financial statements
 Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements

 PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
145  Parent Company financial statements
147   Notes to the Parent Company  

financial statements

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
152   Shareholder information
154    Notice of Annual General Meeting

For more 
information
Download this Report  
and our full Corporate 
Responsibility Report at
www.compass-group.com/ar15

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  1

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
DELIVERING GROWTH

2015 has been another year  
of consistent performance  
for Compass, delivering 
sustainable organic revenue 
growth and returns for 
shareholders. As we look 
forward, the opportunities for 
further improvement and value 
creation remain attractive.

I’m pleased to report another excellent year for 
Compass. We continue to pursue our clear and 
consistent strategy, which has delivered a 
strong performance for shareholders, and we 
remain positive about the future opportunities 
we see.

PERFORMANCE 
Our commitment to generating sustainable 
organic growth by winning new contracts  
and retaining existing business has delivered  
a strong performance. We have achieved 
excellent levels of organic growth in North 
America and emerging markets, despite an 
uncertain economic environment in some of 
those countries. Encouragingly, Europe & 
Japan returned to growth in the first half of 
the year, with progress accelerating through 
the second half. 

Our focus on embedding the Management and 
Performance (MAP) framework deeper into  
the organisation and generating efficiencies 
remains as strong as ever. This has enabled us 
to reinvest in the business to support growth 
and deliver an improvement in underlying 
margin before restructuring costs. These relate 
to a proactive reduction of the cost base in our 
Offshore & Remote business globally and in 
some emerging markets to manage the impact 
of challenging market conditions.

Richard talks more about the drivers of our 
performance on page 8 of this report.

POSITION IN FTSE 100 INDEX AS  
AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2015 (2014: 28)

OUR VALUES

25

OPENNESS, TRUST  
AND INTEGRITY

PASSION FOR QUALITY

WIN THROUGH TEAMWORK

COMPASS SHARE PRICE PERFORMANCE V FTSE 100 
OVER LAST 3 YEARS (%)

RESPONSIBILITY

CAN DO SAFELY

14.2

22.8

1 YEAR

2 YEARS

3 YEARS

39.4

COMPASS GROUP SHARE PRICE PERFORMANCE V THE FTSE 100 INDEX  
(POUNDS)

2014 

                    2015

FTSE 100 (REBASED)
COMPASS

13

12

11

10

9

8

S

O

N

D

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

2  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Strategic report SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
As a result of this strong performance, I’m 
pleased to announce that the Board has 
recommended a final dividend of 19.6 pence 
per share, which brings the total dividend  
for the year to 29.4 pence per share, an 
increase of 10.9% over the prior year. The 
final dividend will be paid to shareholders  
on 22 February 2016. 

We completed the £500 million share buyback 
programme, announced on 27 November 
2013, on 10 August 2015, buying a total of 
48.3 million shares.

Creating shareholder value is a key priority  
for the Group and, going forward, our priorities 
for how we use our cash remain unchanged. 
We will continue to invest in the business  
to support organic growth, pursue small to 
medium sized infill acquisitions and grow  
the dividend in line with earnings per  
share. We remain committed to maintaining 
strong investment grade credit ratings and  
will therefore return any surplus cash  
to shareholders to target net debt/EBITDA  
of around 1.5x.

COMMITMENT TO CORPORATE 
RESPONSIBILITY
Corporate responsibility (CR) underpins our 
business, enabling us to achieve our strategic 
goals in a responsible and sustainable way. 
The Board is fully committed to the integration 
of broader social, ethical and sustainable 
practices across our day to day business.  
Our teams around the Group work hard to 
continuously enhance the positive contribution 
that we make to local communities. We focus 
on the issues that are important to our 
business and our stakeholders, from the way 
we source our products to how we engage with 
our people and customers. Specifically, our 
focus includes developing our people, the 
health and wellbeing of our consumers, the 
responsible use of resources and improving 
the integrity of our supply chain.

There is more information on our CR 
performance during the year in the CR section 
of this report, which starts on page 35.

OUR PEOPLE
Compass owes its success to its more than 
500,000 employees. I would like to thank 
them all for their dedication and hard work 
during the year. I’m committed to creating  
an environment that encourages and enables 
people to achieve their ambitions and develop 
the skills they need to do so.

LEADERSHIP AND BOARD CHANGES
After 11 years with Compass, initially as  
Group Finance Director and then as Group 
Chief Operating Officer, Europe & Japan,  
Andy Martin will stand down from the Board 
on 1 December 2015. As a result of Andy’s 
departure, Dominic Blakemore will move  
from his role as Group Finance Director  
to become Group Chief Operating Officer,  
Europe from 1 December 2015. Johnny 
Thomson will succeed Dominic as Group 
Finance Director from his position as Regional 
Managing Director of our business in  
Latin America and will join the Board  
on 1 December 2015. 

Ireena Vittal and Nelson Silva also joined the 
Group as non-executive directors during the 
year. Ireena brings to the Board a wealth of 
experience, particularly of working in India 
which is an important fast growing and 
emerging market for Compass. Nelson is 
currently Senior Vice President responsible  
for Brazil, Bolivia and Uruguay for BG Group 
and has over 40 years of international 
experience in mining, logistics, aluminium  
and oil and gas industries. 

Sir Ian Robinson will retire from the Board  
at the conclusion of the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting in 2016 after nine years’ 
service. Don Robert became the Senior 
Independent Director from 1 October 2015  
in succession to Sir Ian.

On behalf of the Board, I’d like to thank Andy 
and Sir Ian for their contribution and welcome 
Johnny, Ireena and Nelson to the Board.

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK
Compass has had another strong year. North 
America continues to deliver excellent growth. 
Our business in Europe & Japan is enjoying  
a strong recovery as we are rewarded for our 
investment to accelerate growth in the region. 
Our Fast Growing & Emerging region continues 
to perform well despite lower volumes and 
pricing pressures in the Offshore & Remote 
sector, and in some emerging markets.

We continue to drive operating efficiencies 
around the business, which we are partly 
reinvesting in the growth opportunities we see 
across the Group. Excluding the £26 million  
of restructuring costs announced in July, 
underlying operating margin for the Group 
improved by 10 basis points. 

Our expectations for 2016 are positive and 
unchanged. The pipeline of new contracts is 
strong, and the savings from the restructuring, 
together with the margin improvement in the 
rest of the Group, are expected to offset the 
impact of lower volumes and pricing pressures 
in our Fast Growing & Emerging region. 

In the longer term, we remain confident about 
the significant structural growth opportunities 
globally and the potential for further revenue 
growth, margin improvement, as well as 
continued returns to shareholders through 
dividends and ongoing share buybacks.

PAUL WALSH 
Chairman 
24 November 2015

Corporate 
Responsibility

 Read more on pages 35 to 39

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  3

 
 
 
 
CUSTOMISED

SECTORISATION IS A KEY 
TO OUR SUCCESS

Sectorisation enables us to adapt our offer to different 
market segments.

This approach is most well developed in North 
America, where we use our portfolio of B2B brands  
to customise our services for each client and we  
now have over 20 sub-sectors. For example, in 
Healthcare & Seniors we have different sub-sectors  
for food and support services and for hospitals and 
senior living communities.

SOLUTIONS

STRATEGIC REPORT OVERVIEW
CREATING LONG TERM VALUE

Food is our core competence and we pride ourselves on our ability  
to provide clients with a wide range of innovative dining solutions  
designed especially for them. Our strategy is to generate long term  
value by leveraging our scale to create a competitive advantage and  
deliver consistent organic revenue growth and margin improvement. 

IN THIS REVIEW

WHAT SECTORS AND REGIONS  
DO WE OPERATE IN?

REGIONAL REVENUE

HOW DID WE PERFORM IN 2015?

3

2

1

 pages 6 and 7

WHAT IS OUR BUSINESS MODEL?

1. NORTH AMERICA  .........................................52%
2. EUROPE & JAPAN .........................................31%
3. FAST GROWING & EMERGING ......................17%

 page 27

UNDERLYING REVENUE

£17.8bn

WHAT IS OUR STRATEGY FOR GROWTH?

SOURCING 
RESPONSIBLY

PREPARING 
DELICIOUS DISHES 

FOCUS ON FOOD

 page 14

WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES  
WITHIN OUR MARKETS?

PROVIDING 
GREAT SERVICE

INNOVATING

HOW DO WE DEVELOP MORE SUSTAINABLE 
BUSINESS PRACTICES?

 page 12

 page 35

WHAT ARE OUR KEY PERFORMANCE 
INDICATORS?

WHAT ARE OUR RISKS AND HOW  
DO WE MANAGE THEM?

 page 16

 page 31

 page 11

FOOD SERVICE MARKET SIZE

>£200bn

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  5

 
 
OUR REGIONS
A BROAD GEOGRAPHIC FOOTPRINT

We have a truly international business, with operations in over  
50 countries. Our three geographic regions comprise countries  
with similar market characteristics or at similar stages of development. 

NORTH AMERICA
North America is our core growth engine 
accounting for around 50% of the Group’s 
revenue. We are the market leader in the 
region, and our business continues to deliver 
excellent levels of growth by combining the 
cost advantages of our scale with a tailored 
client facing sector approach. Many of the 
best practices developed in North America  
are being successfully replicated across the 
Group. We are one of the largest employers in 
North America and were recognised by Forbes 
in 2015 as one of America’s Best Employers.

EUROPE & JAPAN
Our business in Europe & Japan is enjoying a 
strong recovery. The region has good growth 
potential with more than 50% of the food 
service market still to be outsourced. We 
have invested in sales and retention and, as 
a result, we are now seeing higher levels of 
new business wins and increasing retention 
rates. We are delivering margin improvement 
through a continued focus on operational 
efficiencies, particularly food procurement 
and labour utilisation. 

FAST GROWING & EMERGING
Our Fast Growing & Emerging region  
has excellent long term growth potential.  
We balance this potential with a disciplined 
approach to quality assurance programmes, 
global supply chain standards and corporate 
governance. Our business has been 
impacted by lower commodity prices and  
a weak macroeconomic environment in 
some emerging markets. We are rightsizing 
our cost base to reflect these changing 
market conditions and remain excited  
about the medium to long term growth 
prospects of the region. 

 Read more on pages 20 and 21

 Read more on pages 22 and 23

 Read more on pages 24 and 25

REVENUE
(2014: £8,199m)

£9,361m REVENUE

(2014: £5,716m)

£5,469m REVENUE

(2014: £3,143m)

£3,013m

% OF GROUP REVENUE
(2014: 48%)

52% % OF GROUP REVENUE

(2014: 34%)

31% % OF GROUP REVENUE

(2014: 18%)

UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT 
(2014: £666m)

£760m UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT

(2014: £409m)

£397m UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT 

BEFORE RESTRUCTURING
(2014: £226m)

6  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

17%

£218m

Strategic report SECTORS AND SERVICES
BESPOKE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR  
CLIENTS AND CONSUMERS

We segment our markets into sectors, and sub-sectors, and believe this 
strategy is an important driver of our success. It encourages the necessary 
specialisation, ownership and client focus. We have a portfolio of business 
to business (B2B) brands which we use to differentiate our offering to best  
meet the needs of our clients and consumers. This approach allows us to 
develop sector best practices and market leading innovations that are 
delivered by our teams around the world. 

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY 
We provide a choice of quality, nutritious and well 
balanced food for employees during their working  
day. In addition, where clients seek broader service 
offerings, we can deliver a range of support services  
to the highest standard, at the best value, on an 
international scale.

HEALTHCARE & SENIORS 
We are specialists in helping hospitals in the public and 
private sectors on their journey of managing efficiency 
and enhancing quality across a range of services. With  
a significant presence in the growing senior living 
market, we also provide services to residential homes  
and home meal delivery services.

EDUCATION 
From kindergarten to college, we provide fun,  
nutritious dining solutions that help support academic 
achievement at the highest levels. Our simple set  
of commitments – Eat, Learn, Live – helps us to  
educate young people about how to have a happy,  
safe and healthy lifestyle while contributing to a 
sustainable world.

SPORTS & LEISURE 
Operating at some of the world’s most prestigious  
sporting and leisure venues, exhibition centres, visitor 
attractions and major events, we have an enviable 
reputation for providing outstanding hospitality and  
true service excellence.

DEFENCE, OFFSHORE & REMOTE
Through our established health and safety culture,  
we are a market leader in providing food and support 
services to major companies in the oil and gas and 
mining and construction industries, operating in some of 
the most demanding environments in the world. For our 
defence sector clients, we are a partner that meets the 
challenges of running efficient operations outside areas 
of conflict.

GROUP REVENUE (%)

1

5

4

3

2

1. BUSINESS & INDUSTRY ............................... 38%
2. HEALTHCARE & SENIORS ............................ 22%
3. EDUCATION .................................................. 17%
4. SPORTS & LEISURE ...................................... 12%
5. DEFENCE, OFFSHORE & REMOTE .................11%

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  7

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT
CREATING SHAREHOLDER VALUE  
THROUGH DISCIPLINED GROWTH

MAP. We have maintained our focus on MAP 3 
(cost of food) with initiatives such as menu 
planning and supplier rationalisation, as well 
as continually optimising MAP 4 (labour and  
in unit costs) and MAP 5 (above unit costs). 
These efficiencies are helping us to invest to 
support the exciting growth opportunities  
we see around the world and deliver further 
margin improvement. After restructuring costs, 
underlying operating profit increased by  
4.6% on a constant currency basis, with the 
underlying operating margin remaining flat. 

Q DID YOU RETURN SURPLUS CASH 
TO SHAREHOLDERS IN 2015? 

Returns to shareholders continue to be an 
integral part of our business model. The Group 
bought back £328 million worth of shares in 
the year and going forward we will continue  
to maintain strong investment grade credit 
ratings, returning any surplus cash to 
shareholders to target net debt/EBITDA  
of around 1.5x.

Q WHAT IS THE GROUP’S  

STRATEGY?

Food is our focus and our core competence. 
The food service market is estimated to be 
more than £200 billion; with only around  
50% of the market currently outsourced,  
it represents a significant opportunity. We 
believe the benefits of outsourcing become 
increasingly apparent as economic conditions 
and regulatory changes put increasing 
pressure on organisations’ budgets. As one of 
the largest providers in all of our sectors, we 
are well placed to benefit from these trends.

Our approach to support and multi services  
is low risk and incremental, with strategies 
developed on a country by country basis.  
Our largest sector in this market is Defence, 
Offshore & Remote, where the model is almost 
universally multi service. In addition, we have 
an excellent support services business in 
North America and some operations in other 
parts of the world. This is a complex segment 
and there are significant differences in client 
buying behaviour across countries, sectors and 
sub-sectors. 

Compass has had another 
strong year. Performance  
in North America continues  
to be excellent, growth in 
Europe & Japan is accelerating 
and, despite some challenges, 
our Fast Growing &  
Emerging region continues  
to perform well. 

Q WHAT WAS REVENUE GROWTH  

IN THE YEAR?

Revenue for the Group increased by 5.8%  
on an organic basis. Underlying revenue at 
reported rates increased by 4.6%, reflecting 
the strengthening of sterling against many of 
the Group’s key currencies, which was partly 
offset by the benefit of the strengthening of 
the US dollar. 

New business wins were 8.8%, driven by a 
strong performance in MAP 1 (client sales  
and marketing) in North America and Fast 
Growing & Emerging and accelerating growth 
in Europe & Japan. Our retention rate 
improved and is now 94.5%, reflecting our 
ongoing focus and investment.

We aim to increase consumer participation 
and spend through MAP 2 (consumer sales 
and marketing) initiatives. This, combined with 
a more benign macroeconomic environment  
in many of our markets, resulted in like for like 

revenue growth of 2.5%, reflecting modest 
price increases and improving volumes in 
North America and Europe & Japan. In Fast 
Growing & Emerging, we have seen like for  
like weakness in some emerging markets  
and in our Offshore & Remote business.

Q  WHAT ACTIONS ARE YOU TAKING 
TO ADDRESS THE WEAKNESS IN 
EMERGING MARKETS AND IN THE 
OFFSHORE & REMOTE BUSINESS?

On 29 July 2015, we announced that  
in addition to our ongoing restructuring 
activities – which partly help us deliver yearly 
efficiencies – we are proactively reducing the 
cost base in our Offshore & Remote business 
globally and in some emerging markets. This 
incremental restructuring cost of around 
£50 million will be included in operating 
profit. In 2015, we incurred a £26 million 
charge, most of which was for labour cost 
reductions, with £9 million non-cash. We 
expect the remaining £20-25 million of 
restructuring costs to be incurred in 2016. 

Q  WHAT HAPPENED TO OPERATING 
PROFIT AND OPERATING MARGIN 
IN 2015?

Excluding the impact of the restructuring, 
organic operating profit increased by 6.5% 
and the underlying operating margin improved 
by 10 basis points as we continue to drive 
efficiencies across the business using our 
management and performance framework, 

8  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Strategic report Q WHAT IS THE GROUP’S 
GEOGRAPHIC SPREAD? 

Q WHAT ARE THE GROUP’S MAIN 
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES? 

Q HOW WOULD YOU SUMMARISE 

2015? 

We have a truly international business, with 
operations in over 50 countries. Our three 
geographic regions comprise countries with 
similar market characteristics or at similar 
stages of development.

North America (52% of Group revenue) is 
likely to remain the principal growth engine  
for the Group. We have a market leading 
business, which delivers high levels of growth 
by combining the cost advantage of our  
scale with a segmented, client facing sector 
approach. The outsourcing culture is vibrant 
and the addressable market is significant. 

The fundamentals of our businesses in Europe 
& Japan (31% of Group revenue) are good and 
we see many opportunities to drive growth in 
revenue and margin. Our investment in MAP 1 
sales and retention has accelerated our 
organic revenue growth and we continue to 
see opportunities to drive efficiencies and 
make our operations more competitive.

Fast Growing & Emerging (17% of Group 
revenue) offers excellent long term growth 
potential. Our largest markets are Australia, 
Brazil and Turkey, and we are growing rapidly 
in India and China. Lower commodity prices 
and a weak macroeconomic backdrop have 
impacted our Offshore & Remote business 
and some of our emerging markets in the year. 
We are in the process of restructuring our 
business where necessary to adapt to the 
changing market environment, and remain 
excited about the attractive long term growth 
prospects of the region. 

In 2016, we will change the way we run  
the business and will adjust our regional 
reporting accordingly. Going forward,  
our three regions will be: North America 
(unchanged), Europe (including Turkey and 
Russia) and Rest of World (including Japan). 
We will publish restated historical financials 
on 19 January 2016. 

OUR SECTORISED APPROACH
We segment the market and create sectors 
and sub-sectors to develop customised  
dining solutions that meet the requirements  
of a growing range of clients and consumers. 
Our portfolio of B2B brands enables us to 
differentiate these propositions and maximise 
our market coverage, while benefiting from the 
cost advantages of scale in food procurement 
and back office costs. 

OUR SCALE 
As we continue to grow, our scale enables us 
to achieve our goal of being the lowest cost, 
most efficient provider of food and support 
services. Scale is a benefit in terms of food 
procurement, labour management and back 
office costs. It underpins our competitiveness 
and enables us to deliver sustainable growth 
over time.

OUR MAP CULTURE
We speak one common MAP language.  
All our employees use a simple framework to 
drive performance across the business. This 
framework helps us focus on a common set  
of business drivers, whether it is winning  
new business in the right sector on the right 
terms (MAP 1), increasing our consumer 
participation and spend (MAP 2), reducing  
our food costs (MAP 3), or labour costs  
(MAP 4 and 5). 

Q  WHAT ARE THE GROUP’S MAIN 
USES OF CASH AND BALANCE 
SHEET PRIORITIES? 

The Group’s cash flow generation remains 
excellent and it will continue to be a key part 
of the business model. Our priorities for how 
we use our cash remain unchanged. We will 
continue to: (i) invest in the business to 
support organic growth where we see 
opportunities with good returns; (ii) pursue 
M&A opportunities, our preference is for small 
to medium sized infill acquisitions, where we 
look for returns greater than our cost of capital 
by the end of year two; (iii) grow the dividend 
in line with earnings per share; and (iv) 
maintain strong investment grade credit 
ratings returning any surplus cash to 
shareholders to target net debt/EBITDA  
of around 1.5x. 

Compass has had another strong year. North 
America continues to deliver excellent growth. 
Our business in Europe & Japan is enjoying  
a strong recovery as we are rewarded for our 
investment to accelerate growth in the region. 
Our Fast Growing & Emerging region continues 
to perform well despite lower volumes and 
pricing pressures in the Offshore & Remote 
sector, and in some emerging markets. 

We continue to drive operating efficiencies 
around the business, which we are partly 
reinvesting in the growth opportunities we see 
across the Group. Excluding the £26 million  
of restructuring costs announced in July, 
underlying operating margin for the Group 
improved by 10 basis points. 

Q WHAT IS YOUR OUTLOOK  

FOR 2016?

Our expectations for 2016 are positive and 
unchanged. The pipeline of new contracts is 
strong, and the savings from the restructuring, 
together with the margin improvement in the 
rest of the Group, are expected to offset the 
impact of lower volumes and pricing pressures 
in our Fast Growing & Emerging region. 

In the longer term, we remain excited about 
the significant structural growth opportunities 
globally and the potential for further revenue 
growth, margin improvement, as well as 
continued returns to shareholders through 
dividends and ongoing share buybacks.

RICHARD COUSINS 
Group Chief Executive 
24 November 2015

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  9

ENGAGING

WE’RE INCREASING OUR 
INVESTMENT IN DIGITAL 
TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE 
OUR PERFORMANCE IN  
MAP 1 AND 2 

We’re using social media more to engage with 
consumers; we’re making it easier for people to buy, 
increasing our speed of service with kiosks and mobile 
payments, and using data analytics to gain greater 
consumer insights.

CONSUMERS

MARKET PERSPECTIVE
CONTINUING GROWTH POTENTIAL  
ACROSS SECTORS AND MARKETS

Markets for food and support services continue to offer significant  
growth potential as we drive outsourcing and deliver a strong  
proposition across our sectors and regions. 

Compass provides outsourced food and 
support services in a market worth over 
£400 billion spread over 50 countries. The 
five sectors in which Compass operates are 
Business & Industry; Healthcare & Seniors; 
Education; Defence, Offshore & Remote and 
Sports & Leisure. All five sectors continue to 
offer very significant opportunities for growth. 

Food service remains at the core of the 
Compass offer, with an estimated global 
market value in excess of £200 billion. 
Business & Industry accounts for around  
half of this value, and this important sector 
continues to offer significant growth 
opportunities. In more developed markets 
where outsourcing rates are routinely in  
excess of 60%, our combination of scale, 
efficiencies and first class delivery supports 
continued revenue growth. In our Fast  
Growing & Emerging region, outsourcing  
rates are still only around 10%, providing 
enormous opportunity for future growth  
in our core sector.

The Healthcare & Seniors and Education 
sectors continue to grow, providing ever 
greater opportunities for Compass. The 
combined value of these sectors is in excess 
of £120 billion, and less than half of this value 
is currently outsourced. We increasingly see 
the benefits of operating at scale in these 
sectors. We are developing operational 
excellence in areas such as our proposition  
for hospital visitors and school nutritional  
meal planning, and by sharing this expertise, 
we can better serve our clients and consumers 
across multiple markets.

The Defence, Offshore & Remote sector  
offers significant opportunities to build lasting 
strategic relationships with large local and 
international operators. Creating strong client 
relationships allows us to respond positively to 
tougher market conditions, for example in the 
basic commodities sector where we have met 
client needs and retained business in the face 
of real budgetary pressure.

Sports & Leisure is a highly outsourced sector 
with a global outlook, in which we benefit from 
our strong reputation across key markets.

Support services remains an important market 
for Compass, particularly in Healthcare & 
Seniors and Defence, Offshore & Remote. In 
these sectors, we are recognised for meeting 
the needs of clients who require a combination 
of excellent food and support services, without 
compromising on quality.

In all the markets and regions in which 
Compass operates, we continue to build our 
business and our reputation on the back of  
an ongoing focus on health, safety and the 
environment and our firm commitment to 
responsible corporate practices.

OUTSOURCING PENETRATION RATES FOR ADDRESSABLE 
FOOD AND SUPPORT SERVICES MARKETS

2

2

1

FOOD  
SERVICE

SUPPORT  
SUPPORT  
SERVICES
SERVICE

1

1. OUTSOURCED  2. SELF OPERATED

FOOD AND SUPPORT SERVICES MARKET SIZE

>£400bn

Numbers relating to market size and penetration rates  
are based on management estimates and a range of 
external data

Regional review

 Read more on pages 20 to 25

Risks

 Read more on pages 31 to 33

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  11

BUSINESS MODEL
A PROVEN AND SUSTAINABLE  
BUSINESS MODEL

We source the best ingredients responsibly and make health and safety  
a way of life, giving our customers confidence in the hygiene and 
provenance of their food and the safety of our working practices. We  
aim to make a positive difference to the communities and environments 
in which we operate, acting responsibly to deliver sustainable results.  

SOURCE
The suppliers we buy from undergo a robust  
quality assurance process. We have global  
supply chain standards in place to ensure  
traceability and provenance through each  
stage of the chain. 

PREPARE
We are committed to the highest standards of  
food hygiene and safe working practices. We also  
look to reduce our impact on the environment by 
focusing on efficient energy use, minimising water 
consumption and waste.

PROVIDE
Our award winning chefs create menus from the 
highest quality ingredients which are served by  
our highly trained teams in the most efficient way. 
Great people give great service, so the development  
of our people is one of our top priorities.

BENEFITS TO STAKEHOLDERS
This ensures that we use the best ingredients, 
responsibly sourced, to protect both our suppliers  
and the environment, which gives our consumers 
confidence in the quality of the food we provide. 

BENEFITS TO STAKEHOLDERS
We are reducing the impact we have on the 
environment, increasing the sustainability of our 
results, supporting the communities in which we 
operate, while lowering the costs of our operations.

BENEFITS TO STAKEHOLDERS
Our consumers get great tasting, nutritious food  
that exceeds expectations. Our people are supported 
through training and development, enabling them to 
contribute to and share in our success.

INNOVATE
Innovation is integral to our business. We are 
constantly striving to develop new food concepts, to 
find more efficient ways to source and to improve the 
experience of our customers by introducing technologies 
to, for example, increase the speed of service. 

BENEFITS TO STAKEHOLDERS
This gives our clients and consumers greater choice 
and the highest level of service while keeping Compass  
at the forefront of innovation in the food and support 
services industry. 

12  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Strategic report We are also constantly innovating what we do and how we do it, and  
by doing all of this in the most efficient way, we ensure that we increase 
our competitiveness. This, in turn, underpins our core strategic goals  
to grow our business organically and to generate efficiencies.

EVENUE G R O

IC R

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R
O

H

T

W

OP
E

R

A

T
I

N

G

E

F

F

I

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S

OUR 
PEOPLE

SHAREHOLDER 
VALUE

COMPETITIVE A D V A

A

T

N

G E

OUR PEOPLE 
Our people are at the 
heart of everything we  
do, delivering world class 
service to our customers 
and working tirelessly to 
achieve our goals.

ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH
We are investing in the 
business to drive organic 
growth opportunities. This is 
supplemented with small to 
medium sized infill acquisitions 
in food or support services 
where they add either 
capability or scale in our 
existing markets. We have  
a disciplined approach to  
our acquisitions based on  
the returns they are expected 
to deliver.

OPERATING EFFICIENCIES
We generate savings by 
adopting a systematic 
approach to our supply  
chain, labour management, 
and other in unit and above 
unit costs. These efficiencies 
enable us to reinvest savings  
in the significant growth 
opportunities around the  
Group and improve margin.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE 
Organic revenue growth 
increases our scale, which, 
combined with our food 
procurement, and our ability  
to leverage back office  
costs, gives us a competitive 
advantage in being the highest 
quality, lowest cost provider.
This enables us to go to market 
with a sector approach to drive 
further organic revenue growth.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  13

 
STRATEGY FOR GROWTH
A DISCIPLINED APPROACH TO GROWTH

We have a consistent and sustainable strategy. We are committed to delivering 
shareholder value by providing food and support services to a growing outsourced market. 
Our principal aim is to grow organically and with discipline. We supplement this growth 
with small to medium sized infill acquisitions where they deliver new expertise or help us 
build scale in our existing geographies. 

FOCUS ON FOOD
Food is our core business and it accounts for 83% of our annual revenue. Our teams of award winning chefs, nutrition 
and health and safety experts allow our clients to focus on their own business needs by outsourcing this responsibility to 
us, while our size and experience enable us to provide the best quality, most cost effective food offer.

GEOGRAPHIC SPREAD
We have operations in over 50 countries. 
This diversifies our revenue sources and 
allows us to serve multinational businesses, 
ensuring consistency of quality, service  
and standards across their organisations.  

SECTORISED APPROACH
We segment the market and customise  
our offering to ensure we are giving our 
clients and consumers innovative and 
market leading dining solutions. We have  
a diverse portfolio of B2B brands and  
are able to offer a wide range of dining 
solutions to best meet our clients’ needs. 

MAP CULTURE
We speak one common MAP language. 
All our employees use a simple 
framework to drive performance across 
the business. This framework helps us 
focus on a common set of business 
drivers, whether it is winning new 
business in the right sector on the right 
terms (MAP 1), increasing our consumer 
participation and spend (MAP 2), or 
managing labour costs and overheads 
(MAP 4 and 5). 

DRIVING ORGANIC TOPLINE GROWTH

MAP 1: CLIENT SALES AND MARKETING
In North America, we continue to deliver exceptionally strong  
net new business and in emerging markets we have been able to 
harness the structural shift to outsourcing, growing significantly 
against a backdrop of tough economic conditions. In Europe & 
Japan, we have invested in sales and retention and, as a result, 
the region has returned to growth.

MAP 2: CONSUMER SALES AND MARKETING
A contributor to organic revenue growth is like for like volume, 
which is heavily influenced both by the number of people at a 
client’s site and by macroeconomic conditions. We are making 
good progress with intelligent marketing programmes and training 
schemes as we work hard to attract and satisfy our customer 
base with strong consumer propositions. This focus, combined 
with a more benign macroeconomic environment in many of our 
markets, resulted in positive volume growth.

14  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Strategic report SCALE 
As we continue to grow, our scale enables 
us to achieve our goal of being the lowest 
cost, most efficient provider of food 
service. This underpins our competitiveness 
and enables us to deliver sustainable 
growth over time. 

KPIs

 Read more on pages 16 and 17

Risks

 Read more on pages 31 to 33

GENERATING EFFICIENCIES

MAP 3: COST OF FOOD
Food makes up around one third of 
our costs. In addition to the benefits  
of our scale in food procurement, we  
are able to manage food costs through 
careful menu planning and by rationalising 
the number of products we buy and the 
suppliers we buy from.

MAP 4: IN UNIT COSTS
In unit costs are made up predominantly of 
labour. We focus on getting the right people 
in the right place at the right time. By 
using labour scheduling techniques and 
improving productivity, we are able to 
deliver the optimum level of service in the 
most efficient way.

MAP 5: ABOVE UNIT OVERHEADS
Having reduced costs considerably,  
when MAP was first introduced, by 
creating a simpler organisational model 
with fewer layers of management and less 
bureaucracy, we now strive to leverage 
those gains by maintaining costs at a 
constant level whilst still growing revenue.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  15

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

We track our performance against a mix  
of financial and non-financial measures,  
which we believe best reflect our strategic 
priorities of growth, efficiency and shareholder 
returns underpinned by safe and responsible 
working practices. 

KPI METRICS
Our strategic priorities are driven by our goal to deliver shareholder 
value and we use a number of financial KPIs to measure our progress. 
Growing the business and driving ongoing efficiencies are integral to 
our strategy.

The importance of safety in everything we do is demonstrated by  
three non-financial performance indicators that we use across our 
global business.

I

L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F
C
G
E
T
A
R
T
S

I

ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH (%)
Organic revenue growth compares the underlying revenue 
delivered from continuing operations in the current year  
with that from the prior year, adjusting for the impact of 
acquisitions, disposals and exchange rate movements. 

WHY WE MEASURE
Our organic revenue performance embodies our success  
in growing and retaining our customer base, as well as  
our ability to drive volumes in our existing business  
and maintain appropriate pricing levels in light of input  
cost inflation.

I

L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F

RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED (%)
Return on capital employed divides the net operating profit 
after tax (NOPAT) by the 12 month average capital employed 
(CE). NOPAT is calculated as underlying operating profit 
from continuing operations less operating profit of non-
controlling interests, net of income tax at the underlying  
rate of the year. 

WHY WE MEASURE
Return on capital employed demonstrates how we have 
delivered against the various investments we make in the 
business, be it operational expenditure, capital expenditure 
or infill acquisitions.

2015

2014

2013

2012

4.1

4.3

5.8

5.4

2015

2014

2013

2012

19.1

19.3

19.1

18.2

UNDERLYING OPERATING MARGIN (%)
Underlying operating margin divides the underlying  
operating profit before share of profit of associates from 
continuing operations by the underlying revenue from 
continuing operations. 

WHY WE MEASURE
The operating profit margin is an important measure of  
the efficiency of our operations in delivering great food  
and support services to our clients and consumers.

L
A
I
C
N
A
N
I
F
-
N
O
N

HEALTH AND SAFETY – LOST TIME INJURY PERFORMANCE (%)
Cases where one of our colleagues is away from work for one  
or more shifts as a result of a work related injury or illness.

FOOD SAFETY – FOOD SAFETY INCIDENT PERFORMANCE (%)

ENVIRONMENT – GHG INTENSITY RATIO (%)

Cases of substantiated food safety incidents, including food  

GHG intensity ratio relating to the top 20 countries, which 

borne illnesses.

represent 93% of total Group revenue. 

WHY WE MEASURE
A reduction in lost time injuries is an important measure  
of the effectiveness of our Safety First culture. It also lowers 
rates of absenteeism and costs associated with work related 
injuries and illnesses.

WHY WE MEASURE

The Food Safety Incident Rate is a helpful measure  

of our ability to provide food that is safe and of the  

right quality to our consumers globally.

WHY WE MEASURE

Since 2008, we have been focused on reducing our carbon 

emissions to reduce our impact on the environment and increase 

operational efficiency. We measure Greenhouse Gas emissions  

to assess our progress.

2015

2014

2013

2012

7.2

7.2

7.1

6.9

2015

2014

2013

2012

36% reduction since 2012

16  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

UNDERLYING BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)

UNDERLYING FREE CASH FLOW (£m)

Underlying basic earnings per share divides the underlying 

Underlying free cash flow measures cash generated by continuing 

attributable profit from continuing operations by the weighted 

operations, after working capital, capital expenditure, interest and 

average number of shares in issue during the year. 

tax but before acquisitions, disposals, dividends and share 

buybacks. The cash impact of the European exceptional costs is 

excluded from underlying free cash flow. 

WHY WE MEASURE

Earnings per share measures the performance of the Group in 

delivering value to shareholders.

WHY WE MEASURE

Free cash flow measures the success of the Group in turning profit 

into cash through the careful management of working capital and 

capital expenditure. Maintaining a high level of cash generation is 

important as it supports our progressive dividend policy.

53.7

48.7

47.7

42.6

2015

2014

2013

2012

2015

2014

2013

2012

2015

2014

2013

2012

2015

2014

2013

2012

722

737

834

760

6.7

6.3

7.3

7.2

Strategic report  
ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH (%)

RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED (%)

Organic revenue growth compares the underlying revenue 

Return on capital employed divides the net operating profit 

delivered from continuing operations in the current year  

with that from the prior year, adjusting for the impact of 

acquisitions, disposals and exchange rate movements. 

WHY WE MEASURE

Our organic revenue performance embodies our success  

in growing and retaining our customer base, as well as  

our ability to drive volumes in our existing business  

and maintain appropriate pricing levels in light of input  

cost inflation.

after tax (NOPAT) by the 12 month average capital employed 

(CE). NOPAT is calculated as underlying operating profit 

from continuing operations less operating profit of non-

controlling interests, net of income tax at the underlying  

rate of the year. 

WHY WE MEASURE

Return on capital employed demonstrates how we have 

delivered against the various investments we make in the 

business, be it operational expenditure, capital expenditure 

or infill acquisitions.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

FOCUS ON FOOD

MAP CULTURE

GEOGRAPHIC SPREAD

SCALE

SECTORISED APPROACH

 Read more on pages 14 and 15

UNDERLYING BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)
Underlying basic earnings per share divides the underlying 
attributable profit from continuing operations by the weighted 
average number of shares in issue during the year. 

WHY WE MEASURE
Earnings per share measures the performance of the Group in 
delivering value to shareholders.

UNDERLYING FREE CASH FLOW (£m)
Underlying free cash flow measures cash generated by continuing 
operations, after working capital, capital expenditure, interest and 
tax but before acquisitions, disposals, dividends and share 
buybacks. The cash impact of the European exceptional costs is 
excluded from underlying free cash flow. 

WHY WE MEASURE
Free cash flow measures the success of the Group in turning profit 
into cash through the careful management of working capital and 
capital expenditure. Maintaining a high level of cash generation is 
important as it supports our progressive dividend policy.

2015

2014

2013

2012

2015

2014

2013

2012

UNDERLYING OPERATING MARGIN (%)

Underlying operating margin divides the underlying  

operating profit before share of profit of associates from 

continuing operations by the underlying revenue from 

continuing operations. 

WHY WE MEASURE

The operating profit margin is an important measure of  

the efficiency of our operations in delivering great food  

and support services to our clients and consumers.

4.1

4.3

5.8

5.4

7.2

7.2

7.1

6.9

2015

2014

2013

2012

2015

2014

2013

2012

19.1

19.3

19.1

18.2

2015

2014

2013

2012

53.7

48.7

47.7

42.6

2015

2014

2013

2012

722

737

834

760

HEALTH AND SAFETY – LOST TIME INJURY PERFORMANCE (%)

Cases where one of our colleagues is away from work for one  

or more shifts as a result of a work related injury or illness.

FOOD SAFETY – FOOD SAFETY INCIDENT PERFORMANCE (%)
Cases of substantiated food safety incidents, including food  
borne illnesses.

ENVIRONMENT – GHG INTENSITY RATIO (%)
GHG intensity ratio relating to the top 20 countries, which 
represent 93% of total Group revenue. 

WHY WE MEASURE

A reduction in lost time injuries is an important measure  

of the effectiveness of our Safety First culture. It also lowers 

rates of absenteeism and costs associated with work related 

injuries and illnesses.

WHY WE MEASURE
The Food Safety Incident Rate is a helpful measure  
of our ability to provide food that is safe and of the  
right quality to our consumers globally.

WHY WE MEASURE
Since 2008, we have been focused on reducing our carbon 
emissions to reduce our impact on the environment and increase 
operational efficiency. We measure Greenhouse Gas emissions  
to assess our progress.

27% reduction since 2012

2015

2014

2013

2012

2015

2014

2013

2012

6.7

6.3

7.3

7.2

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  17

DRIVING

INNOVATION IS INTEGRAL 
TO OUR BUSINESS.  
WE ARE CONSTANTLY 
STRIVING TO IMPROVE 
WHAT WE DO

Based on our award-winning Steamplicity 
cooking system, which steams food and 
provides tasty, wholesome meals in minutes, 
we’ve developed a fine dining offer called 
Esteem. Using the same unique technology,  
it enables a wider range of clients and 
consumers to benefit.

GIVING CONSUMERS GREATER 
TRANSPARENCY
In Switzerland, we are giving our consumers  
a sustainable choice when selecting their 
meal. Eaternity’s software enables us to track 
the CO2 footprint of every meal and provide 
that information to our consumers.

18  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

INNOVATION

RESPONDING TO TRENDS
Trends don’t emerge one day and disappear 
the next; they continue to evolve and change. 

We respond as a global company with local 
creativity and flair, creating concepts to 
increase consumer participation, improve 
satisfaction and make us more efficient 
wherever we operate.

FORMING INDUSTRY SHAPING 
PARTNERSHIPS
In the US, we’re partnering with Hampton 
Creek, a revolutionary start up that is 
reinventing products by replacing eggs with 
plant-based ingredients. This gives our guests 
access to more sustainable products without 
sacrificing taste or increasing the price.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  19

REGIONAL REVIEW
NORTH AMERICA

Our North American business has delivered another strong performance with organic revenue 
growth of 7.9%. This was driven by good new business wins and excellent retention rates.  
We have seen some like for like volume improvement across most of the business that has been 
partly offset by volume and price weakness in the Offshore & Remote sector. 

GROUP REVENUE

REVENUE BY SECTOR

REGIONAL PRESENCE

UNDERLYING REVENUE 

ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH 

UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT 

UNDERLYING OPERATING MARGIN 

52%

1. BUSINESS & INDUSTRY  .......................................................29%
2. HEALTHCARE & SENIORS .....................................................29%
3. EDUCATION ........................................................................... 24%
4. DEFENCE, OFFSHORE & REMOTE  ..........................................3%
5. SPORTS & LEISURE  .............................................................. 15%

£9,361m +7.9% £760m 8.1%

5

1

4

3

2

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Revenue 

Operating profit

Operating margin

Region as % of Group revenue

Underlying

2015

2014

£9,361m

£8,199m

£760m

£666m

8.1%

52%

8.1%

48%

Change

Constant 

currency

7.8%

7.6%

Organic

7.9%

7.2%

Reported

14.2%

14.1%

–

Underlying operating profit increased 7.2% on 
an organic basis, to £760 million. The benefits 
generated by ongoing efficiency programmes 
and the leveraging of the overhead base have 
been reinvested to drive and support the 
higher levels of growth and offset the impact 
of lower like for like in the Offshore & Remote 
sector. As a result, the underlying operating 
margin for the year remained flat at 8.1%. 

Business & Industry has again delivered good 
levels of net new business, combined with 
some positive like for like volumes. Contract 
wins include Kimberly-Clark and Rogers 
Communications Inc. 

In the Healthcare & Seniors sector, organic 
revenue growth was driven by new contracts 
for both food and support services, including 
Genesis Health Systems. We have also 
expanded our relationship with Community 
Health Systems through increased locations 
and services.

Our Sports & Leisure business has delivered 
excellent organic revenue growth with near 
100% retention and strong attendance levels 
at sporting events. Contract wins include the 
Mapfre Stadium, home of the Columbus Crew 
Major League Soccer team, and Videotron 
Centre in Quebec City.

Organic revenue growth in the Education 
sector came from net new business and 
increased levels of participation. Contract  
wins include Emory University, Chesterfield 
County Public Schools and Kennesaw  
State University. 

The recent decline in key commodity prices 
has impacted like for like revenue in the 
Offshore & Remote business. However,  
new contracts continue to be won, including 
Manitoba Hydro and Emera Inc. 

20  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Strategic report North America remains our core 
growth engine. Our business there  
is large and well diversified, and  
we see exciting structural growth 
opportunities.

GROUP REVENUE

REVENUE BY SECTOR

REGIONAL PRESENCE

UNDERLYING REVENUE 

ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH 

UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT 

UNDERLYING OPERATING MARGIN 

52%

1. BUSINESS & INDUSTRY  .......................................................29%

2. HEALTHCARE & SENIORS .....................................................29%

3. EDUCATION ........................................................................... 24%

4. DEFENCE, OFFSHORE & REMOTE  ..........................................3%

5. SPORTS & LEISURE  .............................................................. 15%

£9,361m +7.9% £760m 8.1%

5

1

4

3

2

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Revenue 

Operating profit

Operating margin

Region as % of Group revenue

Underlying

2015

2014

£9,361m

£8,199m

£760m

£666m

8.1%

52%

8.1%

48%

Change

Constant 
currency

7.8%

7.6%

Organic

7.9%

7.2%

Reported

14.2%

14.1%

–

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  21

REGIONAL REVIEW
EUROPE & JAPAN

The top line momentum seen in the first half of the year continued. As a result, 
organic revenue growth in Europe & Japan was 1.9% in the full year and nearly  
3% in the second half. 

GROUP REVENUE

REVENUE BY SECTOR

REGIONAL PRESENCE

UNDERLYING REVENUE 

ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH 

UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT 

UNDERLYING OPERATING MARGIN 

31%

1. BUSINESS & INDUSTRY  .......................................................53%
2. HEALTHCARE & SENIORS .....................................................16%
3. EDUCATION ...........................................................................13%
4. DEFENCE, OFFSHORE & REMOTE  ..........................................7%
5. SPORTS & LEISURE  .............................................................. 11%

£5,469m +1.9% £397m 7.3%

5

4

3

2

1

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Revenue 

Operating profit

Operating margin

Region as % of Group revenue

Underlying

2015

2014

£5,469m

£5,716m

£397m

£409m

7.3%

31%

7.2%

34%

Change

Constant 

currency

2.0%

3.7%

Organic

1.9%

3.7%

Reported

(4.3)%

(2.9)%

10bps

This performance was driven by improving 
rates of net new business, reflecting the 
investments made over the last two years in 
our sales and retention teams. Like for like 
volumes remained broadly flat. 

Accelerating levels of new business, especially 
in the UK, Spain and Japan, combined with 
improving retention rates across the region, 
drove the positive net new performance. We 
have expanded our relationship with several 
clients including Sony in Japan, Continental  
in Germany and our defence portfolio in 
France. We have won new contracts with the 
Universidad de Navarra and the Rafa Nadal 
Sports Centre, both in Spain, Weston Park 

and Entrust in the UK, and a senior living 
contract with Le Noble Age in France. 
Retained contracts include the National 
College of Technology in Japan, ISE Andalucia 
in Spain, and the Edinburgh International 
Conference Centre, Kettering Hospital and the 
Ricoh Arena in the UK.

We continue to focus on operational 
efficiencies and cost reductions to support  
the growth we are seeing and to improve the 
operating margin. As a result, underlying 
operating profit grew organically by 3.7% to 
£397 million and the underlying operating 
margin improved by 10 basis points to 7.3%. 

Like for like volumes in the UK, Germany and 
parts of central Europe show an improving 
trend. However, this is being offset by ongoing 
weakness in France and our exposure to the 
oil and gas market in the North Sea.

22  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Strategic report  
The fundamentals of our business  
in Europe & Japan are good and  
we see many opportunities to drive 
growth in revenue and margin.

GROUP REVENUE

REVENUE BY SECTOR

REGIONAL PRESENCE

UNDERLYING REVENUE 

ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH 

UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT 

UNDERLYING OPERATING MARGIN 

31%

1. BUSINESS & INDUSTRY  .......................................................53%

2. HEALTHCARE & SENIORS .....................................................16%

3. EDUCATION ...........................................................................13%

4. DEFENCE, OFFSHORE & REMOTE  ..........................................7%

5. SPORTS & LEISURE  .............................................................. 11%

£5,469m +1.9% £397m 7.3%

5

4

3

2

1

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Revenue 

Operating profit

Operating margin

Region as % of Group revenue

Underlying

2015

2014

£5,469m

£5,716m

£397m

£409m

7.3%

31%

7.2%

34%

Change

Constant 
currency

2.0%

3.7%

Organic

1.9%

3.7%

Reported

(4.3)%

(2.9)%

10bps

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  23

 
REGIONAL REVIEW
FAST GROWING & EMERGING

Organic revenue growth for the region was 6.9%. Emerging markets delivered organic 
revenue growth of 11% driven by strong new business, which helped mitigate the  
expected decline in Australia. Underlying operating profit, before restructuring costs, 
grew organically by 6.8% to £218 million. 

GROUP REVENUE

REVENUE BY SECTOR

REGIONAL PRESENCE

UNDERLYING REVENUE 

ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH 

UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE 

UNDERLYING OPERATING MARGIN 

RESTRUCTURING 

17%

1. BUSINESS & INDUSTRY  .......................................................40%
2. HEALTHCARE & SENIORS .......................................................9%
3. EDUCATION ............................................................................. 5%
4. DEFENCE, OFFSHORE & REMOTE  ........................................44%
5. SPORTS & LEISURE  ................................................................2%

£3,013m +6.9% £218m 7.2%

5

4

1

2

3

OPERATING PERFORMANCE (BEFORE RESTRUCTURING)

Revenue 

Operating profit

Operating margin

Region as % of Group revenue

Underlying

2015

2014

£3,013m

£3,143m

£218m

£226m

7.2%

17%

7.2%

18%

Change

Constant 

currency

6.1%

6.3%

Organic

6.9%

6.8%

Reported

(4.1)%

(3.5)%

–

Further progress was made in driving 
operational efficiencies that have been used  
to support growth and offset the weakness in 
like for like volumes in some emerging markets 
and pressures in our Offshore & Remote 
business across the region. The underlying 
operating margin remained at 7.2%. 

In Australia, the Offshore & Remote business 
declined by 6%, as expected, with clients 
reducing headcounts on site, construction 
projects coming to an end and some 
production contracts being mothballed. 
However, as clients look to consolidate their 
contract portfolios, we have won new business 
with BHP Billiton to provide support services 
across several locations and have retained 
contracts, including Glencore. Other sectors 
continue to perform well and we have won new 
business with the University of New England, 
multisite contracts with both Mars and Nestlé, 
and Target stores where we have developed an 
instore café offering. 

Our other Offshore & Remote business in the 
rest of the region has seen some growth driven 
by new business wins across Latin America, 
including, in Chile, BHP 7000 and Abengoa,  
a solar project in the Atacama Desert. This 
has more than offset the difficult oil and gas 
environment. Encouragingly, we have just 
signed a new seven year contract with an 
existing client to build and operate a new 
remote camp in our CAMEA region. 

Double digit organic revenue growth in each  
of Brazil and Turkey reflected good new 
business wins, offset in part by some sharp 
declines in like for like volumes, driven by 
challenging macroeconomic conditions.  
A continued focus on cost efficiencies has 
helped to partially mitigate the pressure from 
high cost inflation and declining volumes.  
New contract wins include the provision of 
multi services to Grupo Marista and food 
services to Coca-Cola in Brazil and Do ˘ga 
schools and Carrefour in Turkey. 

A strong new business performance in the 
Middle East included contracts with Al Ain 
Hospital, Corniche Hospital, Beach Mall and 
additional military sites. In South Africa, we 
have retained contracts with Nedbank and 
RCL Foods.

Elsewhere in the region, New Zealand enjoyed 
good levels of organic growth including the 
signing of a 15 year contract with the 
government to provide food services to public 
hospitals and the expansion of our relationship 
with the Defence force. Double digit organic 
growth in India and China was driven by new 
business wins, including SMIC Private School 
Shanghai and HAECO, an aircraft engineering 
group, in Hong Kong.

24  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Strategic report With over 70% of the market currently 
estimated to be self operated, the 
structural growth trends are attractive 
and we’re seeing an accelerating trend  
to outsourcing.

GROUP REVENUE

REVENUE BY SECTOR

REGIONAL PRESENCE

UNDERLYING REVENUE 

ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH 

UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE 
RESTRUCTURING 

UNDERLYING OPERATING MARGIN 

17%

1. BUSINESS & INDUSTRY  .......................................................40%

2. HEALTHCARE & SENIORS .......................................................9%

3. EDUCATION ............................................................................. 5%

4. DEFENCE, OFFSHORE & REMOTE  ........................................44%

5. SPORTS & LEISURE  ................................................................2%

£3,013m +6.9% £218m 7.2%

4

1

5

2

3

OPERATING PERFORMANCE (BEFORE RESTRUCTURING)

Revenue 

Operating profit

Operating margin

Region as % of Group revenue

Underlying

2015

2014

£3,013m

£3,143m

£218m

£226m

7.2%

17%

7.2%

18%

Change

Constant 
currency

6.1%

6.3%

Organic

6.9%

6.8%

Reported

(4.1)%

(3.5)%

–

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  25

CONSISTENT 

CONSISTENTLY 
DELIVERING QUALITY AND 
SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC 
GROWTH REMAINS OUR 
KEY PRIORITY

Our strategy is focused on the creation of long  
term value through organic growth and margin 
improvement. Our sectorised approach allows us  
to focus on client types and to innovate, while our 
global reach enables us to spread best practice.

DELIVERY

FINANCE DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
BUSINESS REVIEW

2015 has been another  
strong year with excellent 
organic revenue growth of 
5.8% and margin progression 
before restructuring costs of  
10 basis points.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Revenue
Underlying at constant currency
Underlying at reported rates
Reported
Organic growth
Total operating profit
Underlying, before EM & OR restructuring, at constant currency
Underlying at constant currency
Underlying at reported rates
Reported
Organic growth, before EM & OR restructuring 
Operating margin
Underlying, before EM & OR restructuring, at reported rates
Underlying at reported rates
Reported
Profit before tax
Underlying at constant currency
Underlying at reported rates
Reported
Basic earnings per share
Underlying at constant currency
Underlying at reported rates
Reported
Free cash flow
Underlying
Reported

TOTAL GROUP INCLUDING DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Basic earnings per share
Full year dividend per ordinary share

2015

2014

Increase/
(Decrease)

£17,843m £16,891m
£17,843m £17,058m
£17,590m £16,854m
4.1%

5.8%

£1,322m £1,239m
£1,296m £1,239m
£1,296m £1,245m
£1,261m £1,214m
5.5%

6.5%

5.6%
4.6%
4.4%

6.7%
4.6%
4.1%
3.9%

7.3%
7.2%
7.1%

7.2%
7.2%
7.1%

+10bps
–
–

£1,192m £1,153m
£1.192m £1,159m
£1,159m £1,144m

53.7p
53.7p
52.3p

48.4p
48.7p
48.8p

£722m
£686m

£737m
£679m

3.4%
2.8%
1.3%

11.0%
10.3%
7.2%

(2.0)%
1.0%

52.3p
29.4p

49.0p
 26.5p

6.7%
10.9%

SEGMENTAL PERFORMANCE

CONTINUING OPERATIONS
North America
Europe & Japan
Fast Growing & Emerging
Total

Underlying revenue

Underlying revenue growth

2015
£m

2014

£m  

Reported

Constant
currency

Organic

9,361
5,469
3,013
17,843

8,199
5,716 
3,143
17,058

14.2%
(4.3)%
(4.1)%
4.6%

7.8%
2.0%
6.1%
5.6%

7.9%
1.9%
6.9%
5.8%

CONTINUING OPERATIONS
North America
Europe & Japan
Fast Growing & Emerging
Unallocated overheads
Total before associates and EM & OR restructuring
Associates
Total before EM & OR restructuring
EM & OR restructuring
Total

Underlying  
operating margin

2015
%

8.1%
7.3%
7.2%

2014
%

8.1%
7.2%
7.2%

7.3%

7.2%

Underlying  
operating profit

2015
£m

2014
£m

760
397
218
(66)
1,309
13
1,322
(26)
1,296

666
409
226
(65)
1,236
9
1,245
–
1,245

Definitions of underlying measures of performance can be found in the glossary of terms on page 160.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  27

 
 
 
FINANCE DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT CONTINUED

REVENUE
Organic revenue growth for the year was 
5.8%, comprising new business of 8.8%,  
a retention rate of 94.5% and like for like 
growth of 2.5%. The weakening of sterling 
against the US dollar has been more than 
offset by its strength against the majority of 
the Group’s other key currencies, giving rise  
to a 1% negative impact from currency 
translation. Underlying revenue at reported 
rates therefore grew by 4.6%.

OPERATING PROFIT
Underlying operating profit after restructuring 
was £1,296 million (2014: £1,245 million), an 
increase of 4.1%. If we restate 2014’s profit at 
the 2015 average exchange rates for the year, 
it would reduce by £6 million. On a constant 
currency basis, underlying operating profit has 
therefore increased by £57 million, or 4.6%. 

EMERGING MARKETS AND OFFSHORE  
& REMOTE (EM & OR) RESTRUCTURING
The Group has incurred a £26 million charge 
in the year as a result of reducing the cost 
base in our Offshore & Remote business 
globally and in some emerging markets.  
The cost relates to headcount reductions 
(£17 million) and onerous contract provisions 
(£9 million). Excluding these restructuring 
costs, underlying operating profit would have 
been £1,322 million, an increase of £83 million 
or 6.7% on a constant currency basis.

FINANCE COSTS 
The underlying net finance cost was 
£104 million (2014: £86 million), including a 
£5 million (2014: £7 million) charge relating to 
the pension deficit. The increase reflects a full 
year of the additional debt required to finance 
the £1 billion Return of Cash to shareholders in 
July 2014. For 2016, we expect an underlying 
net finance cost of around £110 million. This 
equates to an effective interest rate of around 
3.5% on gross debt.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Income tax expense from continuing operations 
was £282 million (2014: £276 million).

On an underlying basis, the tax charge was 
£292 million (2014: £293 million), equivalent 
to an effective tax rate of 24.5% (2014: 
25.3%). The reduction largely reflects the fall 
in the UK corporate tax rate. We expect the  
tax rate to be around the same level in 2016.

Reported
Discontinued operations
Other adjustments
Underlying
Currency 
Constant currency

Attributable profit

Basic earnings per share

2015
£m

869
–
23
892
–
892

2014 
£m

865
(3)
(2)
860
(5)
855

2015
pence

52.3
–
1.4
53.7
–
53.7

2014 
pence

49.0
(0.2)
(0.1)
48.7
(0.3)
48.4

Change
%

6.7%
–
–
10.3%
–
11.0%

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share, including 
discontinued operations, were 52.3 pence 
(2014: 49.0 pence). 

On an underlying basis, the basic earnings per 
share were 53.7 pence (2014: 48.7 pence). 
After adjusting for currency movements, basic 
earnings per share increased by 11%.

DIVIDENDS
It is proposed that a final dividend of 19.6 
pence per share be paid on 22 February 2016 
to shareholders on the register on 22 January 
2016. This will result in a total dividend for 
the year of 29.4 pence per share (2014: 26.5 
pence per share), a year on year increase of 
10.9%. The dividend is covered 1.8 times on 
an underlying earnings basis. We remain 
committed to growing the dividend in line with 
earnings and maintaining this level of cover.

FREE CASH FLOW
Free cash flow totalled £686 million (2014: 
£679 million). During the year, we incurred  
a £36 million outflow in respect of the 
European exceptional programme (2014: 
£58 million). Adjusting for this, free cash flow 
on an underlying basis was £722 million 
(2014: £737 million).

Underlying gross capital expenditure of 
£507 million (2014: £471 million) is 
equivalent to 2.8% of underlying revenues 
(2014: 2.7% of underlying revenues), slightly 
above the historic rates as we invest in the 
return of Europe to growth. We believe this 
rate will continue. In addition, in 2016 we will 
be investing in a camp in our CAMEA region 
as part of a long term contract extension with 
an existing client. We expect that capex in 
2016 will therefore be around 3% of 
underlying revenues.

Excluding pensions and provisions, trade 
working capital has increased by £17 million 
(2014: £14 million) as changes in terms and 
growth in the emerging markets offset the 
natural inflow from growth in North America. 

Looking forward, annual trade working capital 
movements are expected to average out at a 
small outflow. In 2016 we will also have a 
negative impact of around £70 million due to 
the timing of our payroll run in September in 
the USA and UK. This will reverse in 2018.

The cash outflow of £59 million (2014: 
£46 million) on post-employment benefit 
obligations largely reflects payments agreed 
with trustees to reduce deficits on defined 
benefit pension schemes. These regular  
deficit repayments are expected to continue  
going forward. 

The underlying cash tax rate for the year was 
20% (2014: 23%). The rate was slightly lower 
than the short to medium term expected level 
in the mid-20s.

The net interest outflow for the year was 
£93 million (2014: £71 million), reflecting  
the higher level of debt following the £1 billion 
Return of Cash to shareholders in July 2014. 

ACQUISITION PAYMENTS
The total cash spend on acquisitions in the 
year, net of cash acquired, was £89 million 
(2014: £128 million). This includes 
£74 million of infill acquisitions, £2 million  
on acquisition transaction costs and 
£13 million of deferred consideration  
relating to prior years’ acquisitions. 

RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED 
Return on capital employed was 19.1% (2014: 
19.3%) based on underlying operations, net of 
tax at the effective underlying rate of 24.5% 
(2014: 25.3%), and excluding the Group’s 
non-controlling partners’ share of total 
operating profit. The average capital employed 
was £5,093 million (2014: £4,799 million), 
based on the 12 month average net assets, 
adding back net debt, post-employment 
benefit obligations (net of associated deferred 
tax), amortised intangibles arising on 
acquisition and excluding the Group’s 
non-controlling partners’ share of net assets.

28  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Strategic report POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT 
OBLIGATIONS
The Group has continued to review and 
monitor its pension obligations throughout  
the year, working closely with the trustees and 
members of schemes around the Group to 
ensure proper and prudent assumptions are 
used and adequate provision and contributions 
are made. 

The Group’s pension deficit at 30 September 
2015, calculated in accordance with IAS 19, 
for all Group defined benefit schemes was 
£9 million (2014: £170 million). The total 
pensions charge for defined contribution 
schemes in the year was £84 million  
(2014: £85 million) and £21 million (2014: 
£19 million) for defined benefit schemes. 
Included in the defined benefit scheme costs 
was a £5 million charge to net finance cost 
(2014: £7 million).

PURCHASE OF OWN SHARES
During the year, the Group purchased shares 
for a consideration of £328 million to 
complete the £500 million share buyback 
programme announced in November 2013. 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Details of transactions with related parties  
are set out in note 31. These transactions 
have not had, and are not expected to have,  
a material effect on the financial performance 
or position of the Group.

FINANCIAL POSITION
The ratio of net debt to market capitalisation 
of £17,446 million as at 30 September 2015 
was 15% (2014: 14%).

At the end of the year, net debt was 
£2,603 million (2014: £2,371 million).

LIQUIDITY RISK
The Group finances its borrowings from a 
number of sources including the bank, the 
public and the private placement markets. The 
Group has developed long term relationships 
with a number of financial counterparties with 
the balance sheet strength and credit quality 
to provide credit facilities as required. The 
Group seeks to avoid a concentration of debt 
maturities in any one period to spread its 
refinancing risk. The maturity profile of the 
Group’s principal borrowings at 30 September 
2015 shows that the average period to 
maturity is 6.2 years.

FINANCING – MATURITY PROFILE OF PRINCIPAL BORROWINGS 
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2015 (£m)

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

BANK

£ PRIVATE PLACEMENT

US$ PRIVATE PLACEMENT

€ BONDS

£ BONDS

1   Based on borrowings and facilities in place as at 30 September 2015, maturing in the financial year ending  

30 September.

2   The average life of the Group’s principal borrowings is 6.2 years (2014: 6.1 years).

The Group’s undrawn committed bank 
facilities at 30 September 2015 were 
£1,000 million (2014: £1,000 million).

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The Group continues to manage its interest 
rate and foreign currency exposure in 
accordance with the policies set out below. 
The Group’s financial instruments comprise 
cash, borrowings, receivables and payables 
that are used to finance the Group’s 
operations. The Group also uses derivatives, 
principally interest rate swaps, forward 
currency contracts and cross currency swaps, 
to manage interest rate and currency risks 
arising from the Group’s operations. The Group 
does not trade in financial instruments. The 
Group’s treasury policies are designed to 
mitigate the impact of fluctuations in interest 
rates and exchange rates and to manage the 
Group’s financial risks. The Board approves 
any changes to the policies. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK
The Group’s policy is to match as far as possible 
its principal projected cash flows by currency  
to actual or effective borrowings in the same 
currency. As currency cash flows are generated, 
they are used to service and repay debt in the 
same currency. Where necessary, to implement 
this policy, forward currency contracts and cross 
currency swaps are taken out which, when 
applied to the actual currency liabilities, convert 
these to the required currency.

The borrowings in each currency can give rise  
to foreign exchange differences on translation 
into sterling. Where the borrowings are either 
less than, or equate to, the net investment  
in overseas operations, these exchange rate 
movements are treated as movements on 
reserves and recorded in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income rather  
than in the income statement.

Non-sterling earnings streams are translated  
at the average rate of exchange for the year. 
Fluctuations in exchange rates have given,  
and will continue to give, rise to translation 
differences. The Group is only partially protected 
from the impact of such differences through the 
matching of cash flows to currency borrowings.

INTEREST RATE RISK
As set out above, the Group has effective 
borrowings in a number of currencies and  
its policy is to ensure that, in the short term,  
it is not materially exposed to fluctuations  
in interest rates in its principal currencies.  
The Group implements this policy either by 
borrowing fixed rate debt or by using interest 
rate swaps so that the interest rates on at least 
80% of the Group’s projected debt are fixed 
for one year, reducing to 60% fixed for the 
second year and 40% fixed for the third year.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  29

FINANCE DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT CONTINUED

GROUP TAX POLICY
As a Group, we are committed to creating  
long term shareholder value through the 
responsible, sustainable and efficient delivery 
of our key business objectives. This will enable 
us to grow the business and make significant 
investments into the Group and its operations.

We therefore adopt an approach to tax that 
supports this strategy and also balances the 
various interests of our stakeholders including 
shareholders, governments, employees and 
the communities in which we operate. Our aim 
is to pursue a principled and sustainable tax 
strategy that has strong commercial merit and 
is aligned with our business strategy. We 
believe this will enhance shareholder value 
whilst protecting Compass’ reputation.

In doing so, we act in compliance with the 
relevant local and international laws and 
disclosure requirements, and we conduct an 
open and transparent relationship with the 
relevant tax authorities that fully complies with 
the Group’s Code of Business Conduct and 
Code of Ethics. 

In an increasingly complex international 
environment, a degree of tax risk and 
uncertainty is, however, inevitable. We manage 
and control these risks in a proactive manner 
and in doing so, exercise our judgement  
and seek appropriate advice from relevant 
professional firms. Tax risks are assessed as 
part of the Group’s formal governance process 
and are reviewed by the Board and the Audit 
Committee on a regular basis. 

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Board takes a proactive approach to risk 
management with the aim of protecting its 
employees and customers and safeguarding 
the interests of the Group and its 
shareholders. 

The principal risks and uncertainties that  
face the business and the activities the Group 
undertakes to mitigate these are set out on 
pages 31 to 33 of the Annual Report.

SHAREHOLDER RETURN
The market price of the Group’s ordinary  
shares at the close of the financial year  
was 1053.00 pence per share (2014:  
996.50 pence per share).

GOING CONCERN
The Group’s business activities, together  
with the factors likely to affect its future 
development, performance and position are 
set out in the Business Review, as is the 
financial position of the Group, its cash flows, 
liquidity position, and borrowing facilities.  
In addition, note 19 includes the Group’s 
objectives, policies and processes for 
managing its capital, its financial risk 
management objectives, details of its financial 
instruments and hedging activities and its 
exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Group has considerable financial 
resources together with longer term contracts 
with a number of customers and suppliers 
across different geographic areas and 
industries. As a consequence, the directors 
believe that the Group is well placed to 
manage its business risks successfully despite 
the current uncertain economic outlook.

After making enquiries, the directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group has 
adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. For this 
reason, they continue to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the financial 
statements.

VIABILITY STATEMENT
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of the  
UK Corporate Governance Code 2014, the 
directors have assessed the viability of the 
Group over a three year period, taking into 
account the Group’s current position and  
the potential impact of the principal risks 
documented on pages 31 to 33 of the  
Annual Report. Based on this assessment,  
the directors confirm that they have a 
reasonable expectation that the Company  
will be able to continue in operation and  
meet its liabilities as they fall due over the 
period to 30 September 2018.

The directors have determined that a three 
year period to 30 September 2018 is an 
appropriate period over which to provide its 
viability statement. This is the period reviewed 
by the Group Board in our strategic planning 
process and is also aligned to our typical 
contract length (three to five years). We 
believe that this presents the Board and 
readers of the Annual Report with a 
reasonable degree of confidence over this 
longer term outlook.

In making this statement, the Board carried 
out a robust assessment of the principal risks 
facing the Group, including those that would 
threaten its business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity.

The Board considers annually and on a rolling 
basis a three year, bottom up strategic plan. 
The output of this plan is used to perform 
central debt and headroom profile analysis, 
which includes a review of sensitivity to 
‘business as usual’ risks, such as profit growth 
and working capital variances and severe but 
plausible events. It also considers the ability of 
the Group to raise finance and deploy capital. 
The results take into account the availability 
and likely effectiveness of the mitigating 
actions that could be taken to avoid or reduce 
the impact or occurrence of the identified 
underlying risks. 

While the review has considered all the 
principal risks identified by the Group, the 
following were focused on for enhanced  
stress testing: health and safety, economic 
and political environment and clients and 
consumers. The geographical and sector 
diversification of the Group’s operations  
helps minimise the risk of serious business 
interruption or a catastrophic damage to our 
reputation. Furthermore, our business model 
is structured so that the Group is not reliant 
on one particular group of clients or sector. 
Our largest client constitutes only 1.5% of 
Group revenue and our top 10 clients account 
for less than 6% of Group revenue. Also, our 
ability to flex our cost base protects our 
viability in the face of adverse economic 
conditions and/or political uncertainty.

While this review does not consider all of the 
risks that the Group may face, the directors 
consider that this stress-testing based 
assessment of the Group’s prospects is 
reasonable in the circumstances of the 
inherent uncertainty involved.

DOMINIC BLAKEMORE 
Group Finance Director 
24 November 2015 

30  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Strategic report PRINCIPAL RISKS
IDENTIFYING AND MANAGING RISK

The Board continues to take a proactive approach to recognising and mitigating 
risk with the aim of protecting its employees and consumers and safeguarding the 
interests of the Company and its shareholders in the constantly changing 
environment in which it operates.

As set out in the Corporate Governance 
section within the Annual Report, the  
Group has policies and procedures in place  
to ensure that risks are properly identified, 
evaluated and managed at the appropriate 
level within the business.

The identification of risks and opportunities, 
the development of action plans to manage 
the risks and maximise the opportunities, and 
the continual monitoring of progress against 
agreed key performance indicators (KPIs) are 
integral parts of the business process, and 
core activities throughout the Group.

The table on pages 32 and 33 sets out the 
principal risks and uncertainties facing the 
business at the date of this Report. These 
have been subject to robust assessment and 

review. They do not comprise all of the risks 
that the Group may face and are not listed  
in any order of priority. Additional risks  
and uncertainties not presently known to 
management, or deemed to be less material  
at the date of this Report, may also have an 
adverse effect on the Group. In accordance 
with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2014, the Board has taken 
into consideration the principal risks in the 
context of determining whether to adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting and when 
assessing the prospects of the Company for 
the purpose of preparing the Viability 
Statement. The Going Concern and Viability 
Statement can be found on page 30 of the 
Strategic Report. 

The Group faces a number of operational  
risks on an ongoing basis such as litigation 
and financial (including liquidity and credit) 
risk and some wider risks, for example, 
environmental and reputational. Additionally, 
there are risks (such as those relating to the 
eurozone economy, pensions, and acquisitions 
and investments) which vary in importance 
depending on changing conditions. All risks 
disclosed in previous years can be found in 
the annual reports available on our website at 
www.compass-group.com. We recognise that 
these risks remain important to the business 
and they are kept under review. However, we 
have focused the disclosures on pages 32 and 
33 on those risks that are currently considered 
to be more significant to the Group. 

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  31

PRINCIPAL RISKS CONTINUED

CHANGE IN RISK KEY

INCREASED RISK

DECREASED RISK

CONSISTENT RISK

HEALTH AND SAFETY

RISK

DESCRIPTION

HEALTH AND 
SAFETY

Health and safety is our number one operational priority.  
We are focused on protecting people’s wellbeing, as well as 
avoiding serious business interruption and potential damage  
to our reputation. Compass feeds millions of consumers and 
employs thousands of people around the world every day. 
Therefore, setting the highest standards for food hygiene and 
safety is paramount.

CLIENTS AND CONSUMERS

RISK

DESCRIPTION

CLIENT AND  
CONSUMER SALES  
AND RETENTION

Our business relies on securing and retaining a diverse range  
of clients.

BIDDING

Each year, the Group could bid for a large number  
of opportunities.

EXAMPLES OF MITIGATION

All management meetings throughout the Group feature a health 
and safety update as their first agenda item.

Health and safety improvement KPIs are included in the annual 
bonus plans for each of the business’ management teams.

The Group has policies, procedures and standards in place to 
ensure compliance with legal obligations and industry standards.

The safety and quality of our global supply chain are assured 
through compliance against a robust set of standards which are 
regularly reviewed, audited and upgraded as necessary to 
improve supply chain visibility and product integrity.

EXAMPLES OF MITIGATION

We have strategies which strengthen our long term relationships 
with our clients and consumers based on quality, value and 
innovation.

Our business model is structured so that we are not reliant  
on one particular sector, geography or group of clients.

A rigorous tender review process is in place, which includes  
a critical assessment of contracts to identify potential risks 
(including social and ethical risks) and rewards, prior to approval 
at an appropriate level in the organisation.

SERVICE DELIVERY  
AND CONTRACTUAL  
COMPLIANCE

The Group’s operating companies contract with a large  
number of clients. Failure to comply with the terms of these 
contracts, including proper delivery of services, could lead  
to loss of business.

Processes are in place to ensure that the services delivered  
to clients are of an appropriate standard and comply with the 
required contract terms and conditions.

COMPETITION

PEOPLE

RISK

RECRUITMENT

We operate in a highly competitive marketplace. The levels of 
concentration and outsource penetration vary by country and  
by sector. Some markets are relatively concentrated with two  
or three key players. Others are highly fragmented and offer 
significant opportunities for consolidation and penetration of the 
self-operated market. Aggressive pricing from our competitors 
could cause a reduction in our revenues and margins.

We aim to minimise this by continuing to promote our 
differentiated propositions and by focusing on our points of 
strength, such as flexibility in our cost base, quality and value  
of service and innovation.

DESCRIPTION

EXAMPLES OF MITIGATION

Failure to attract and recruit people with the right skills at all 
levels could limit the success of the Group. The Group faces 
resourcing challenges in some of its businesses due to a lack  
of industry experience amongst candidates and appropriately 
qualified people, and the seasonal nature of some of our business.

The Group aims to mitigate this risk by efficient, time critical 
resource management, mobilisation of existing, experienced 
employees within the organisation and through offering training 
and development programmes.

RETENTION AND  
MOTIVATION

Retaining and motivating the best people with the right skills,  
at all levels of the organisation, is key to the long term success  
of the Group.

The Group has established training, development, performance 
management and reward programmes to retain, develop and 
motivate our best people.

The Group has a well established employee engagement 
initiative, Your Voice, which helps us to monitor, understand  
and respond to our employees’ needs.

32  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Strategic report ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

RISK

ECONOMY

COST INFLATION

DESCRIPTION

EXAMPLES OF MITIGATION

Some sectors of our business could be susceptible to adverse 
changes in economic conditions and employment levels.

With the variable and flexible nature of our cost base,  
it is generally possible to contain the impact of these  
adverse conditions.

Our objective is always to deliver the right level of service  
in the most efficient way. An increase in the cost of labour,  
for example, minimum wages in the USA and UK, or food, 
especially in countries such as Turkey and Brazil, could 
constitute a risk to our ability to do this.

As part of our MAP framework, we seek to manage inflation  
by continuing to drive greater efficiencies through menu 
management, supplier rationalisation, labour scheduling and 
productivity. Cost indexation in our contracts also gives us the 
contractual right to review pricing with our clients.

POLITICAL STABILITY

We are a global business operating in countries and regions 
with diverse economic and political conditions. Our operations 
and earnings may be adversely affected by political or 
economic instability.

The Group remains vigilant to future changes presented by 
emerging markets or fledgling administrations and we try to 
anticipate and contribute to important changes in public policy.

COMPLIANCE AND FRAUD

RISK

DESCRIPTION

COMPLIANCE AND 
FRAUD

Ineffective compliance management with laws and regulations, 
or evidence of fraud, could have an adverse effect on the 
Group’s reputation and could result in an adverse impact on  
the Group’s performance if significant financial penalties are 
levied or a criminal action is brought against the Company  
or its directors.

TAX COMPLIANCE

As a Group, we seek to plan and manage our tax affairs 
efficiently in the jurisdictions in which we operate. In doing so, 
we act in compliance with the relevant laws and disclosure 
requirements. However, in an increasingly complex international 
corporate tax environment, a degree of uncertainty is inevitable 
and we note in particular the policy efforts being led by the EU 
and the OECD which may have a material impact on the 
taxation of all international businesses.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

EXAMPLES OF MITIGATION

The Group’s zero tolerance based Codes of Business Conduct 
and Ethics govern all aspects of our relationships with our 
stakeholders. All alleged breaches of the Codes, including any 
allegations of fraud, are investigated.

The Group’s procedures include regular operating reviews, 
underpinned by a continual focus on ensuring the effectiveness 
of internal controls. 

Regulation and compliance risk is also considered as part of 
our annual business planning process. 

We manage and control these risks in a proactive manner and 
in doing so exercise our judgement and seek appropriate advice 
from reputable professional firms. Tax risks are assessed as 
part of the Group’s formal governance process and are reviewed 
by the Board and the Audit Committee on a regular basis.

RISK

DESCRIPTION

EXAMPLES OF MITIGATION

INFORMATION 
SYSTEMS AND 
TECHNOLOGY

The digital world creates many risks for a global business 
including technology failures, loss of confidential data and 
damage to brand reputation.

We seek to assess and manage the maturity of our enterprise 
risk and security infrastructure and our ability to effectively 
defend against current and future cyber risks by using analysis 
tools and experienced professionals to evaluate and mitigate 
potential impacts.

The Group relies on a variety of IT systems in order to manage 
and deliver services and communicate with our clients, 
consumers, suppliers and employees.

We are focused on the need to maximise the effectiveness of 
our information systems and technology as a business enabler 
and to reduce both cost and exposure as a result.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  33

MANAGING  
COMPLEXITY

GLOBAL STANDARDS,  
LOCAL SOURCING

Our refreshed global Supply Chain Integrity 
Standards are increasing our visibility on where 
products come from, as well as reducing the 
complexity of how we source them.

REDUCING  
RISK

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
MANAGING COMPLEXITY, REDUCING RISK

The Group’s strategy and approach to corporate responsibility (CR) are well 
aligned as we improve the business operating model to reflect more sustainable 
practices. CR is a keystone of our commitment to provide the highest quality 
service to our customers. Within CR, the safety of our colleagues and consumers is 
our number one operational priority. Our Safety First programme is built on one 
powerful idea: everyone in our business takes ownership for safety – every day. 

During the year, we refreshed our CR strategy 
and engaged with our stakeholders to ensure 
that we continue to address those business 
impacts that are important to them. 
Increasingly, stakeholders believe that well 

managed companies will deliver sustainable 
competitive advantage and long term 
shareholder value. Their insights help us  
to better understand emerging issues  
and progressively refine our approach to 
managing environmental and social risks and 

opportunities. Our approach is simple: to 
create clear global policies and frameworks  
to ensure alignment, understanding and 
commitment in all our markets around four 
areas that are fundamental to our success.

HEALTH & WELLBEING 
By pursuing our passion for 
wellbeing and nutrition, we help 
our consumers and employees 
adopt a more balanced lifestyle. 

We help our clients to deliver 
improved employee performance 
and satisfaction, encouraging 
client retention in our business. 

RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
Having a responsible supply 
chain is important for us to 
deliver the quality of food service 
which is a key business driver for 
Compass. 

As a result of our actions, we  
are able to build client and 
consumer confidence, reduce 
potential risks and develop 
sustainable relationships.

OUR PEOPLE 
Our people are fundamental to  
our great service and reputation 
and we recognise their positive 
contribution to our performance.

ENVIRONMENT
As a leading food and support 
services provider, we have a 
clear responsibility to help 
protect the environment. 

Ensuring our employees are well 
trained, motivated and productive 
is an essential component of our 
business model.  

We are reducing our impact on 
the environment by implementing 
programmes that focus on the 
improved use of resources, 
helping us to manage our costs 
and those of our clients effectively.

• Measure and report our 

environmental performance

• Manage energy use
• Reduce food waste

• Provide nutritious food
• Signpost healthy choices
• Build healthier lives

• Provide safe food
• Source responsibly and 

sustainably

• Provide a safe workplace
• Create great career 

opportunities

• Trade fairly and ethically

• Offer fair employment

PROGRESS
We continue to make good progress against 
our CR commitments, including updating our 
review of material impacts to our business, to 
help us better assess our key business risks 
and opportunities. We have also improved the 
scope and accuracy of our non-financial 
performance data, which is helping us to gain 
greater visibility in each of the markets in 
which we operate, more accurately assess the 
level of compliance with global policies and 
identify any potential risks.

Increasingly, our customers are seeking 
assurances that the products they consume 
come from safe, ethical and sustainable 
sources. Working with colleagues from around 
the world, we have refreshed our global Supply 
Chain Standards to include improved controls, 
designed to protect the integrity of our supply 
chain, including enhanced policies on human 
trafficking and slavery, animal welfare and the 
use of palm oil. Our success as a business  
is dependent on us having a well-trained, 

motivated workforce and we have further 
improved our measurement and reporting  
of people focused performance indicators: 
employment opportunities, learning and 
development and human rights. 

For a summary of our achievements, please  
go to pages 36 to 39, or for a more detailed 
review of our performance, visit our CR site  
at www.compass-group.com/cr15.

RETENTION RATE OF UK APPRENTICES 
(2,491 APPRENTICES) 

EMPLOYEES SURVEYED WHO BELIEVE THE 
COMPANY IS A GOOD CORPORATE CITIZEN

IMPROVEMENT IN OUR LOST TIME INJURY 
RATE PERFORMANCE (SINCE 2008)

GHG INTENSITY IN 2015
(tCO2e PER £m REVENUE)

86%

75%

56%

6.7

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  35

 
 
 
OUR CR COMMITMENTS AND PROGRESS

BASIS FOR CONSOLIDATION
1  KPI relates to our global performance
2 
 KPI relates to our top 20 countries representing 93% of total Group revenue
3  KPI relates to our top 30 countries representing 98% of total Group revenue
All targets relate to data capture ending 30 September for the year stated.

PERFORMANCE KEY

TARGET ACHIEVED

 TARGET IN PROGRESS

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

2014–2015 TARGET

2014–2015  
PERFORMANCE

2014–2015 REVIEW

KPI TARGET

SOURCE

SUPPLY CHAIN 
INTEGRITY1, 2

% of countries adopting our global Supply Chain 
Standards  

100% implementation by 2015

During the year, we have evolved our global Supply Chain Standards to provide greater emphasis on 

100% implementation of the new global Supply 

supplier assurance and product traceability. The new global Supply Chain Integrity Standards will 

Chain Integrity Standards by 2017

% of contracted approved suppliers who have signed 
the Compass Code of Business Conduct

100% of contracted approved 
suppliers to sign the Compass Code 
of Business Conduct by 2015

% of countries with programmes in place to support:

Report % of countries 

Increasingly, our customers are seeking assurances that the products they consume are sourced 

Report % of countries with programmes in place  

•  sustainable fish/seafood 
•  Fairtrade and ethically sourced products 
• 

locally sourced products

% of expenditure on tea, coffee, sugar and bananas 
from ethical or Fairtrade sources

Report % of expenditure

PREPARE

ENERGY  
EFFICIENCY2

Reduction in total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions 

20% reduction in carbon emissions 
intensity by 2017 

Report total direct GHG emissions 
– metric tonnes

Water consumption by our corporate offices

20% reduction by 2017

In 2015, we extended the scope of reporting via a web based reporting system deployed in  

20% reduction by 2017 (against 2008 baseline)

% increase in spend on concentrated cleaning 
chemicals as a % of total chemical spend

25% increase in spend on 
concentrated cleaning chemicals  
by 2015

WATER  
EFFICIENCY2

36  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

be progressively rolled out across all markets during 2016.

The Standards include sustainable sourcing requirements that our procurement teams will be 

adopting in their markets.

We continue to ensure that all approved suppliers sign up to the Compass Code of Business 

100% of suppliers approved in 2016 will sign up  

Conduct. Such a requirement supports our alignment with the new Modern Slavery Act 2015.

to the Compass Code of Business Conduct

ethically and sustainably. 2014 was our first year for collating data against this KPI. 17 countries 

to support:

from our top 20 markets confirmed that they had sustainable and ethical sourcing programmes  

in place. In 2016, we need to make more progress in improving the availability of data for the 

remaining top 20 countries.

•  sustainable fish/seafood 

•  Fairtrade and ethically sourced products 

• 

locally sourced products

In 2015, we collated and analysed data from countries to form our baseline against this KPI.  

Report % of expenditure on tea, coffee, sugar and 

The analysis demonstrated that 18 countries purchase products from Fairtrade or ethical sources. 

bananas from ethical or Fairtrade sources

During the coming year we will work to improve the accuracy of spend data by product.

The trend across our operations is positive and we continue to show improvements in intensity 

20% reduction by 2017 (against 2008 baseline) 

being achieved against the 2008 baseline ratio of 7.8 (tonnes CO2e/£m revenue).

We have calculated our Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions since 2008 and use a web-based system to 

collate country data, which supports greater transparency and accuracy of data.

GHG emissions have been calculated in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting 

and Reporting Standard (revised edition), using the location based Scope 2 calculation method, 

together with the latest emission factors from recognised public sources including, but not limited 

to, Defra/DECC, the International Energy Agency, the US Energy Information Administration, the 

US Environmental Protection Agency and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Compass Group’s disclosure in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 is stated in the table 

GHG emissions by scope

Unit

Quantity 2014-2015

Quantity 2013-2014

Tonnes CO2e

Tonnes CO2e

109,869

8,903

Scope 1 & 2 intensity

Tonnes CO2e/£m revenue

6.7

115,406

10,256

7.4

As a result of a 5.5% reduction in absolute emissions and an increase in revenue, GHG intensity 

has decreased by 9.6% since 2013-2014.

The reporting of GHG emissions covered 93% of consolidated Group revenue and we are seeking 

continuous improvement in data entry and completeness in future years.

Y

T

I

S

N

E

T

N

I

G

H

G

)

E

U

N

E

V

E

R

M

£

/

e

O

C

t

(

²

9.0

8.0

7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

ORIGINAL SCOPE

ADDITIONAL SCOPE

EMISSIONS INTENSITY

below:

Scope 1

Scope 2

S

N

O

I

S

S

I

M

E

G

H

G

)

0

0

0

(

)

e

O

C

t

(

²

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Report total direct GHG emissions – metric tonnes

TARGETS 2017+

In order to reflect our ambitions to limit our 

environmental impact we will be applying Science-

Based Targets (SBT) for energy and carbon 

reduction from next year. SBTs will bring our carbon 

reduction targets into line with climate science and 

the need to reduce emissions between now and 

2050 in order to limit global temperature rise by 2°C 

above pre-industrial levels – the 2 degrees scenario.

We are investigating the Sectoral Decarbonisation 

Approach (SDA) methodology which has been 

developed by the UN Global Compact, Carbon 

Disclosure Project, World Resource Institute and 

WWF. Using International Energy Agency projections, 

SDA allocates a carbon budget in line with a 2 

degrees scenario for each sector, and therefore takes 

into account the differences in mitigation potential 

(for instance the decarbonisation of the electricity 

grid) and activity growth across these sectors.

The SDA methodology will allow us to set shorter 

term carbon emissions targets whilst planning for 

longer term reductions out to 2050. In 2016 we will 

communicate our revised carbon emissions targets 

for 2017+.

2014, to include additional locations where Compass has direct control, such as laundries and 

central production units. We will continue to focus on improving the accuracy of data from these 

sites in 2016.

This year, we collated and analysed spend data from countries to form our baseline against this  

KPI (c.25% of total cleaning chemical spend relates to concentrated cleaning chemicals, which 

25% increase in spend on concentrated cleaning 

chemicals as a % of total chemical spend by 2017

require less water consumption). We identified that 10 countries have more work to do to accurately 

report their spend data, and we will report on our progress in 2016.

Strategic report  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

2014–2015 TARGET

2014–2015 REVIEW

KPI TARGET

2014–2015  

PERFORMANCE

SOURCE

SUPPLY CHAIN 

INTEGRITY1, 2

Standards  

% of countries adopting our global Supply Chain 

100% implementation by 2015

During the year, we have evolved our global Supply Chain Standards to provide greater emphasis on 
supplier assurance and product traceability. The new global Supply Chain Integrity Standards will 
be progressively rolled out across all markets during 2016.

100% implementation of the new global Supply 
Chain Integrity Standards by 2017

Interested to know more? 
Find out about our CR activities around  
the world, together with global policies and 
performance statistics on our CR website at 
www.compass-group.com/cr15

% of contracted approved suppliers who have signed 

the Compass Code of Business Conduct

100% of contracted approved 

suppliers to sign the Compass Code 

of Business Conduct by 2015

% of countries with programmes in place to support:

Report % of countries 

•  sustainable fish/seafood 

•  Fairtrade and ethically sourced products 

• 

locally sourced products

% of expenditure on tea, coffee, sugar and bananas 

Report % of expenditure

from ethical or Fairtrade sources

PREPARE

ENERGY  

EFFICIENCY2

Reduction in total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions 

20% reduction in carbon emissions 

intensity by 2017 

Report total direct GHG emissions 

– metric tonnes

The Standards include sustainable sourcing requirements that our procurement teams will be 
adopting in their markets.

We continue to ensure that all approved suppliers sign up to the Compass Code of Business 
Conduct. Such a requirement supports our alignment with the new Modern Slavery Act 2015.

100% of suppliers approved in 2016 will sign up  
to the Compass Code of Business Conduct

Increasingly, our customers are seeking assurances that the products they consume are sourced 
ethically and sustainably. 2014 was our first year for collating data against this KPI. 17 countries 
from our top 20 markets confirmed that they had sustainable and ethical sourcing programmes  
in place. In 2016, we need to make more progress in improving the availability of data for the 
remaining top 20 countries.

In 2015, we collated and analysed data from countries to form our baseline against this KPI.  
The analysis demonstrated that 18 countries purchase products from Fairtrade or ethical sources. 
During the coming year we will work to improve the accuracy of spend data by product.

The trend across our operations is positive and we continue to show improvements in intensity 
being achieved against the 2008 baseline ratio of 7.8 (tonnes CO2e/£m revenue).

We have calculated our Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions since 2008 and use a web-based system to 
collate country data, which supports greater transparency and accuracy of data.

GHG emissions have been calculated in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting 
and Reporting Standard (revised edition), using the location based Scope 2 calculation method, 
together with the latest emission factors from recognised public sources including, but not limited 
to, Defra/DECC, the International Energy Agency, the US Energy Information Administration, the 
US Environmental Protection Agency and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Compass Group’s disclosure in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 is stated in the table 
below:

GHG emissions by scope
Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 1 & 2 intensity

Unit
Tonnes CO2e
Tonnes CO2e
Tonnes CO2e/£m revenue

Quantity 2014-2015
109,869
8,903
6.7

Quantity 2013-2014
115,406
10,256
7.4

As a result of a 5.5% reduction in absolute emissions and an increase in revenue, GHG intensity 
has decreased by 9.6% since 2013-2014.

The reporting of GHG emissions covered 93% of consolidated Group revenue and we are seeking 
continuous improvement in data entry and completeness in future years.

S
N
O
I
S
S
I
M
E
G
H
G

)
0
0
0
(
)
e

²

O
C
t
(

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Y
T
I
S
N
E
T
N
I
G
H
G

)
E
U
N
E
V
E
R
M
£
/
e

²

O
C
t
(

9.0

8.0

7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0

ORIGINAL SCOPE
ADDITIONAL SCOPE
EMISSIONS INTENSITY

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

Report % of countries with programmes in place  
to support:

•  sustainable fish/seafood 
•  Fairtrade and ethically sourced products 
• 

locally sourced products

Report % of expenditure on tea, coffee, sugar and 
bananas from ethical or Fairtrade sources

20% reduction by 2017 (against 2008 baseline) 

Report total direct GHG emissions – metric tonnes

TARGETS 2017+
In order to reflect our ambitions to limit our 
environmental impact we will be applying Science-
Based Targets (SBT) for energy and carbon 
reduction from next year. SBTs will bring our carbon 
reduction targets into line with climate science and 
the need to reduce emissions between now and 
2050 in order to limit global temperature rise by 2°C 
above pre-industrial levels – the 2 degrees scenario.

We are investigating the Sectoral Decarbonisation 
Approach (SDA) methodology which has been 
developed by the UN Global Compact, Carbon 
Disclosure Project, World Resource Institute and 
WWF. Using International Energy Agency projections, 
SDA allocates a carbon budget in line with a 2 
degrees scenario for each sector, and therefore takes 
into account the differences in mitigation potential 
(for instance the decarbonisation of the electricity 
grid) and activity growth across these sectors.

The SDA methodology will allow us to set shorter 
term carbon emissions targets whilst planning for 
longer term reductions out to 2050. In 2016 we will 
communicate our revised carbon emissions targets 
for 2017+.

WATER  

EFFICIENCY2

Water consumption by our corporate offices

20% reduction by 2017

% increase in spend on concentrated cleaning 

chemicals as a % of total chemical spend

25% increase in spend on 

concentrated cleaning chemicals  

by 2015

In 2015, we extended the scope of reporting via a web based reporting system deployed in  
2014, to include additional locations where Compass has direct control, such as laundries and 
central production units. We will continue to focus on improving the accuracy of data from these 
sites in 2016.

This year, we collated and analysed spend data from countries to form our baseline against this  
KPI (c.25% of total cleaning chemical spend relates to concentrated cleaning chemicals, which 
require less water consumption). We identified that 10 countries have more work to do to accurately 
report their spend data, and we will report on our progress in 2016.

20% reduction by 2017 (against 2008 baseline)

25% increase in spend on concentrated cleaning 
chemicals as a % of total chemical spend by 2017

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OUR CR COMMITMENTS AND PROGRESS CONTINUED

BASIS FOR CONSOLIDATION
1  KPI relates to our global performance
2 
 KPI relates to our top 20 countries representing 93% of total Group revenue
3  KPI relates to our top 30 countries representing 98% of total Group revenue
All targets relate to data capture ending 30 September for the year stated.

PERFORMANCE KEY

TARGET ACHIEVED

 TARGET IN PROGRESS

GENERAL  
WASTE 
REPORTING2

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

2014–2015 TARGET

% of waste generated by Compass offices diverted 
from landfill

25% improvement by 2017 

% of units where cooking oil is recovered/recycled

Report % of units where cooking 
oil is recovered/recycled

2014–2015  
PERFORMANCE

2014–2015 REVIEW

In 2015, we continued our focus on improving the accuracy of data reported by countries, including 

25% improvement by 2017 (against 2011 baseline) 

the composition of our waste, by collaborating with our waste contractors. This enables us to track 

progress on the proportion of waste being recycled.

Our analysis shows that 75% of units have their used cooking oil recycled, a proportion of which  

Report % of units where cooking oil is recovered/

is converted into biodiesel.

KPI TARGET

recycled

FOOD WASTE3

Implement Trim Trax (or equivalent food waste 
reduction programmes)

100% implementation across our 
top 30 countries by 2015

We have extended the implementation of our food waste reduction programmes and in 2015,  

25 countries now operate a food waste reduction programme.

100% implementation of food waste reduction 

programmes across our top 30 countries by 2016

PROVIDE

FOOD SAFETY1

Global Food Safety Incident Rate (FSIR)

Report % improvement

Compared to the 2008 baseline, we have improved our food safety performance on a  

Report % improvement (against 2008 baseline)

global basis by 52%, through strong unit compliance with our global Food Safety Standards. 

OCCUPATIONAL 
HEALTH AND 
SAFETY1

EMPLOYEE 
RETENTION2

DIVERSITY1

BUSINESS 
ETHICS1

Global Lost Time Injury Rate (LTIR) 

Report % improvement

We achieved further improvement in our global Lost Time Injury Rate, with a reduction of 56%  

Report % improvement (against 2008 baseline)

in the number of incidents compared to the 2008 baseline. Our ongoing commitment to implement 

programmes to improve safety leadership and culture underpins this success. However, we are not 

complacent and continue to look for ways to make what we do safer and work with colleagues and 

clients to drive improvement. This year, we have further developed our Safety First portal, which 

enables countries to share and implement best practice initiatives more easily, to support employee 

engagement in the prevention of incidents.

health and safety is our number one operational priority (2011: 79%). 

Sadly, we had three work related employee fatalities. Two were as a result of motor vehicle 

accidents and the third occurred at a client site. As part of our commitment for continuous 

improvement, we have identified lessons learned. 

In 2016, we will extend the scope of reporting for this KPI to our top 30 countries. 

% of employees surveyed in our global Your Voice 
survey who believe the Company places a high 
priority on health and safety

n/a

n/a

We are pleased that so many of our employees (80% of employees surveyed in 2013) believe that 

Report % improvement (against 2013 survey)

Employee retention rate for all employees:

Report % improvement of:

This year, we achieved a total employee retention rate of 83% (2014: 83%, 2013: 82%).

Report % improvement (against 2012 baseline)  

•  total employees

•  management

•  unit management

•  total employees

•  management

•  unit management

% of women holding global leadership team positions 

Report % representation

23% of our global leadership team positions are held by women (2014: 23%, 2013: 22%). 

Report % of female representation in the global 

% of female representation in the global workforce

Report % representation

Women make up 57% of our global workforce. In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, you 

Report % of female representation in the global 

will find more information on employee diversity on page 58.

Total number of concerns reported by employees 
globally, via Speak Up

Measure and report concerns 
with 100% follow up

All our countries have access to the independently operated Speak Up whistleblowing programme, 

Measure and report concerns with 100% follow up

which enables employees to report material concerns for review and follow up. There is a clear 

escalation process in place to consider each concern raised. Where appropriate, a full investigation 

and remedial actions are taken. 

of employee retention:

•  total employees

•  management

•  unit management

leadership team

workforce

EMPLOYEE 
ENGAGEMENT1

Global Your Voice survey:

•  participation rate

•  engagement rate

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

We have conducted a global Your Voice employee survey every two years. Going forward, we have decided 

Report % participation rate

to change the way in which we collect employee engagement data from countries. During this year of 

transition we have not performed the planned global survey; however, we will provide an update in our 

Report % engagement rate

2016 report on our future employee engagement plans.

INNOVATE

WELLBEING2,3

The number of units providing Balanced Choices (or 
equivalent healthy eating programmes) to their 
consumers

Report % of units 

The health and wellbeing of our consumers is important to us. We are committed to educating and 

100% of units providing Balanced Choices or  

informing people about food – empowering them to make informed choices about how to achieve  

similar healthy eating programmes to their 

a healthier lifestyle. For example, our programmes, such as Know Your Food in our UK business, 

consumers by 2016

% of units offering nutritional advice to consumers

Report % of units

% of countries operating a sugar, salt and fat 
reduction programme

Report % of countries

provide educational material around key health topics, seasonal produce and sustainable and ethical 

sourcing initiatives. In 2015, we extended the scope of this KPI to include the top 30 countries and 

our analysis demonstrates that 66% of units currently operate healthy eating programmes.

We are the only food service company to have signed up to all seven of the food service pledges  

Report % of units

of the UK Government’s Responsibility Deal, and we take an active role in the Responsibility Deal 

Plenary Group.

Increasingly, we are providing our consumers with access to fitness apps linked to our menus, 

making it quick and easy for them to track their calorie intake and physical activity during the day.

Report % of countries

38  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Strategic report  
 
 
 
Interested to know more? 
Find out about our CR activities around  
the world, together with global policies and 
performance statistics on our CR website at 
www.compass-group.com/cr15

GENERAL  

WASTE 

REPORTING2

OCCUPATIONAL 

HEALTH AND 

SAFETY1

EMPLOYEE 

RETENTION2

DIVERSITY1

BUSINESS 

ETHICS1

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

2014–2015 TARGET

2014–2015 REVIEW

KPI TARGET

2014–2015  

PERFORMANCE

% of waste generated by Compass offices diverted 

25% improvement by 2017 

from landfill

In 2015, we continued our focus on improving the accuracy of data reported by countries, including 
the composition of our waste, by collaborating with our waste contractors. This enables us to track 
progress on the proportion of waste being recycled.

25% improvement by 2017 (against 2011 baseline) 

% of units where cooking oil is recovered/recycled

Report % of units where cooking 

oil is recovered/recycled

Our analysis shows that 75% of units have their used cooking oil recycled, a proportion of which  
is converted into biodiesel.

Report % of units where cooking oil is recovered/
recycled

FOOD WASTE3

Implement Trim Trax (or equivalent food waste 

100% implementation across our 

reduction programmes)

top 30 countries by 2015

We have extended the implementation of our food waste reduction programmes and in 2015,  
25 countries now operate a food waste reduction programme.

100% implementation of food waste reduction 
programmes across our top 30 countries by 2016

PROVIDE

FOOD SAFETY1

Global Food Safety Incident Rate (FSIR)

Report % improvement

Compared to the 2008 baseline, we have improved our food safety performance on a  
global basis by 52%, through strong unit compliance with our global Food Safety Standards. 

Report % improvement (against 2008 baseline)

Global Lost Time Injury Rate (LTIR) 

Report % improvement

% of employees surveyed in our global Your Voice 

n/a

survey who believe the Company places a high 

priority on health and safety

n/a

We achieved further improvement in our global Lost Time Injury Rate, with a reduction of 56%  
in the number of incidents compared to the 2008 baseline. Our ongoing commitment to implement 
programmes to improve safety leadership and culture underpins this success. However, we are not 
complacent and continue to look for ways to make what we do safer and work with colleagues and 
clients to drive improvement. This year, we have further developed our Safety First portal, which 
enables countries to share and implement best practice initiatives more easily, to support employee 
engagement in the prevention of incidents.

We are pleased that so many of our employees (80% of employees surveyed in 2013) believe that 
health and safety is our number one operational priority (2011: 79%). 

Sadly, we had three work related employee fatalities. Two were as a result of motor vehicle 
accidents and the third occurred at a client site. As part of our commitment for continuous 
improvement, we have identified lessons learned. 

Employee retention rate for all employees:

Report % improvement of:

This year, we achieved a total employee retention rate of 83% (2014: 83%, 2013: 82%).

In 2016, we will extend the scope of reporting for this KPI to our top 30 countries. 

•  total employees

•  management

•  unit management

•  total employees

•  management

•  unit management

% of women holding global leadership team positions 

Report % representation

23% of our global leadership team positions are held by women (2014: 23%, 2013: 22%). 

Report % improvement (against 2008 baseline)

Report % improvement (against 2013 survey)

Report % improvement (against 2012 baseline)  
of employee retention:

•  total employees

•  management

•  unit management

Report % of female representation in the global 
leadership team

% of female representation in the global workforce

Report % representation

Women make up 57% of our global workforce. In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, you 
will find more information on employee diversity on page 58.

Report % of female representation in the global 
workforce

Total number of concerns reported by employees 

Measure and report concerns 

globally, via Speak Up

with 100% follow up

All our countries have access to the independently operated Speak Up whistleblowing programme, 
which enables employees to report material concerns for review and follow up. There is a clear 
escalation process in place to consider each concern raised. Where appropriate, a full investigation 
and remedial actions are taken. 

Measure and report concerns with 100% follow up

EMPLOYEE 

ENGAGEMENT1

Global Your Voice survey:

•  participation rate

•  engagement rate

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

We have conducted a global Your Voice employee survey every two years. Going forward, we have decided 
to change the way in which we collect employee engagement data from countries. During this year of 
transition we have not performed the planned global survey; however, we will provide an update in our 
2016 report on our future employee engagement plans.

Report % participation rate

Report % engagement rate

INNOVATE

WELLBEING2,3

The number of units providing Balanced Choices (or 

Report % of units 

equivalent healthy eating programmes) to their 

consumers

% of units offering nutritional advice to consumers

Report % of units

% of countries operating a sugar, salt and fat 

Report % of countries

reduction programme

The health and wellbeing of our consumers is important to us. We are committed to educating and 
informing people about food – empowering them to make informed choices about how to achieve  
a healthier lifestyle. For example, our programmes, such as Know Your Food in our UK business, 
provide educational material around key health topics, seasonal produce and sustainable and ethical 
sourcing initiatives. In 2015, we extended the scope of this KPI to include the top 30 countries and 
our analysis demonstrates that 66% of units currently operate healthy eating programmes.

We are the only food service company to have signed up to all seven of the food service pledges  
of the UK Government’s Responsibility Deal, and we take an active role in the Responsibility Deal 
Plenary Group.

Increasingly, we are providing our consumers with access to fitness apps linked to our menus, 
making it quick and easy for them to track their calorie intake and physical activity during the day.

100% of units providing Balanced Choices or  
similar healthy eating programmes to their 
consumers by 2016

Report % of units

Report % of countries

Member of

3-0033-10-100-00

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  39

 
 
 
 
OUR BOARD

1

3

5

7

9

11

13

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

1 PAUL WALSH    c 
CHAIRMAN (AGE 60)

APPOINTMENT 
Joined as a non-executive director in January 2014. 
Appointed Chairman in February 2014.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Former Chief Executive, Diageo plc, from September 
2000 to June 2013 and now an adviser to the 
Chairman and Chief Executive, having originally 
joined the Board in 1997. Formerly Chief Executive 
Officer of the Pillsbury Company, Chairman of Ontex 
Group N.V. and a director of GrandMet. Former 
non-executive director of Unilever PLC, Centrica plc 
and United Spirits Limited. Paul is a Member of the 
Business Advisory Group for Britain, Business 
Ambassador on the UK Government’s Business 
Ambassador network and a Member of the Council 
of the Scotch Whisky Association.

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
Chairman of Avanti Communications Group plc.  
Non-executive director of HSBC Holdings plc  
(from 1 January 2016), FedEx Corporation, RM2 
International S.A. and Simpsons Malt Limited  
and a member of the Prime Minister’s Business 
Advisory Group.

2 RICHARD COUSINS      

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE (AGE 56)

APPOINTMENT 
Joined the Board in May 2006. Appointed Group 
Chief Executive in June 2006.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 
Richard spent six years as Chief Executive Officer  
of BPB plc, having previously held a number of 
positions with that company. His earlier career was 
with Cadbury Schweppes plc and BTR plc. He is 
also a former non-executive director of P & O plc, 
HBOS plc and Reckitt Benckiser Group plc.

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS 
Senior independent non-executive director  
of Tesco PLC and a Member of the Advisory Board 
of Lancaster University Business School.
3 DOMINIC BLAKEMORE   ■   
GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR (AGE 46)

APPOINTMENT 
Joined the Board in February 2012. Appointed 
Group Finance Director in April 2012. Dominic will 
become Group Chief Operating Officer, Europe on  
1 December 2015.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 
Former Chief Financial Officer of Iglo Foods Group 
Limited, which Dominic joined from Cadbury Plc,  
where he was European Finance & Strategy  
Director, having previously held senior finance roles  
as Corporate Finance Director and Group Financial 
Controller. Prior to joining Cadbury Plc, Dominic  
was a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS 
Non-executive director of Shire plc and a Member of 
the Academic Council for University College London.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 
●  Audit 

  Corporate Responsibility 

■  Disclosure 

  Executive Board  
  General Business 

  Nomination 
◆  Remuneration 
 c  Denotes Chairman 
 s  Denotes Secretary

40  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Strategic report 4 GARY GREEN   

8 SUSAN MURRAY ●   c  ◆

GROUP CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, NORTH AMERICA (AGE 58)

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (AGE 58)

12 NELSON SILVA ●    ◆
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (AGE 60)

APPOINTMENT 
Joined the Board in April 2007. Appointed Group 
Chief Operating Officer, North America in April 
2012.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 
Gary is a Chartered Accountant and in 2001  
received an honorary doctorate from Johnson & 
Wales University in the USA. Gary joined the Group 
in 1986 in a senior finance role in the UK and 
became a UK director in 1992. He relocated to  
the USA in 1994 as Chief Finance Officer of the 
Group’s North American business and in 1999 
became Chief Executive Officer. 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS 
None.

5 ANDREW MARTIN   

GROUP CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, EUROPE & JAPAN (AGE 55)

APPOINTMENT 
Appointed Group Finance Director in 2004  
and became Group Chief Operating Officer, Europe 
& Japan in April 2012. Andrew will retire from the 
Board on 1 December 2015.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 
Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants 
in England and Wales and an Associate of the 
Chartered Institute of Taxation. 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS 
Non-executive director of easyJet plc.

6 CAROL ARROWSMITH ●    ◆ c

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (AGE 61)

APPOINTMENT 
Appointed to the Board in June 2014. 

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Former partner in Deloitte LLP, Vice Chairman  
of the UK business and former Director of the 
Remuneration Consultants Group. Carol is a Fellow 
of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and 
Development.

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
Adviser to Deloitte LLP, Member of Advisory Group 
for Spencer Stuart and director and trustee of 
Northern Ballet Limited. 

7 JOHN BASON ● c    ◆

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (AGE 58)

APPOINTMENT 
Appointed to the Board in June 2011.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 
Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants  
in England and Wales. John was previously Finance 
Director of Bunzl plc. 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS 
Finance Director of Associated British Foods plc, 
trustee of Voluntary Service Overseas and Chairman 
of the charity FareShare.

APPOINTMENT 
Appointed to the Board in October 2007.

APPOINTMENT 
Appointed to the Board in July 2015.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 
Susan is a former Chairman of Farrow & Ball, a 
former non-executive director of Pernod Ricard S.A., 
Imperial Tobacco PLC, Enterprise Inns Plc, Aberdeen 
Asset Management PLC, SSL International PLC and 
Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC, and former Chief 
Executive of Littlewoods Stores Limited. She is also 
former Worldwide President and Chief Executive of 
The Pierre Smirnoff Company, part of Diageo plc, 
and a former Council Member of the Advertising 
Standards Authority. 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS 
Director of Boparan Holdings Limited trading as  
2 Sisters Food Group and a Fellow of the Royal 
Society of Arts.

9 DON ROBERT ●    ◆

SENIOR INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (SID) (AGE 56)

APPOINTMENT 
Appointed to the Board in May 2009. Appointed 
SID on 1 October 2015.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 
Don was formerly the Chief Executive Officer of 
Experian plc and Chairman of the Consumer Data 
Industry Association and previously held positions  
with First American Corporation, Credco, Inc. and 
US Bancorp.

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS 
Chairman of Experian plc and Achilles Holdco 
Limited. Don is also a Trustee of the Education  
and Employers Taskforce and a non-executive 
director of the Court of the Bank of England.
10 SIR IAN ROBINSON ●    ◆
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (AGE 73)

APPOINTMENT 
Joined the Board in December 2006. Appointed 
SID on 9 April 2013 and stepped down from this 
role on 1 October 2015. Sir Ian will retire from the 
Board and its committees on 4 February 2016.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 
Sir Ian is a former Chairman of Ladbrokes plc, 
Hilton Group plc and Amey plc, and a former Chief 
Executive of Scottish Power plc. He is a former 
non-executive director of ASDA plc, RMC plc, 
Scottish & Newcastle plc and Siemens Holdings plc. 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS 
Member of the Takeover Panel and Fellow of the  
Royal Academy of Engineers. 
11 IREENA VITTAL ●    ◆
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (AGE 47)

APPOINTMENT 
Appointed to the Board in July 2015.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 
Ireena was formerly a non-executive director of 
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare and Axis 
Bank Limited, Head of Marketing and Sales at 
Hutchinson Max Telecom and a former partner  
at McKinsey and Company. 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS 
Non-executive director of Zomato Media Private 
Limited, Godrej Consumer Products Limited, WIPRO 
Limited, The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Tata 
Global Beverages Limited, Tata Industries and Titan 
Company Limited.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 
Nelson was formerly President of the Aluminium 
business unit at BHP Billiton, based in the UK. Prior 
to joining BHP Billiton, he held a number of senior 
positions at Vale, including Sales and Marketing 
Director based in Belgium, Japan and Brazil. Nelson 
was also Managing Director of Embraer for Europe 
and Africa based in France and Chief Executive 
Officer of All Logistica in Argentina. 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS 
Senior Vice President of BG Group plc responsible 
for Brazil, Bolivia and Uruguay. He is a board 
member of the Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas  
and of the Brazilian Association of Petroleum 
Companies and is also a Member of the Social  
and Development Council of Brazil’s Presidency.
13 JOHNNY THOMSON   ■   
GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR ELECT (AGE 43)

APPOINTMENT
Will join the Board and be appointed as Group 
Finance Director (and become a member of the 
Board committees currently held by Dominic 
Blakemore) on 1 December 2015.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 
Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants 
in England and Wales. Johnny joined the Group  
in April 2009 as Finance Director for the Group’s 
Brazilian business. He was appointed Chief Executive 
Officer for the Brazilian business in October 2012 
and, from 1 February 2014 became Regional 
Managing Director for Latin America, comprising 
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. Prior 
to joining the Group, Johnny was Vice President 
Finance for the UK and Ireland Division of Hilton 
Hotels and served in a variety of audit, transactional 
services and international/client secondments at 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS  
None.
14 MARK WHITE ● s   ■    s  s ◆ s
GENERAL COUNSEL AND COMPANY SECRETARY (AGE 55)

APPOINTMENT 
Joined the Group as General Counsel and Company 
Secretary in June 2007.

SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 
Mark is a Solicitor. He is a Trustee of the Compass 
Pension Plan and the Compass Retirement Income 
Savings Plan. He was previously Group Company 
Secretary and General Counsel of Wolseley plc  
and Company Secretary of Enterprise Oil plc and 
Rotork plc.

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS 
Member of the Upper Tribunal, Tax and  
Chancery Chamber.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  41

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

43 
59 

 Governance and Directors’ Report
 Directors’ Remuneration Report

42  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

GOVERNANCE AND DIRECTORS’ REPORT

A well defined and effective governance 
structure promotes the success of the 
Company and helps to safeguard 
shareholders’ investments and the 
Company’s assets.

ANNUAL STATEMENT

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
As a Board, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of 
corporate governance. We strongly believe that good governance is at 
the heart of and is fundamental to the effective management of the 
business and its long term sustainability.

In the pages which follow, we have set out our governance policies  
and practices and included details of how the Group has applied the 
main principles and complied with the relevant provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code 2014 (the Code) using the key themes 
of the Code as the framework within which we define our governance. 

Over the last nine years, the Board has continued to evolve and 
strengthen our governance framework and we have sought to create  
an environment in which honesty, integrity and openness are 
encouraged and put into practice. I believe that this approach has 
created a strong governance framework which lends itself well to  
our business, leaving us well placed to take advantage of business 
opportunities whilst helping to safeguard shareholders’ investments 
and the Company’s assets. 

In September 2014, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) published 
the latest edition of the Code, which included a number of changes 
around directors’ remuneration, risk management and internal control, 
which we have adopted. One of the new requirements of the Code is  
for boards to make an annual viability statement. Details of our Going 
Concern and Viability Statement may be found in the Strategic Report 
on page 30. 

At Compass, we recognise the importance of planning for the future 
and, in line with our succession planning strategy, with help from the 
Nomination Committee, we have continued to develop our Board with 
a number of new appointments. Please see pages 40 and 41 for 
information on the Board.

In this regard, we have welcomed new members onto the Board 
following the announcement of the forthcoming departure of some  
long-standing colleagues. 

In July, we announced the appointment of Ireena Vittal and Nelson 
Silva as non-executive directors together with Sir Ian Robinson’s 
retirement as Senior Independent Director (SID) on 1 October 2015 
and his succession by Don Robert on the same day. Sir Ian will retire 
from the Board and its committees at the conclusion of the Annual 
General Meeting to be held on 4 February 2016 (2016 AGM). 

On 24 September 2015, we further announced that Andrew Martin, 
Group Chief Operating Officer, Europe & Japan, will step down from 
the Board on 1 December 2015 and that Dominic Blakemore, currently 
Group Finance Director, will become the Group Chief Operating Officer, 
Europe from that date. On the same day, Johnny Thomson, who is 
currently Regional Managing Director of the Group’s Latin American 
business, will become Group Finance Director and will join the Board 
as an executive director. 

On behalf of my fellow directors, I would like to take this opportunity 
to welcome Ireena, Nelson and Johnny to the Board. I would also like 
to offer my sincere thanks to Andy for his outstanding contribution  
to the Company and to Sir Ian for his excellent services to the Board 
and its committees over the past nine years. I wish them both every 
success for the future. 

I am confident that these changes, combined with the existing skills 
and experience of our longer serving directors, will strengthen the 
Board as we look to the future of the Company and continue to 
encourage open debate in Board and committee discussions.

It has been another year of significant progress and I continue to see 
positive development of the Board’s activities across our governance 
agenda. As ever, we will continue to challenge ourselves and the 
business. We are committed to building on the progress we have  
made to date, strengthening our existing governance structure and 
contributing to the ongoing success of the business. However, there  
are always further areas for improvement and these will form part  
of our agenda in 2016. 

PAUL WALSH 
Chairman 
24 November 2015

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  43

 
 
 
 
GOVERNANCE AND DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

The directors present their Annual Report and the audited consolidated 
accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended 
30 September 2015. This Corporate Governance Report and  
other statutory disclosures set out on pages 42 to 58 make up the 
Directors’ Report.

This Directors’ Report also contains information required to be 
disclosed under the UK Listing Authority’s (UKLA) Listing Rules  
(Rules) and under the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR).  
To the extent necessary, certain information is incorporated into  
this Report by reference.

UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE COMPLIANCE
Responsibility for good governance lies with the Board. The Board is 
accountable to shareholders and is committed to the highest standards 
of corporate governance as set out in the Code. The Code can be found 
on the FRC website at www.frc.org.uk. This Corporate Governance 
Report, together with the Directors’ Remuneration Report set out on 
pages 59 to 77, describes how the Board has applied the main 
principles of good governance, as set out in the Code, during the year 
under review. 

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
It is the Board’s view that for the year ended 30 September 2015 the 
Company has been fully compliant with all of the principles set out in 
the Code applicable to this reporting period. The Company’s auditor, 
KPMG LLP, is required to review whether the above statement reflects 
the Company’s compliance with the provisions of the Code specified for 
its review by the Rules of the UKLA and to report if it does not reflect 
such compliance. No such report has been made.

HOW WE GOVERN THE COMPANY
Our governance structure comprises the functions shown below, 
supported by the Group’s standards, policies and internal controls, 
which are described over the following pages in more detail. 

CHAIRMAN

BOARD

AUDIT 
COMMITTEE

CORPORATE 
RESPONSIBILITY 
COMMITTEE

NOMINATION  
COMMITTEE

REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE

DISCLOSURE 
COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE  
BOARD

GENERAL  
BUSINESS 
COMMITTEE

THE BOARD
COMPOSITION
As at 30 September 2015, and as at the date of this Report, the 
Board of directors was made up of 12 members, comprising the 
non-executive Chairman, four executive directors and seven  
non-executive directors.

As announced on and with effect from 16 July 2015, Ireena Vittal and 
Nelson Silva joined the Board as independent non-executive directors, 
Sir Ian Robinson stepped down as Senior Independent Director (SID) 
on 1 October 2015 and Don Robert succeeded Sir Ian as SID on the 

44  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

same day. It was also announced that Sir Ian will retire as a director  
of the Company at the conclusion of the 2016 AGM. 

As further announced on 24 September 2015, Johnny Thomson will be 
appointed as an executive director and Andrew Martin will step down 
from the Board on 1 December 2015. The appointment of Ireena and 
Nelson during the year further strengthens the existing international 
and strategic capability of the Board.

All of the non-executive directors are considered by the Board to be 
independent of management and free of any relationship which could 
materially interfere with the exercise of their independent judgement. 
The Board considers that each of the non-executive directors brings 
their own senior level of experience, gained in each of their own fields, 
mainly in international operations.

Biographical details of the directors currently in office are shown  
on pages 40 and 41. The Company’s policy relating to the terms of 
appointment and the remuneration of both executive and non-executive 
directors is detailed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report, which is  
on pages 59 to 77.

The Board meets regularly during the year as well as on an ad hoc 
basis, as required by business needs. The Board met six times  
during the year and director attendance for each meeting is shown  
in the table below. Each director also attends the Annual General 
Meeting (AGM) to answer shareholder questions.

MEETINGS ATTENDANCE

Name

Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Andrew Martin
Susan Murray
Don Robert2
Sir Ian Robinson
Nelson Silva3
Ireena Vittal3
Paul Walsh

Attendance1

6 of 6
6 of 6
6 of 6
6 of 6
6 of 6
6 of 6
6 of 6
5 of 6
6 of 6
2 of 2
2 of 2 
6 of 6

1   The number of meetings attended out of the number of meetings each director was 

eligible to attend.

2   Unable to attend a meeting due to unforeseen circumstances. Prior to the meeting, 
the director read the papers for the meeting and discussed his comments with the 
Chairman of the Board.

3  Ireena Vittal and Nelson Silva were appointed to the Board on 16 July 2015.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board manages the business of the Company and may, subject to 
the Articles of Association and applicable legislation, borrow money, 
guarantee, indemnify, mortgage or charge the business, property and 
assets (present and future), issue debentures and other securities and 
give security, whether outright or as a collateral security, for any debt, 
liability or obligation of the Company or of any third party. The Board 
has a formal schedule of matters reserved for its decision, although its 
primary role is to provide entrepreneurial leadership and to review the 
overall strategic development of the Group as a whole. In addition, the 
Board sets the Group’s values and standards and ensures that it acts 
ethically and that its obligations to its shareholders are understood  
and met. The Board may delegate any of its powers to any committee 
consisting of one or more directors. 

The Board has delegated day to day operational decisions to the 
Executive Board referred to on page 53. 

Corporate governanceThe Board has established a procedure for directors, if deemed 
necessary, to take independent professional advice at the Company’s 
expense in the furtherance of their duties. Every director also has 
access to the General Counsel and Company Secretary, who is charged 
with ensuring that Board procedures are followed and that good 
corporate governance and compliance are implemented throughout  
the Group. Together with the Group Chief Executive and the General 
Counsel and Company Secretary, the Chairman ensures that the Board 
is kept properly informed and is consulted on all issues reserved to it. 
Board papers and other information are distributed in a timely fashion 
to allow directors to be properly briefed in advance of meetings. In 
accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, directors have 
been granted an indemnity issued by the Company to the extent 
permitted by law in respect of liabilities incurred as a result of their 
office. The indemnity would not provide any coverage where a director 
is proved to have acted fraudulently or dishonestly. The Company has 
also arranged appropriate insurance cover in respect of legal action 
against its directors and officers.

The roles of Chairman and Group Chief Executive are separate and 
clearly defined, with the division of responsibilities set out in writing 
and agreed by the Board. 

DIRECTOR EFFECTIVENESS AND TRAINING
In accordance with best practice, the Chairman addresses the 
developmental needs of the Board as a whole, with a view to further 
developing its effectiveness as a team, and ensures that each  
director refreshes and updates his or her individual skills, knowledge 
and expertise. 

Meetings between the non-executive directors, both with and without 
the presence of the Group Chief Executive, are scheduled in the 
Board’s annual programme. Board meetings are also held at Group 
business locations to help all Board members to gain a deeper 
understanding of the business. This also provides senior managers 
from across the Group with the opportunity to present to the Board  
as well as to meet the directors on more informal occasions.

Succession planning is a matter for the whole Board, rather than  
for a committee. The Company’s Articles of Association provide that 
one third of the directors retire by rotation each year and that each 
director will seek re-election at the AGM every three years. However,  
in accordance with the Code, all directors submit themselves for 
annual re-election by shareholders. New directors may be appointed  
by the Board, but are subject to election by shareholders at the first 
opportunity after their appointment, as is the case with Ireena Vittal, 
Nelson Silva and Johnny Thomson, all of whom will seek election at the 
2016 AGM. The Articles of Association limit the number of directors to 
not less than two and not more than 20, save where shareholders 
decide otherwise. Non-executive directors are normally appointed for 
an initial term of three years, which is reviewed and may be extended 
for a further three years. It is Board policy that non-executive director 
appointments should last for no more than nine years.

A formal, comprehensive and tailored induction is given to all  
non-executive directors following their appointment, including access 
to external training courses and visits to key locations within the Group 
and meetings with members of the Executive Board and other key 
senior executives. The induction also covers a review of the Group’s 
governance policies, structures and business, including details of the 
risks and operating issues facing the Group.

Don Robert succeeded Sir Ian Robinson as the SID on 1 October 
2015. His role includes providing a sounding board for the Chairman 
and acting as an intermediary for the non-executive directors, where 
necessary. Sir Ian will step down from the Board and its committees  
at the conclusion of the Company’s 2016 AGM. The Board believes 
that Don has the appropriate experience, knowledge and independence 
to succeed Sir Ian in this role.

The Chairman ensures that the Board maintains an appropriate 
dialogue with shareholders. Although the non-executive directors  
are not formally required to meet the shareholders of the Company, 
their attendance at presentations of the interim and annual results  
is encouraged.

BOARD EFFECTIVENESS
A performance evaluation of the Board and of its committees is carried 
out annually to ensure that they continue to be effective, that each of 
the directors demonstrates commitment to his or her respective role 
and has sufficient time to meet his or her commitment to the Company.

In 2013-2014, an external performance evaluation of the Board was 
conducted by independent external facilitators, EquityCommunications 
Limited. In accordance with the Code, and in light of the changes 
made to the composition of the Board during the year, an independent 
external evaluation will next be carried out in 2015-2016 so as to give 
the recently reconstituted Board a reasonable period in which to settle 
prior to the next external performance evaluation. 

During the year, the Board conducted an evaluation of its performance 
and that of the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees to 
ensure that they continue to be effective and that each of the directors 
demonstrates commitment to his or her respective role and has 
sufficient time to meet his or her commitment to the Company. This 
year’s performance evaluation took into account the principal themes 
which had emerged from the preceding external evaluation, notably a 
continued focus on enhancing the approach to the strategy formulation 
process and succession planning, taking into account nationality, 
economic background and gender diversity, together with the ratio of 
non-executive directors to executive directors. 

Having conducted its evaluation, it was concluded that the structure 
and composition of the Board was considered conducive to robust 
discussion. The timeliness and quality of Board papers was considered 
to be high, but it was agreed that there should be more time for the 
Board to discuss strategic issues. It was further concluded that Board 
discussions would be enhanced by having external parties, such as 
economists, present to the Board from time to time. These key issues, 
together with any other matters identified as a result of the evaluation, 
will be addressed by the Board over the coming year. 

It was also noted that the changes made to the Board during 2015  
had resulted in (a) an increased ratio of 8:4 non-executive to  
executive directors (b) 25% overseas nationals, and (c) 25% female 
representation on the Board and that the increase in the number of 
female directors had brought the Company in line with Lord Davies’ 
recommendations that there should be a minimum of 25% female 
directors represented on company boards by 2015. The Board, 
however, continues to believe that gender based or other types of 
targets are inappropriate and that the blend of skills, knowledge and 
experience is of paramount importance.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  45

GOVERNANCE AND DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board has established a number of committees to assist in the 
discharge of its duties:

• Audit Committee
• Corporate Responsibility Committee
• Disclosure Committee
• General Business Committee
• Nomination Committee
• Remuneration Committee
• Executive Board

The formal Terms of Reference for the principal committees, approved 
by the Board and complying with the Code, are available from the 
General Counsel and Company Secretary and can also be found on the 
Company’s website at www.compass-group.com. Terms of Reference 
are reviewed annually and updated when necessary to reflect changes 
in legislation or best practice. 

Directors who are not members of individual Board committees may 
also be invited to attend one or more meetings of those committees 
during the year.

The General Counsel and Company Secretary acts as Secretary to all 
Board committees. The chairmen of each of the principal committees 
attend the AGM to respond to any shareholder questions that might be 
raised on a committee’s activities.

It was also the view of the Board that each of the non-executive 
directors brings considerable management expertise and an 
independent perspective to the Board’s deliberations and that they  
are considered to be independent of management and free from any 
relationship or circumstance that could affect, or appear to affect, the 
exercise of their independent judgement. Overall, the Board considered 
the performance of each director to be effective and concluded that 
both the Board and its committees continue to provide effective 
leadership and exert the required levels of governance and control.  
The Board will continue to review its procedures, effectiveness and 
development in the year ahead. 

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
As part of their ongoing development, the executive directors may seek 
one external non-executive role on a non-competitor board, for which 
they may retain the remuneration in respect of the appointment. In 
order to avoid any conflict of interest, all appointments are subject to 
the Board’s approval and the Board monitors the extent of directors’ 
other interests to ensure that its effectiveness is not compromised.

Each director has a duty under the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006)  
to avoid a situation in which he or she has or can have a direct or 
indirect interest that conflicts or possibly may conflict with the 
interests of the Company. This duty is in addition to the obligation that 
he or she owes to the Company to disclose to the Board an interest in 
any transaction or arrangement under consideration by the Company. 
The Company’s Articles of Association authorise the directors to 
approve such situations and to include other provisions to allow 
conflicts of interest to be dealt with. The Board follows an established 
procedure when deciding whether to authorise an actual or potential 
conflict of interest. Only independent directors (i.e. those who have  
no interest in the matter under consideration) will be able to take the 
relevant decision, and in taking the decision the directors must act in 
good faith and in a way they consider will be most likely to promote the 
Company’s success. Furthermore, the directors may, if appropriate, 
impose limits or conditions when granting authorisation. 

Any authorities are reviewed at least every 15 months. The Board 
considered and authorised each director’s reported actual and potential 
conflicts of interest at its July 2015 Board meeting and considers 
changes on an ad hoc basis throughout the year.

46  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Corporate governanceAUDIT COMMITTEE

ANNUAL STATEMENT

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the 2014-2015 Audit  
Committee Report. 

As reported in the Strategic Report on pages 1 to 41, we continue  
to develop and grow our business. We operate in territories where  
the concept of corporate governance is still underdeveloped. In these 
regions in particular, it is imperative to have a defined and established 
system of risk management and internal control procedures to ensure 
that our growth is supported by a developed and embedded risk 
management culture, which promotes solid business practice. 

The Board recognises that the scale, complexity and geographic 
diversity of our business means we often operate in challenging 
environments. The Board also understands that to ensure effective 
development and delivery of the Group’s strategic objectives, within  
a risk control framework there must be a level of prudence, robustness 
and integrity to mitigate risk coupled with a degree of flexibility so as  
to encourage the pursuit of new business opportunities. 

The Committee’s focus has, as in previous years, primarily been 
centred on the integrity of the Group’s financial reporting, together  
with related internal control activities and risk and compliance matters. 
The Committee has considered new developments in corporate 
governance and reporting, and, in light of its review of such matters, 
was able to offer advice on such issues and, as necessary, recommend 
an appropriate course of action to the Board. 

In 2013-2014, we approved the reprioritisation of the reporting of  
the Group’s ongoing operational risks with the aim of giving context  
to our principal risk disclosures. This year, we have introduced visual 
indicators to make it easier to interpret the year on year change in a 
specific risk. More details of the Group’s principal risks can be found 
on pages 31 to 33. 

Defined and established risk 
management and internal control 
procedures ensure that our growth  
is supported by a developed and 
embedded risk management culture.

The Board’s responsibility for organisational culture is essential to  
the way in which risk is considered and addressed within the Group 
and, at an operational level. The Board and the Committee have 
continued to promote the strengthening of regional governance 
structures by increasing the regularity of the meetings of the Regional 
Governance Committees (RGCs), with the aim of further embedding 
the Group’s risk management culture within the business. 

During the year, in line with our succession planning strategy, we 
welcomed two new members onto the Committee. The appointments 
of Ireena Vittal and Nelson Silva will ensure that the Committee 
continues to challenge and debate the performance and relevance  
of the Group’s governance systems and internal controls. Over the  
next 12 months, we will work alongside the Board under our Terms  
of Reference with the aim of further mitigating potential risks. 

Further details of the Committee’s activities during the financial year 
ended 30 September 2015 can be found on the pages which follow.

JOHN BASON 
Chairman of the Audit Committee
24 November 2015

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  47

 
 
GOVERNANCE AND DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
COMPOSITION
The Audit Committee comprises John Bason, Chairman, and all  
of the non-executive directors in office at the date of this Report. 
Members of the Audit Committee are appointed by the Board following 
recommendations by the Nomination Committee and the Audit 
Committee’s membership is reviewed by the Nomination Committee 
and as part of the annual Board performance evaluation. 

Each member of the Audit Committee brings relevant senior level 
financial experience. The expertise and experience of the members of 
the Audit Committee are summarised on pages 40 and 41. The Board 
considers that each member of the Audit Committee is independent 
within the definition set out in the Code. The Audit Committee’s 
Chairman, John Bason, is considered by the Board to have significant, 
recent and relevant financial experience as Finance Director of 
Associated British Foods plc. 

All members of the Audit Committee receive an appropriate induction, 
which includes an overview of the business, its financial dynamics  
and risks. Audit Committee members are expected to have an 
understanding of the principles of, and recent developments in, 
financial reporting, including the applicable accounting standards and 
statements of recommended practice, key aspects of the Company’s 
policies, financing, internal control mechanisms, and matters that 
require the use of judgement in the presentation of accounts and key 
figures as well as the role of internal and external auditors. Members  
of the Audit Committee undertake ongoing training as required.

MEETINGS ATTENDANCE

Name

John Bason
Carol Arrowsmith
Susan Murray
Don Robert2
Sir Ian Robinson
Nelson Silva3
Ireena Vittal3

Attendance1

3 of 3
3 of 3
3 of 3
2 of 3
3 of 3
1 of 1
1 of 1 

1   The number of meetings attended out of the number of meetings each director was 

eligible to attend.

2   Unable to attend a meeting to due unforeseen circumstances. Prior to the meeting 
the director read the papers for the meeting and discussed his comments with the 
Committee Chairman.

3  Ireena Vittal and Nelson Silva were appointed to the Board on 16 July 2015.

The Audit Committee meets throughout the year and its agenda is 
linked to events in the Company’s financial calendar. Each member  
of the Audit Committee may require reports on matters of interest in 
addition to the regular items. The Audit Committee met three times 
during the year and members’ attendance at the meetings is set out  
in the table above. 

The Audit Committee invites Paul Walsh (Chairman), Richard Cousins 
(Group Chief Executive), Dominic Blakemore (Group Finance Director), 
Kate Dunham (Group Financial Controller) and Kamal Zoghbi (Interim 
Director of Group Internal Audit), together with senior representatives 
of the external auditor, to attend each meeting although, periodically,  
it reserves time for discussions without invitees being present. Other 
senior management are invited to present such reports as are required 
for the Audit Committee to discharge its duties.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee attends the AGM to respond to 
any shareholder questions that might be raised on its activities. The 
remuneration of the members of the Audit Committee and the policy 
with regard to the remuneration of the non-executive directors are set 
out on pages 68 and 75. 

48  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

OBJECTIVES
The Audit Committee’s key objectives are the provision of effective 
governance over the appropriateness of the Group’s financial reporting, 
including the adequacy of related disclosures, the performance of both 
the internal and external audit functions, and the management of the 
Group’s systems of internal control, business risks and related 
compliance activities. 

ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAR
The matters reviewed and evaluated by the Audit Committee during the 
year are set out below: 

FINANCIAL REPORTING
• the appropriateness of the interim and annual financial statements 

(including the announcements thereof to the London Stock 
Exchange) with both management and the external auditor, 
including:
– at the Board’s request, whether the Annual Report and 

Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary for shareholders to 
assess the Company’s performance, business model and strategy
− the clarity of disclosures and compliance with financial reporting 

standards and relevant financial and governance reporting 
requirements

− discussing the critical accounting policies and use of 

assumptions and estimates, as noted in section B of the 
accounting policies on page 89 of this Annual Report, and 
concluding that the estimates, judgements and assumptions 
used were reasonable based on the information available and 
had been used appropriately in applying the Company’s 
accounting policies

• the material areas in which significant judgements have been 

applied, namely:
− the consideration of any goodwill impairment assessments and 
how these were addressed. The judgement largely relates to the 
assumptions underlying the calculation of the value in use of the 
cash generating units (CGUs) being tested for impairment, 
primarily the achievement of the three year business plan for the 
CGUs and the macroeconomic assumptions (such as discount 
rates) underpinning the valuation process. The Committee 
receives reports from management outlining the basis for the 
assumptions used. Business plans are approved by the Board.  
In addition, the external auditor provides detailed written 
assessments to the Audit Committee in this area 

− considering the nature and quantum of the purchasing income 
earned by the Group during the financial year. It also assessed 
the extent to which the amounts recognised required estimation 
and reviewed the recoverability of amounts accrued at the year 
end with reference to aged analyses and subsequent cash 
receipts. Nothing arose during the course of this review to 
indicate that anything but limited judgement was required,  
or that purchasing income had not been accounted for in 
accordance with the Group’s accounting policies 

− the level of provisioning for liabilities (including tax) where 

management, accounting and legal judgements are important. 
The Committee discusses with management the key judgements 
made, in particular, the policy efforts being led by the EU and 
OECD which may have a material impact on the taxation of all 
international businesses, including relevant legal advice. The 
external auditor also reports on all material provisions to the 
Committee

• Going Concern and the new Viability Statement

Corporate governanceOTHER MATTERS
In addition to its key role in the financial reporting process, the  
Audit Committee also considered the following as well as developments 
in regulation such as in relation to the retendering of audit services 
noted below:

Items discussed

INTERNAL AUDIT
•  approval of the Group’s internal audit plan and 
risk controls and the review of internal audit 
activity reports and updates, together with the 
rollout of key financial controls

EXTERNAL AUDIT

•  audit report on interim results

•  approval and review of proposed audit plan and 

procedures

–  review of auditor effectiveness following 
KPMG’s first year as external auditor

–  agreement of external auditor fees for  

2015-20161

–  review of the policy and update of the provision 
of non-audit services provided by the external 
auditor

−  assessment of the deployment of the  

audit plan

OTHER MATTERS

•  litigation and contingent liabilities

•  operation of the Group’s Speak Up whistleblowing 

policy

•  country and theme specific audit matters

•  the RGC structure and the outputs from the 

Committee meetings

•  tax matters, including provisioning for potential 

current tax liabilities and the level of deferred tax 
asset recognition as well as compliance with 
statutory tax reporting obligations

Nov
2014

May
2015

Sept
2015

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

1  A three year fee was agreed as part of the audit retender noted below.

EXTERNAL AUDIT
The Committee is aware of EU legislation to reform the statutory audit 
market which came into force in April 2014 and which is expected to 
apply to Public Interest Entities (PIEs) (including the Company) from 
mid June 2016. Under the proposal, all PIEs will be required, amongst 
other things, to rotate their auditors every 10 years and to cap the 
non-audit fees paid to auditors at 70% of the three year average audit 
fees at Group level. The EU legislation provides for member states  
and supervisory bodies such as the FRC in the UK to determine how 
stringently the new legislation should be applied. At the date of this 
Report, the FRC has proposed a number of prospective amendments 
to the Code in this regard. 

In 2013-2014, the Company tendered its external audit appointment 
and, as a result, KPMG LLP was appointed as the Company’s auditor. 
Under the terms of the proposed new legislation and in line with the 
Code, the Company is required to put its external audit process out  
to tender again in 2023-2024. The Company has in force a policy  
on audit fees which it reviews annually and discloses the ratio of audit  
to non-audit fees paid in each financial year. The Committee will 
therefore await further guidance from the FRC on this and other 
matters contained within the new EU legislation and will keep these 
matters under review to ensure that the Company continues to comply 
with prevailing legislation and best practice. 

The Audit Committee is responsible for the development, 
implementation and monitoring of the Company’s policy on external 
audit. The Audit Committee reserves oversight responsibility for 
monitoring the auditor’s independence, objectivity and compliance with 
ethical, professional and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee 
recommends the appointment, reappointment and removal of the 
Company’s external auditor, and considers the risks associated with  
its withdrawal from the market in its risk evaluation and planning.  
The Audit Committee also reviews and sets the terms, areas of 
responsibility and scope of the audit as set out in the external auditor’s 
engagement letter; the overall work plan for the forthcoming year, 
together with the associated fee proposal and cost effectiveness of the 
audit; any major issues which arise during the course of the audit and 
their resolution; key accounting and audit judgements; the level of 
errors identified during the audit; the recommendations made to 
management by the auditor and management’s response; and the 
auditor’s overall performance. 

The Audit Committee also ensures that key partners within the external 
auditor are rotated from time to time in accordance with applicable 
legislation. The Audit Committee monitors the extent of non-audit work 
which the external auditor can perform, to ensure that the provision of 
those non-audit services that can be undertaken by the external 
auditor falls within the agreed policy and does not impair its objectivity 
or independence. Following the change of external auditor in 2014, the 
Audit Committee agreed that Deloitte LLP should continue to provide 
tax services to the Group and has amended its policy on the provision 
of non-audit services by the external auditor accordingly, to exclude 
such services. Therefore, the external auditor should be excluded  
from providing the Company with general consultancy and all other 
non-audit services, unless there is no other competent and available 
provider. Engagements for non-audit services that are not prohibited 
are subject to formal approval by the Audit Committee based on the 
level of fees involved. Non-audit services that are pre-approved are 
either routine in nature with a fee that is not significant in the context 
of the audit or are audit related services.

Within the constraints of applicable UK rules, the external auditor has 
traditionally undertaken some due diligence reviews and other pieces  
of non-audit work. The provision of non-audit services within such 
constraints and the agreed policy is assessed on a case by case basis 
so that the best placed adviser is retained. Principal non-audit services 
provided by KPMG LLP and approved by the Audit Committee during 
the year ended 30 September 2015 comprised assistance on audit 
related assurance matters and tax related services.

During the year, the Audit Committee reviewed KPMG LLP’s fees for  
its services during the year ended 30 September 2015 (which had 
been set for three years from appointment), its effectiveness and 
whether the agreed audit plan had been fulfilled and the reasons for 
any variation from the plan. The review included a formal evaluation 
process involving the use of questionnaires completed by finance 
teams around the Group. 

The Audit Committee also considered the robustness of the 2015 audit 
and the degree to which KPMG LLP was able to assess key accounting 
and audit judgements and the content of the management letter issued 
by the external auditor. The Audit Committee concluded that both the 
audit and the audit process were effective. 

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  49

GOVERNANCE AND DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

The total fees paid to KPMG LLP in the year ended 30 September 
2015 were £5.2 million of which £0.7 million related to non-audit  
work (2014: £6.1 million for the six months from March to September 
2014 of which £1.9 million related to non-audit work, much of which 
related to the period prior to its appointment in March 2014). Further 
disclosure of the non-audit fees paid during the year can be found in 
note 2 to the consolidated financial statements on page 98. 

To ensure objectivity, key members of the audit team rotate off the 
Company’s audit. To safeguard the independence of the Company’s 
external auditor and the integrity of the audit process, the recruitment 
of senior employees from the Company’s auditor is not permitted for  
a period of at least two years after they cease to be involved in the 
provision of services to the Company.

REAPPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
KPMG LLP has expressed its willingness to continue as auditor of  
the Company. Separate resolutions proposing its reappointment and 
determination of its remuneration by the Audit Committee will be 
proposed at the 2016 AGM. 

DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT AUDIT INFORMATION
The directors confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no 
relevant audit information of which KPMG LLP is unaware and each 
director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a 
director to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish 
that KPMG LLP is aware of that information. 

OUR STANDARDS
The Company remains committed to the highest standards of  
business conduct and expects all of its employees to act accordingly. 
The Group’s Speak Up policy (an extension of the Code of Ethics 
incorporated within the Group’s Code of Business Conduct (CBC)  
which is available in 40 languages) sets out arrangements for the 
receipt, in confidence, of complaints on accounting, risk issues, 
internal controls, auditing issues and related matters which would,  
as appropriate, be reported to the Audit Committee. Speak Up is  
a standard review item on all internal audit work programmes.  
The Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics are available on the 
Company’s website at www.compass-group.com. 

The Audit Committee also receives updates on any allegations of 
bribery and fraud in the business at least twice each year, with 
individual updates being given to the Audit Committee, as needed,  
in more serious cases of alleged bribery, fraud or related activities.  
The Group’s anti-fraud policies are a subset of the CBC, which does  
not tolerate any activity involving fraud, dishonesty or deception. These 
policies, for which the Audit Committee retains overall responsibility, 
set out how allegations of fraud or bribery are dealt with, such as by 
the local human resources or finance team, and the frequency of local 
reporting that feeds into the regular updates, which are presented  
to the Audit Committee. Reporting of these matters to the Audit 
Committee is managed and overseen by the internal audit function. 
The Speak Up policy operates when the complaint is received through 
the whistleblowing channel and that policy will redirect the alleged 
fraud or bribery for investigation at the most appropriate level of the 
organisation which may, for example, be by a member of the local 
human resources team or, on occasion, the Audit Committee itself.

Each year, the Audit Committee critically reviews its own performance 
and considers where improvements can be made.

INTERNAL AUDIT
The Audit Committee reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s internal 
audit function and its relationship with the external auditor, including 
internal audit resources, plans and performance as well as the degree 
to which the function is free of management restrictions. Throughout 
the year, the Audit Committee reviewed the internal audit function’s 
plans and its achievements against those plans. The Audit Committee 
considered the results of the audits undertaken by the internal audit 
function and considered the adequacy of management’s response to 
matters raised, including the time taken to resolve any such matters.

INTERNAL CONTROL
The Audit Committee also reviews the integrity of material financial 
statements made by the Company. The Audit Committee monitors and 
conducts a robust review of the effectiveness of the Group’s internal 
control systems, accounting policies and practices and compliance 
controls (including key financial controls) as well as the Company’s 
statements on internal control before they are agreed by the Board for 
each year’s Annual Report. The Board retains overall responsibility for 
internal control and the identification and management of business 
risk. The internal audit function is involved in the assessment of the 
quality of risk management and internal control and helps to promote 
and further develop effective risk management within the business. 
Certain internal audit assignments (such as those requiring specialist 
expertise) continue to be outsourced by the Director of Group Internal 
Audit as appropriate. The Audit Committee reviews internal audit 
reports and considers the effectiveness of the function.

In a Group where local management have considerable autonomy to 
run and develop their businesses, a well-designed system of internal 
control is necessary to safeguard shareholders’ investments and the 
Company’s assets. The directors acknowledge that they have overall 
responsibility for risk management, the Group’s systems of internal 
control, for reviewing the effectiveness of those controls and for 
ensuring that an appropriate culture has been embedded throughout 
the organisation. In accordance with the guidance set out in the FRC’s 
Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and Related Financial 
Business Reporting 2014, and in the Code itself, an ongoing process 
has been established for identifying, managing and evaluating the risks 
faced by the Group. This process has been in place for the full 
financial year and up to the date on which the financial statements 
were approved.

The systems are designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk 
of failure to achieve the Group’s strategic objectives, safeguard the 
Group’s assets against material loss, fairly report the Group’s 
performance and position, and to ensure compliance with relevant 
legislation, regulation and best practice including that related to  
social, environmental and ethical matters. The systems provide 
reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement 
or loss. Such systems are reviewed by the Board to deal with  
changing circumstances.

A summary of the key financial risks inherent in the Group’s business  
is given on pages 31 to 33. Risk assessment and evaluation are an 
integral part of the annual planning cycle. Each business documents 
the strategic objectives and the effectiveness of the Group’s systems  
of internal control. As part of the review, each significant business and 
function has been required to identify and document each substantial 
risk, together with the mitigating actions implemented to manage, 
monitor and report to management on the effectiveness of these 
controls. Senior managers are also required to sign biannual 

50  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Corporate governanceconfirmations of compliance with key procedures and to report any 
breakdowns in, or exceptions to, these procedures. Summarised results 
have been presented to senior management (including to the Executive 
Board) and to the Board. 

These processes have been in place throughout the financial year 
ended 30 September 2015 and have continued to the date of this 
Report. Taken together, these processes and the reports they generate, 
which are considered by the Audit Committee, constitute a robust 
assessment of key risks and the internal controls that exist, and  
are designed to mitigate these risks. The Board has reviewed the 
effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal control for the year 
under review and a summary of the principal control structures and 
processes in place across the Group is set out in this Report.

CONTROL ENVIRONMENT 
Whilst the Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s system of 
internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness, it has delegated 
responsibility for the operation of the internal control and risk 
management programme to the Executive Board. The detailed review 
of internal control has been delegated to the Audit Committee. The 
management of each business is responsible for internal control and 
risk management within its own business and for ensuring compliance 
with the Group’s policies and procedures. Each business has appointed 
a risk champion whose primary role in such capacity is to ensure 
compliance by local management with the Group’s risk management 
and internal control programme. The internal and external independent 
auditors have reviewed the overall approach adopted by the Group 
towards its risk management activities so as to reinforce these internal 
control requirements.

CONTROL PROCEDURES 
The Board reviews its strategic plans and objectives on an annual basis 
and approves Group budgets and strategies in light of these. Control is 
exercised at Group, regional and business level through the Group’s 
Management and Performance framework (as well as through the 
RGCs) and monthly monitoring of performance by comparison with 
budgets, forecasts and cash targets, and by regular visits to Group 
businesses by the Group Chief Executive, Group Finance Director and 
Group Chief Operating Officers.

This is underpinned by a formal major risk assessment process, which 
is an integral part of the annual business cycle and is also a robust 
process adopted to support the Viability Statement. Each of the 
Group’s businesses is required to identify and document major risks 
facing their business and appropriate mitigating activities and controls, 
and to monitor and report to management on the effectiveness of these 
controls on a biannual basis. These reports, together with reports on 
internal control and departures, if any, from established Group 
procedures prepared by both the internal and external auditors, are 
reviewed by the Group Finance Director and the Audit Committee. 
Group companies also submit biannual risk and internal control 
assurance letters to the Group Finance Director on internal control and 
risk management issues, with comments on the control environment 
within their operations. The Group Finance Director summarises these 
submissions for the Audit Committee, and the Chairman of the Audit 
Committee reports to the Board on any matters that have arisen from 
the Audit Committee’s review of the way in which risk management and 
internal control processes have been applied. 

The Board has formal procedures in place for approval of client 
contracts, capital investment and acquisition projects, with clearly 
designated levels of authority, supported by post investment review 
processes for selected acquisitions, client contracts and major capital 

expenditure. The Board considers social, environmental and ethical 
matters in relation to the Group’s business and assesses these when 
reviewing the risks faced by the Group; further information regarding 
environmental and ethical matters is available on pages 34 to 39.  
The Board is conscious of the effect such matters may have on the 
short and long term value of the Company. The external auditor  
of the Company and the Director of Group Internal Audit attend  
Audit Committee meetings and receive its papers. The Report of  
the Audit Committee is set out on pages 47 to 51 and the Audit 
Committee members meet regularly with the external auditor and  
with the Director of Group Internal Audit, without the presence of 
executive management.

There were no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting that occurred during the year ended 30 September 2015 that 
have affected materially, or are reasonably likely to affect materially, 
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

COMMUNICATING WITH SHAREHOLDERS
The Company places considerable importance on communication with 
its shareholders, including its private shareholders. The Group Chief 
Executive and the Group Finance Director are closely involved in 
investor relations and a senior executive has day to day responsibility 
for such matters. The views of the Company’s major shareholders are 
reported to the Board by the Group Chief Executive and the Group 
Finance Director as well as by the Chairman (who remains in contact 
with our largest shareholders) and are discussed at its meetings. 

There is regular dialogue with institutional shareholders and this has 
been extended to include private shareholders through the AGM. 
Contact with institutional shareholders (and with financial analysts, 
brokers and the media) is controlled by written guidelines to ensure  
the protection of share price sensitive information that has not already 
been made generally available to the Company’s shareholders. Contact 
is also maintained, when appropriate, with shareholders to discuss 
overall remuneration plans and policies. 

The primary method of communicating with shareholders is by 
electronic means, helping to make the Company more environmentally 
friendly by reducing waste and pollution associated with the printing 
and posting of its Annual Report. The Annual Report and Accounts is 
available to all shareholders and can be accessed via the Company’s 
website at www.compass-group.com. The Group’s annual and interim 
results are also published on the Company’s website, together with all 
other announcements and documents issued to the market, such as 
statements, interviews and presentations by the Group Chief Executive 
and Group Finance Director.

The Notice of Annual General Meeting is circulated to all shareholders 
at least 20 working days prior to such meeting and it is Company 
policy not to combine resolutions to be proposed at general meetings. 
All shareholders are invited to the Company’s AGM at which they  
have the opportunity to put questions to the Board and it is standard 
practice to have the chairmen of the Audit, Corporate Responsibility, 
Nomination and Remuneration Committees available to answer 
questions. The results of proxy voting for and against each resolution, 
as well as abstentions, are announced to the London Stock Exchange 
and are published on the Company’s website shortly after the meeting. 
Further shareholder information is available on pages 152 and 153. 

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  51

GOVERNANCE AND DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE

Our CR achievements have been 
delivered through the commitment  
of our employees, underpinned by a 
well established governance framework.

THE CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE
COMPOSITION
The Corporate Responsibility Committee comprises Susan Murray, 
Chairman, Paul Walsh, Richard Cousins, Dominic Blakemore,  
Robin Mills (Group Human Resources Director), Mark White (General 
Counsel and Company Secretary), and all of the non-executive directors 
in office at the date of this Report.

MEETINGS ATTENDANCE

Name

Susan Murray
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Jane Kingston
Don Robert
Sir Ian Robinson
Nelson Silva2
Ireena Vittal2
Paul Walsh
Mark White

Attendance1

2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
– of – 
– of –
2 of 2
2 of 2

1   The number of meetings attended out of the number of meetings which each 

director/member was eligible to attend.

2  Ireena Vittal and Nelson Silva were appointed to the Board on 16 July 2015.

The Corporate Responsibility Committee meets at least twice a year. 
The Committee met twice during the year and members’ attendance  
is set out in the table above.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The CRC’s primary responsibilities include health, safety and 
environmental practices, ethical business conduct, the promotion  
of employee engagement and diversity and community investment.

The Committee has a rolling agenda and receives reports from the 
Director of Health, Safety and Environment and other senior managers 
to ensure that progress is being made toward meeting the Group’s 
specific corporate responsibility KPIs and in our ongoing corporate 
responsibility commitments.

We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of corporate 
governance and throughout the Annual Report there are examples  
of how we are endeavouring to achieve our strategic goals whilst 
underpinning our CR core values.

ANNUAL STATEMENT

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the 2014-2015 
Corporate Responsibility Committee’s (CRC) Report.

As Chairman of the Board’s CRC, I oversee the governance of our 
corporate responsibility (CR) activities and monitor the progress  
of the CR commitments and targets we set.

Over the past nine years, we have continued to develop our CR  
agenda and activity programmes focusing on four key areas: Health  
& Wellbeing, Responsible Sourcing, Our People and Environment. I am 
delighted to report that, as a Group, overall we continue to make good 
progress against our CR targets and these achievements have been 
delivered through the commitment of our employees, underpinned  
by a well established governance framework. However, we will continue 
to challenge ourselves and the business to ensure that we build upon 
the progress we have made to date.

For more information, please visit our corporate responsibility website  
at www.compass-group.com/cr15.

SUSAN MURRAY 
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee 
24 November 2015

52  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Corporate governance 
OTHER COMMITTEES
DISCLOSURE COMMITTEE
The Disclosure Committee ensures accuracy and timeliness of  
public announcements of the Company and monitors the Company’s 
obligations under the Rules and DTR of the UKLA. 

Meetings are held as required. At the date of this Report, the 
Disclosure Committee comprises Dominic Blakemore, Mark White,  
the Group Financial Controller and the Head of Investor Relations. 

EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Executive Board is the key management committee for the Group 
and at the date of this Report comprises the executive directors of the 
Company, Andy Furlong (Regional Managing Director, Central Asia, 
Middle East, Africa & Turkey), Philippe Op de Beeck (Regional 
Managing Director, Asia Pacific), Johnny Thomson (Regional Managing 
Director, Latin America), Mark White and Robin Mills. 

The Executive Board meets regularly and is responsible for developing 
the Group’s strategy, capital expenditure and investment budgets. It 
reports on these areas to the Board for approval, implementing Group 
policy, monitoring financial, operational and customer quality of service 
performance, health and safety, purchasing and supply chain issues, 
succession planning and day to day management of the Group. 

GENERAL BUSINESS COMMITTEE
The General Business Committee comprises all of the executive 
directors and meets as required to conduct the Company’s business 
within clearly defined limits delegated by the Board and subject to 
those matters reserved to the Board.

For the purposes of the CA 2006, the Directors’ Report for the year 
ended 30 September 2015 comprises pages 43 to 58 of the Corporate 
Governance Report and the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement on 
page 79. As provided by the CA 2006, the Board has elected to set 
out in the Strategic Report some of those matters required to be 
disclosed in the Directors’ Report which it considers to be of 
importance to the Company. These are as follows:

• Carbon emissions
• Likely future developments
• Risk management

ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAR
During the year, the Committee addressed a number of governance 
matters and in this regard we received updates from the General 
Counsel and Company Secretary on new developments in corporate 
governance and reporting. The Committee considered recommendations 
to the Board concerning these matters which, by way of example, 
included items such as forthcoming EU legislation in respect of audit 
reform that will come into force in 2016 and the change to the Code 
which resulted in the introduction of the requirement for a viability 
statement, details of which may be found on page 30 of this Report.

Substantial progress was made in 2014-2015 in advancing our 
sustainability priorities including our supply chain integrity, which 
continues to be a challenge for the Group.

The Committee also reviewed the implementation of a series of 
measures designed to maintain the profile of the CBC (which 
encompasses the Group’s Code of Ethics) within the Group. By way  
of example, this included ad hoc training sessions focused on the 
practical application of the CBC, publication of our 5 Golden Rules  
on payslips, in employee newsletters and during online CHAT sessions 
to raise awareness and to reach our colleagues in remote sites. 

We constantly challenge our leadership teams to implement new 
measures to refresh the understanding and importance of the CBC  
to our business, and we will continue to work with our businesses  
to further eliminate risk and reduce any vulnerabilities in our  
supply chain. 

COMING YEAR
Good corporate governance underpins all of our corporate activities  
and the Committee will continue to offer comment and advice to the 
Board on those areas in the business where governance might be 
enhanced. In conjunction with the General Counsel and Company 
Secretary, the Committee will also keep the Board up to date with  
the latest legislative changes and best practices in governance and 
reporting, and of any action required to be taken by the Company as  
a result of the changes. One of these areas will be how the Committee 
seeks assurance as it prepares to make the required disclosures in 
respect of human trafficking and slavery introduced by the Modern 
Slavery Act 2015. 

During the next 12 months, the Committee will continue to review  
CR commitments and targets to ensure they remain aligned to the 
business strategy. The introduction of additional KPIs sets new 
challenges, but as a business we remain focused on building on  
our achievements to date and we look forward to reporting progress  
in the 2016 Annual Report. 

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  53

GOVERNANCE AND DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

We recognise the importance of 
planning for the future and of having  
a succession planning policy designed  
to progressively bring new skills and 
different perspectives to the Board.

ANNUAL STATEMENT

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the 2014-2015 
Nomination Committee Report. 

The Nomination Committee has an important role to play in ensuring 
that the Board and its principal committees have the right mix of skills, 
experience and diversity. This year, as part of our Board succession 
planning process, we have seen further enhancements to the 
composition of the Board.

In July 2015, we announced the appointment of Ireena Vittal and 
Nelson Silva as non-executive directors, both of whom bring a wealth 
of experience and knowledge to the Company and who will broaden  
the skills, experience and diversity of the Board. We also announced 
that Sir Ian Robinson’s nine year tenure will come to an end on  
30 November 2015 and that he will step down as a director of the 
Company at the conclusion of the 2016 AGM. I am pleased to report 
that the Board succession planning process left us well placed to 
appoint Don Robert as SID from 1 October 2015 in succession to  
Sir Ian Robinson. Don will continue to perform his responsibilities  
as a member of the other principal committees of the Board. 

On 24 September 2015, we further announced that Andrew Martin, 
Group Chief Operating Officer, Europe & Japan, will step down from 
the Board on 1 December 2015, that Dominic Blakemore, Group 
Finance Director, will become the Group Chief Operating Officer, 
Europe and that Johnny Thomson, Regional Managing Director of the 
Group’s Latin American business, will become Group Finance Director 
and will join the Board from that date. 

Biographical details of the members of the Board who held office  
during the year and up to the date of this Report can be found on  
pages 40 and 41. 

In the coming year, in consultation with the chairmen of the principal 
committees, we will continue to monitor the needs of the Board and  
its committees with the aim of ensuring that the Group’s succession 
planning policy is aligned to, and evolves to meet the ongoing strategic 
aims of the Group. 

PAUL WALSH 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee 
24 November 2015

54  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE
COMPOSITION
The Nomination Committee comprises Paul Walsh, Chairman, Richard 
Cousins and all of the non-executive directors in office at the date of 
this Report.

MEETINGS ATTENDANCE

Name

Paul Walsh
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Richard Cousins
Susan Murray
Don Robert
Sir Ian Robinson
Nelson Silva2
Ireena Vittal2

Attendance1

2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
– of –
– of –

1   The number of meetings attended out of the number of meetings which each 

director was eligible to attend.

2  Ireena Vittal and Nelson Silva joined the Board on 16 July 2015.

The Nomination Committee meets on an as needed basis. The 
Nomination Committee met twice during the year and members’ 
attendance is set out in the table above.

OBJECTIVES
The Nomination Committee’s key objective is to review and monitor the 
Board’s composition and to ensure that the Board comprises individuals 
with the right blend of skills, knowledge and experience to maintain  
a high degree of effectiveness in discharging its responsibilities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Nomination Committee reviews the structure, size and composition 
of the Board and its committees and makes recommendations with 
regard to any changes considered necessary in the identification  
and nomination of new directors, the reappointment of existing 
directors and appointment of members to the Board’s committees.  
It also assesses the roles of the existing directors in office to ensure 
that there continues to be a balanced board in terms of skills, 
knowledge, experience and diversity. The Committee reviews the  
senior leadership needs of the Group to enable it to compete effectively 
in the marketplace and advises the Board on succession planning  
for executive director appointments, although the Board itself is 
responsible for succession generally.

The Nomination Committee has standing items that it considers regularly 
under its Terms of Reference, for example, the Committee reviews its 
own Terms of Reference annually, or as required, to reflect changes to 
the Code or as a result of changes in regulations or best practice.

Corporate governance 
 
 
SUCCESSION PLANNING AND DIVERSITY
The Company adopts a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure  
for the appointment of new directors and senior executives with due 
regard to diversity and gender. Prior to making an appointment, the 
Nomination Committee will evaluate the balance of skills, knowledge, 
independence, experience and diversity on the Board and, in the light 
of this evaluation, will prepare a description of the role and capabilities 
required, with a view to appointing the best placed individual for the 
role. In identifying suitable candidates, the Nomination Committee:

• uses open advertising or the services of external advisers to 

facilitate the search

• considers candidates from different genders and a wide range  

of backgrounds

• considers candidates on merit and against objective criteria 

ensuring that appointees have sufficient time to devote to the 
position, in light of other potential significant commitments

ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAR
During the year, the Committee focused on succession planning  
for both executive and non-executive directors and, in doing so, it 
considered the tenure, mix and diversity of skills and experience of 
existing Board members and those of prospective Board members in 
the context of Group strategy. Consequently, the Committee identified 
that it would be beneficial for prospective non-executive candidates to 
have gained their experience in fast growing and emerging economies 
where there are opportunities for the Group to continue to expand. 

In its search for prospective non-executive directors, the Board 
retained Egon Zehnder International (EZI) as recruitment consultants. 
EZI is an independent executive search firm which has no other 
connection with the Company. 

The Committee agreed the process, timetable and mandate for EZI  
so as to ensure that prospective candidates satisfied the Committee’s 
brief. Ireena Vittal and Nelson Silva were identified by the Nomination 
Committee as part of the external search process conducted by EZI 
and were subsequently recommended to the Board for appointment on 
the basis that they met the criteria required, including having sufficient 
time to discharge the requirements of the role. 

New directors receive tailored inductions supervised by the Chairman 
in his capacity as Chairman to the Board. Further information on the 
induction process may be found on page 45. 

During the year, the Nomination Committee also considered and made 
recommendations to the Board in respect of the following matters:

• Sir Ian Robinson stepping down as SID with effect from 1 October 

2015 and being succeeded by Don Robert on the same day, together 
with Sir Ian’s retirement from the Board and its committees at the 
conclusion of the Company’s 2016 AGM

• Andrew Martin stepping down as Group Chief Operating Officer, 

Europe & Japan with effect from 1 December 2015

• Dominic Blakemore stepping down as Group Finance Director with 
effect from 1 December 2015 and his appointment as Group Chief 
Operating Officer, Europe from that date

• the appointment of Johnny Thomson as Group Finance Director from 

1 December 2015 in succession to Dominic Blakemore 

and mentoring development programmes for executive and senior 
managers in the Group to help mould the potential leaders of  
the future.

OTHER STATUTORY DISCLOSURES 
DIRECTORS
Particulars of the directors in office at the date of this Report are listed on 
pages 40 and 41. In accordance with the Code, each director will retire 
and submit himself or herself for election or re-election at the 2016 AGM. 

On 16 July 2015, we announced that Ireena Vittal and Nelson Silva  
had been appointed to the Board on that date, and that Sir Ian Robinson 
will not seek re-election at the 2016 AGM and will retire from the 
Board and its committees at the conclusion of that meeting. As  
further announced on 24 September 2015, Andrew Martin will step 
down from the Board on 1 December 2015 and on the same day 
Johnny Thomson will be appointed to the Board. 

Accordingly, Ireena Vittal, Nelson Silva and Johnny Thomson will  
seek election at the 2016 AGM. 

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
In the year ended 30 September 2015, the Group delivered an 
increase of 2.8% in Group underlying profit before tax from 
£1,159 million to £1,192 million and an increase of 1.3% in Group 
reported profit before tax from £1,144 million to £1,159 million.

A Return of Cash, equating to 56 pence per share, was paid  
to shareholders on 29 July 2014. The Return of Cash and  
associated Share Capital Consolidation are described further  
on page 56 of our 2014 Annual Report, which can be found at  
www.compass-group.com.

The Return of Cash is not included in the dividend table below.

A summary of the dividends on ordinary shares for the year ended  
30 September 2015 compared with 2014 is shown below: 

 Year
2015
2015
2015
2014
2014
2014

Dividend
Interim
Final (recommended)
Total
Interim
Final
Total

Pence per share
9.8
19.6
29.4 (10.9% increase on 2014)
8.8
17.7
26.5

The 2015 interim dividend of 9.8 pence per share (2014: 8.8 pence) 
was paid to shareholders on 27 July 2015. 

Payment of the recommended final dividend, if approved at the 2016 
AGM, will be made on 22 February 2016 to shareholders registered at 
the close of business on 22 January 2016. The shares will be quoted 
ex-dividend from 21 January 2016.

During the year, the trustees of each of the employee benefit trusts 
which operate in connection with the Company’s share plans waived 
their rights to receive dividends on any shares held by them. Details  
of the trusts can be found on page 57 of this Report. The amount of 
dividends waived during the year ended 30 September 2015 in relation 
to the trusts was £11,815 (2014: £20,677). 

COMING YEAR
The Committee recognises the importance of planning for the future 
and of having a succession planning policy designed to progressively 
bring new skills and different perspectives to the Board which 
complement the experience of existing directors with the aim of 
maintaining an appropriate balance. 

As at the date of this Report, there were 13,038,606 ordinary 105⁄8 
pence shares held in treasury for the purpose of satisfying the 
Company’s obligations under the Company’s employee equity incentive 
schemes. Shares held in treasury are not entitled to receive dividends. 
Therefore, £128,372 worth of dividends were not paid during the 
financial year in relation to treasury shares.

There is a wealth of talent within our organisation and, together with 
the Board, the Committee will continue to offer its support to coaching 

A dividend reinvestment plan is available to eligible shareholders. 
Details can be found on page 152. 

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  55

GOVERNANCE AND DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

SHARE CAPITAL
GENERAL
At the General Meeting held on 11 June 2014, members voted in 
favour of the Company’s proposals to return approximately £1 billion 
to shareholders by way of a cash payment of 56 pence per ordinary 
share of 10 pence each held as at the record time of 6.00pm on 7 July 
2014. The cash return was accompanied by a share consolidation 
whereby shareholders received 16 ordinary shares of 105⁄8 pence each 
in the Company for every 17 ordinary shares of 10 pence each held at 
the record time. This share capital reorganisation was effective and the 
105⁄8 pence shares were admitted to trading on the London Stock 
Exchange from 8 July 2014. Full details of the Return of Cash and 
Share Capital Consolidation were set out in a Circular to shareholders 
dated 19 May 2014, which is available on the Company’s website at 
www.compass-group.com.

As at the date of this Report, 1,656,777,382 ordinary shares of 105⁄8 
pence each (of which 13,038,606 are held in treasury) have been 
issued, are fully paid up and are quoted on the London Stock 
Exchange. The total voting rights attaching to the issued ordinary  
share capital (excluding treasury shares) at the date of this Report is 
1,643,738,776. In addition, the Company sponsors a Level I American 
Depositary Receipt programme with BNY Mellon, under which the 
Company’s shares are traded on the over the counter market in the 
form of American Depositary Shares.

During the year ended 30 September 2015, 2,578,304 options were 
exercised and 1,602,612 awards released pursuant to the Company’s 
share option schemes and long term incentive plans. Of those options 
exercised and awards released, 3,424,337 were satisfied by the 
allotment of ordinary shares with the remaining being satisfied by  
way of the reissue of 756,579 treasury shares. A further 4,345,656 
treasury shares have been used to satisfy awards under these schemes 
since the end of the financial year to the date of this Report. 

There are no restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares in the 
capital of the Company other than certain restrictions which may from 
time to time be imposed by law, for example, insider trading law. In 
accordance with the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, 
certain employees are required to seek the approval of the Company  
to deal in its shares.

The Company is not aware of any agreements between shareholders 
that may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities and/or  
voting rights.

The Company’s Articles of Association may only be amended by 
special resolution at a general meeting of shareholders.

The Company is not aware of any significant agreements to which  
it is party that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control 
of the Company following a takeover.

More detailed information relating to the rights and obligations 
attaching to the Company’s ordinary shares, in addition to those 
conferred by law, are set out in the Company’s Articles of Association, 
which are available on the Company’s website as well as on pages 24 
and 25 of the Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2007. 
The 2007 Annual Report is available on the Company’s website at 
www.compass-group.com.

REPURCHASE OF SHARES
On 27 November 2013, the Company announced its intention to 
commence a £500 million share repurchase programme, to be 
executed over the 12 month period to the end of 2014. This 
programme was temporarily suspended following the announcement  
on 14 May 2014 of the £1 billion Return of Cash and Share Capital 
Consolidation until after completion of this transaction on 29 July 

56  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

2014. The programme recommenced on 31 July 2014 and 
subsequently completed on 10 August 2015. 

From 1 October 2014 to 16 June 2015, 20,333,739 ordinary shares  
of 105⁄8 pence each were repurchased and subsequently cancelled  
for a consideration of £223,679,739 million (including expenses). 
From 17 June to 10 August 2015, a further 9,552,807 ordinary  
shares of 105⁄8 pence each were repurchased for a consideration  
of £103,762,111 million (including expenses) and subsequently 
transferred to be held in treasury for the purpose of satisfying the 
Company’s obligations under employee equity incentive schemes.  
The total number of ordinary 105⁄8 pence shares repurchased by  
the Company from 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015 for  
a consideration of £327,441,850 million (including expenses) was 
29,886,546 (representing 1.8% of the ordinary shares in issue  
on 1 October 2015). As announced on 30 September 2015, from  
1 October to 23 November 2015, a further 4,345,656 ordinary  
shares of 105⁄8 pence each were repurchased for a consideration  
of £46,753,677 million (including expenses) and subsequently 
transferred to be held as treasury shares for the purpose of satisfying 
the Company’s obligations under employee equity incentive schemes. 
Returns to shareholders continue to be an integral part of our business 
model and it is the Board’s intention to continue to maintain strong 
investment grade credit ratings by returning any surplus cash  
to shareholders.

At the 2016 AGM, a special resolution will be proposed to renew the 
directors’ limited authority to repurchase ordinary shares in the market, 
last granted at the 2015 AGM. The directors consider it desirable for 
these general authorisations to be available in order to maintain an 
efficient capital structure whilst at the same time retaining the 
flexibility to fund infill acquisitions. 

The authority sets the minimum and maximum prices which may be 
paid and it will be limited to a maximum of 10% of the Company’s 
issued ordinary share capital calculated at the latest practicable date 
prior to the publication of the Notice of AGM. Any purchases of 
ordinary shares will be by means of market purchases through the 
London Stock Exchange and any shares purchased may be cancelled 
or placed into treasury in accordance with the Companies (Acquisition 
of Own Shares) (Treasury Shares) Regulations 2003. 

ISSUE OF SHARES
At the 2016 AGM, the directors will ask shareholders to renew the 
authority last granted to them at the 2015 AGM to allot equity shares 
representing approximately one third of the issued ordinary shares 
calculated at the latest practicable date prior to the publication of the 
Notice of AGM (the section 551 authority) and, in accordance with  
the Investment Association Share Capital Management Guidelines,  
the directors again propose to extend this by a further one third of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital, provided that such amount 
shall only be used in connection with a rights issue. If approved, the 
authority will expire no later than 15 months from the date on which 
the resolution is passed, or at the conclusion of the AGM to be held  
in 2017, whichever is the sooner.

The limited power granted to the directors at the 2015 AGM to allot 
equity shares for cash other than pro rata to existing shareholders 
expires no later than 4 May 2016. Subject to the terms of the section 
551 authority, the directors recommend that this authority should be 
brought into line with the new Statement of Principles on pre-emption 
rights issued earlier this year by the Pre-emption Group and supported 
by the Investment Association and the Pensions and Lifetime Savings 
Association (the Principles). If granted, this authority will give the 
directors the ability (until the AGM to be held in 2017) to issue 
ordinary shares for cash, other than pro rata to existing shareholders,  
in connection with a rights issue or up to a limit of 5% of the issued 
ordinary share capital calculated at the latest practicable date prior to 

Corporate governancethe publication of the Notice of AGM and, in accordance with the 
Principles, the directors propose to extend this by a further 5% of  
the Company’s issued ordinary share capital calculated at the latest 
practicable date prior to the publication of the Notice of AGM, provided 
that the additional authority would only be used for the purpose of  
an acquisition or a specified capital investment which is announced 
contemporaneously with the issue or which has taken place in the 
preceding six month period and is disclosed in the announcement  
of the issue.

In line with best practice, the Company has not issued more than  
7.5% of its issued ordinary share capital on a non-prorated basis over 
the last three years. The directors have no present intention to issue 
ordinary shares, other than pursuant to the Company’s employee  
equity incentive share schemes, and this authority will maintain the 
Company’s flexibility in relation to future share issues, including any 
issues to finance business opportunities, should appropriate 
circumstances arise.

Details of repurchases into treasury shares and the reissue of treasury 
shares as well as issues of new shares made during the year, together 
with details of options granted over unissued capital, are set out in  
note 23 to the consolidated financial statements on pages 128 to 130. 

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS
The following major shareholdings have been notified to the Company 
as at 30 September 2015 and up to the date of this Report. 

Blackrock, Inc.
Invesco Limited
Massachusetts Financial Services Company

1  At the date of disclosure.

% of issued
capital1

% of Compass 
Group PLC’s 
voting rights1

9.99
4.95
10.07

9.99
4.95
10.07

Since the disclosure date, the shareholders’ interests in the Company 
may have changed. 

The number of shares held by the directors as at 30 September 2015 
can be found on page 76 of the Directors’ Remuneration Report. 

EMPLOYEE SHARE TRUSTS
The Compass Group Employee Share Trust (ESOP) and The Compass 
Group Employee Trust Number 2 (CGET) were established on  
13 January 1992 and 12 April 2001 respectively in connection with  
the Company’s share option plans. The Compass Group Long Term 
Incentive Plan Trust (LTIPT) was established on 5 April 2001 in 
connection with the Company’s long term incentive plans. Details of  
all employee equity incentive schemes are set out in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 59 to 77. The trustees of the ESOP, 
LTIPT and CGET hold 11,601 (2014: 38,743), 16,198 (2014: 16,198) 
and nil (2014: nil) ordinary shares of the Company respectively.

The Compass Group Executive Option Share Trust and the Compass 
Group Executive Share Trust were established on 15 and 22 February 
2010 respectively in relation to the operation of equity incentive 
schemes in Australia. No ordinary shares are held by these trusts  
as at 30 September 2015 (2014: nil).

AWARDS UNDER EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEMES
Details of awards made during the year and held by executive directors 
as at 30 September 2015 are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report on pages 59 to 77. 

Details of employee equity incentive schemes and grants made during 
the year ended 30 September 2015 to, and extant awards held by, 
employees are disclosed in note 24 to the consolidated financial 
statements on pages 130 to 134. 

EMPLOYEE POLICIES AND INVOLVEMENT
The Group places particular importance on the involvement of its 
employees, keeping them regularly informed, through informal bulletins 
and other in-house publications, meetings and the Company’s internal 
websites, on matters affecting them as employees and on the issues 
affecting their performance. Since 1996, those Group businesses  
in the European Economic Area (EEA) have been represented on  
the Compass European Council (CEC), which provides a forum for 
exchanging information and engaging in consultation on the Group’s 
performance and plans, and relevant transnational issues. The Group’s 
CEC Agreement terminated in December 2012. As reported previously, 
the Company continues to negotiate a new CEC Agreement through a 
Special Negotiating Body, comprising employee representatives from 
each of the countries in which the Group operates within the EEA.

Permanent UK employees are normally invited to join the Company’s 
defined contribution pension scheme, Compass Retirement Income 
Savings Plan (CRISP), on the completion of two years’ service (this 
includes any service that may have transferred across under the 
Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 
2006 (TUPE)). CRISP has a corporate trustee. Nigel Palmer, a current 
employee of the Group, is chairman of the trustees. The other four 
trustee directors are UK based employees of the Group, two of whom 
have been nominated by CRISP members. 

Those UK employees who transferred from the public sector under TUPE 
have been eligible to join the Compass Group Pension Plan (the Plan),  
a defined benefit pension arrangement which is otherwise closed to new 
entrants. However, under the Government’s revised guidance for ‘Fair 
Deal for staff pensions’, the expectation is that the Group will in future 
participate in the relevant public sector pension scheme and close the 
Plan to future new entrants. The Plan also has a corporate trustee. 
Phillip Whittome is the independent chairman. There are a further six 
trustee directors, five of whom are either UK based employees or former 
employees of the Group (three of whom have been nominated by Plan 
members), and the sixth is an independent trustee director. 

The Company became subject to the automatic enrolment regulations 
for its workforce in the UK on 1 November 2012, but deferred its 
staging date for automatic enrolment of eligible employees to 2 January 
2013 as permitted by the regulations. Both the Plan and CRISP are 
compliant arrangements under these regulations and have been 
registered as such. All new UK employees who meet the statutory 
requirements, and who are not immediately entered into the Plan  
or CRISP, are automatically enrolled into the National Employment  
Savings Trust (NEST). The Group’s compliance with the auto-enrolment 
regulations, and the performance of NEST, are kept under regular 
review by the Group’s Pensions Auto-enrolment Governance Committee.

Permanent employees outside of the UK are usually offered 
membership of local pension arrangements if and where they exist  
and where it is appropriate to have Company sponsored arrangements. 

Employees are offered a range of benefits, such as private medical 
cover, depending on the local environment. Priority is given to the 
training of employees and the development of their skills. Employment 
of disabled people is considered on merit with regard only to the ability 
of any applicant to carry out the role. Arrangements to enable disabled 
people to carry out the duties required will be made if it is reasonable 
to do so. An employee becoming disabled would, where appropriate,  
be offered retraining. 

The Group continues to operate on a decentralised basis. This provides 
the maximum encouragement for the development of entrepreneurial 
flair, balanced by a rigorous control framework exercised by a small 
head office team. Local management teams are responsible for 
maintaining high standards of health and safety and for ensuring that 
there is appropriate employee involvement in decision making.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  57

GOVERNANCE AND DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

EMPLOYEE DIVERSITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Our Code of Ethics was developed in consultation with the CEC and  
the Institute of Business Ethics and sets out clear standards of 
behaviour that we expect all of our people to demonstrate and adhere 
to. The Code of Ethics, which is part of our CBC, underpins our social, 
ethical and environmental commitments and sends a clear message to 
our stakeholders of our commitment to responsible business practice. 
The 10 principles of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, to 
which we are a signatory, underpin our own Code of Ethics. This UN 
initiative encourages companies to make human rights, labour 
standards, environmental responsibility and anti-corruption part of  
their business agenda. Our annual Communication on Progress can be 
viewed at www.unglobalcompact.org.

Our people are instrumental to our success; we respect and value the 
individuality and diversity that every employee brings to the Group. We 
base our relationship with our employees on respect for the dignity of 
the individual and fair treatment for all.

As at 30 September 2015, there were 515,864 (2014: 503,537) 
people employed by the Group (average number of employees including 
directors and part-time employees) of whom 294,042 were female 
(2014: 281,981) and 221,822 were male (2014: 221,556). Of these, 
807 were senior managers (634 male, 173 female) (2014: 575 male, 
187 female) which include members of our global leadership team and 
individuals who are statutory directors of the corporate entities whose 
financial information is included in the Group’s consolidated accounts 
in this Annual Report. In terms of the Company’s Board, as at 30 
September 2015 there were 12 directors, nine of whom were male and 
three female. Prior to any appointment to the Board, the Nomination 
Committee gives due regard to diversity and gender with a view to 
appointing the most suitable candidate for the role. 

We seek to create a positive, open working environment wherever we 
operate. Our employee policies are set locally to comply with local  
law within an overall Group framework and we monitor our employee 
satisfaction and engagement through a number of key performance 
indicators, details of which can be found on pages 38 and 39 of the 
Corporate Responsibility section of the Strategic Report. 

We also consider the concerns of wider communities where we operate, 
including national and local interests, utilising our relevant expertise to 
help contribute to the wellbeing of communities which are appropriate 
to our business objectives. Furthermore, the Group supports the rights 
of all people as set out in the UN Universal Declaration of Human 
Rights (UN Declaration) and considers carefully before doing any 
business in countries that do not adhere to the UN Declaration.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REPORTING
The Company is required to state the annual quantity of emissions  
in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from activities for which the 
Group is responsible, including the combustion of fuel and the 
operation of any facility. Details of our emissions during the year ended 
30 September 2015 are set out within the Corporate Responsibility 
section of the Strategic Report on pages 36 and 37 and form part of 
the Directors’ Report disclosures. Further details of the actions which 
the Group is taking to reduce emissions can also be found in our online 
Corporate Responsibility Report at www.compass-group.com/cr15.

DONATIONS AND POLITICAL EXPENDITURE
Charitable objectives support the Company’s CR strategy and have 
primarily focused on improving the environment, education, health and 
wellbeing, community engagement and responsible business practice. 
Donations have included employee involvement through fundraising 
and financial support.

58  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Group charitable donations

2015
2014

£m

7.9

6.5

Since 2004, shareholders have passed an annual resolution, on a 
precautionary basis, to approve donations to EU political organisations 
and to incur EU political expenditure (as such terms were defined 
under the then relevant legislation) not exceeding a monetary limit 
approved by shareholders. The Board has consistently confirmed that  
it operates a policy of not giving any cash contribution to any political 
party in the ordinary meaning of those words and that it has no 
intention of changing that policy.

No material amount of corporate funds or paid employee time has  
been utilised during the year for political activities and, in accordance 
with the Company’s CBC, employees must not engage in any form of 
lobbying or have contact with political representatives, government 
employees or public interest groups unless they are doing so legitimately 
and adhering to internal control processes. Further information 
regarding the CBC can be found on page 50 of this Annual Report  
and on the Company’s website at www.compass-group.com.

The directors propose to renew the authority granted at the 2015 AGM 
for the Group to make political donations and incur political expenditure 
(as such terms are defined in sections 362 to 365 of the CA 2006) until 
the Company’s next AGM, which they might otherwise be prohibited 
from making or incurring under the terms of the CA 2006 and which 
would not amount to ‘donations’ in the ordinary sense of the word.  
It is proposed to maintain the limit of such authority at £100,000.

CREST
The Company’s ordinary shares and sterling Eurobonds are in CREST, 
the settlement system for stocks and shares.

DISCLOSURES REQUIRED UNDER UK LISTING RULE 9.8.4
There are no disclosures required to be made under UK Listing Rule 9.8.4.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Details of services provided to shareholders can be found in the 
Shareholder Information section on pages 152 and 153 and on the 
Company’s website.

AGM
The Notice of Meeting setting out the resolutions to be proposed  
at the 2016 AGM, together with explanatory notes, is set out on  
pages 154 to 159 of this Annual Report and is also available at  
www.compass-group.com. The directors consider that each of  
the resolutions is in the best interests of the Company and the 
shareholders as a whole and recommend that shareholders vote  
in favour of all of the resolutions. 

On behalf of the Board

MARK WHITE 
General Counsel and Company Secretary 
24 November 2015

Compass Group PLC 
Registered in England and Wales No. 4083914

Corporate governance 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

ANNUAL STATEMENT

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the 2014-2015 
Annual Remuneration Report which sets out our philosophy and policy 
for directors’ remuneration and the activities of the Remuneration 
Committee for the financial year ended 30 September 2015. 

The Report is divided into four sections: (i) this Annual Statement;  
(ii) the Governance Summary; (iii) the Company’s Remuneration  
Policy (the Policy); and (iv) the Annual Remuneration Report on the 
implementation of the Policy in the year to 30 September 2015.

At our 2015 AGM, shareholders approved amendments to the 
Company’s Remuneration Policy and the new rules for the Long Term 
Incentive Plan (LTIP). During our consultation process, we confirmed 
that our philosophy remained simple and unchanged. We continue to 
maintain an approach that positions our remuneration moderately.  
The changes that we made were done to ensure that we also remained 
competitive. In the nine years of Richard’s leadership, there had been 
no significant changes to our incentive levels, though over the same 
period the executive team had delivered great value to shareholders  
in the form of outstanding Total Shareholder Return (TSR) growth,  
a progressive dividend and the 2014 Return of Cash. 

Shareholders approved:

• increasing the annual incentive opportunity for our Group Chief 

Executive from 150% to 200% of salary, in line with that for other 
FTSE 50 CEOs 

• adjusting the LTIP opportunity for all of our executive directors 

(excluding the Group Chief Executive) to 200% of salary

• adjusting the LTIP opportunity for the Group Chief Executive  

to 250% of salary

In addition, to reflect best practice and ensure alignment with 
shareholders, any shares delivered under these higher awards are 
subject to a two year holding period post vesting. Shareholders’ 
interests were also further safeguarded with the renewal and extension 
of circumstances under which malus and clawback might be applied. 

On behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank 
shareholders for their support for these resolutions. The resolutions 
adopting the revised Policy and implementation were approved by 
shareholders at the 2015 AGM by 90.79% and 92.47% respectively. 
Shareholders will have the opportunity to vote on the Annual 
Remuneration Report for 2014-2015 at our 2016 AGM.

The success of your Company is driven  
by a continued focus on growing revenue  
in a sustainable and profitable manner. 
Accordingly, revenue and profit remain key 
measures in our annual bonus plan. 

PERFORMANCE IN 2014-2015
The continued success of the business has been driven through focus 
on organic revenue growth and increasing the operating margin to 
deliver sustained value for our shareholders. We have seen excellent 
performance in North America and have delivered good results across 
the business despite some challenges in the Offshore & Remote sector 
and some of our emerging markets. Accordingly, revenue and profit 
remain key performance measures in our annual bonus plan. 

Strong free cash flow generation sustains our progressive dividend 
policy, permits an ongoing share buyback programme, provides  
cash for further investment in the business and therefore remains  
a performance measure in both our short and long term incentive 
plans. With Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) also as a performance 
measure for the LTIP, we maintain the focus on the efficient and 
targeted investment of this cash.

Shareholders have benefited from this consistent delivery of strategy. 
During the last 12 months, we have been able to reward shareholders 
through a progressive dividend policy and our 2013 £500 million  
share buyback programme which completed in August 2015. As 
announced by the Company on 30 September 2015, a further 
4,345,656 shares have been repurchased and held as treasury shares 
and have been used to satisfy the Company’s obligations under the 
Company’s employee equity incentive reward schemes between  
1 October and 23 November 2015.

Next May, Richard Cousins will have completed 10 years as Group 
Chief Executive. Under his leadership, the Company has delivered 
great value to shareholders and we believe that proper succession 
planning will ensure this continues. The strength of our internal 
succession planning has been demonstrated through the appointment 
of both Dominic Blakemore to lead our important European business  
in succession to Andrew Martin, and Johnny Thomson to succeed 
Dominic Blakemore as Group Finance Director.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  59

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

CONCLUSION
The Committee believes that the current executive remuneration 
strategy has and continues to work well both in the near term and  
over the longer term in motivating and retaining our executive team  
as well as supporting the delivery of superior returns to shareholders. 
Therefore, the principles underlying our executive remuneration 
philosophy remain unchanged, namely a moderate approach which 
enables our executives’ remuneration to reflect business performance. 
We believe that, as a result of the changes to our remuneration policy 
approved by shareholders at the 2015 AGM, the total opportunity  
for our executives is now more closely aligned with the rest of the  
FTSE 50, where Compass is an established member. The Committee’s 
intent is that the Policy approved at the 2015 AGM will remain in place 
for the next three years when, in accordance with the CA 2006 and  
the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and 
Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (the 2013 Regulations),  
the policy to apply for the next three years will be submitted to 
shareholders at the 2018 AGM for their approval.

The pages which follow give shareholders a full and clear disclosure  
of the Company’s intent and operation of director remuneration and,  
at the 2016 AGM, an advisory vote will be submitted to shareholders 
on the 2015 Annual Remuneration Report. 

I recommend the following Governance Summary, Policy Report and 
Annual Remuneration Report to shareholders.

CAROL ARROWSMITH  
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
24 November 2015

2014-2015 REMUNERATION REVIEW
As stated in our Policy and confirmed to shareholders last year, 
maintaining our historic moderate approach has continued to be at  
the centre of our deliberations and we continue to seek to pay sensible 
base salaries against the market and to provide shareholders with as 
high a degree of visibility as we can for the year ahead. In normal 
years, executive directors’ salaries are reviewed annually in January  
and our expectation is that most directors would be eligible for pay 
awards in line with our employees in the relevant market. 

We have typically appointed new executive directors at pay levels  
below the market rate and then moved their pay up to reflect 
experience and performance in the role. Johnny Thomson’s 
appointment as Group Finance Director is his first role as a PLC 
director. His salary on appointment will be £575,000 per annum. His 
performance will be measured over the coming year, but we anticipate 
further increments in his base pay ahead of market movement over  
the next two to three years to align his pay better with that of his  
peers, subject of course, to his performance in the role. Johnny will be 
receiving support with the relocation of himself and his family back to 
the UK of £50,000. His bonus and LTIP opportunities are in line with 
the Policy at 150% and 200% respectively. When Dominic Blakemore 
becomes Group Chief Operating Officer, Europe on 1 December 2015, 
he will receive an increase of 6.66% in his base annual salary, which 
reflects his new role and responsibilities and takes into account his 
performance during 2014-2015. Neither Dominic nor Johnny will be 
eligible for a salary increase in January 2016.

Andrew Martin will continue to receive his current salary and benefits 
to 31 December 2015, during which time he will be supporting the 
transition of his responsibilities to Dominic Blakemore. Thereafter,  
he will receive a sum which is in lieu of notice equivalent to his 
contractual entitlement based on 12 months’ base salary, target  
bonus and benefits. This is in line with his service contract which was 
entered into in 2007 and includes the payment of on target bonus in 
the calculation of payment in lieu of notice, as detailed in the Policy 
section of this Report and on page 75. In the light of Andrew Martin’s 
outstanding contribution to the Company over the last 11 years, the 
Committee exercised the discretion provided in the LTIP rules to 
enable the final LTIP award, which vests in 2017, to be exercised  
over the full number of shares if the performance conditions are 
satisfied in full and to release him from his obligations to hold any 
shares delivered in 2017 for a further two years.

On 16 July 2015, we appointed Ireena Vittal and Nelson Silva as 
non-executive directors, both of whom will be paid in line with the 
approved Policy. The fee for our Chairman, Paul Walsh, was increased 
from £475,000 to £500,000 per annum on 1 October 2015. This is 
the first increase since his appointment as Chairman in February 2014. 
Sir Ian Robinson will receive no remuneration or payment when he 
retires from the Board at the conclusion of the AGM. I would like to 
thank Sir Ian for his chairmanship of the Remuneration Committee. 

During the year, the management of Compass engaged Kepler 
Associates to conduct a review of the target and range setting 
framework and methodologies for both its short and long term 
incentive plans. The results of this review were shared and discussed 
in detail with the Committee. The conclusions reached were that, 
although Compass’ performance ranges look narrow when compared 
with other FTSE companies, in fact the narrowness of the ranges 
ensured tight alignment with performance and was delivering the  
right outcomes for the Company and shareholders, whilst remaining 
motivational for the executives. 

60  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Corporate governanceGOVERNANCE SUMMARY
THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The Board sets the Company’s Remuneration Policy and the 
Remuneration Committee (the Committee) is responsible, within  
the authority delegated by the Board, for determining specific 
remuneration packages and the terms and conditions of employment 
for the members of the Executive Board, which comprises the 
executive directors and other senior executives. The Committee 
ensures that the members of the Executive Board are provided with  
the appropriate incentives to enhance the Group’s performance and  
to reward them for their personal contribution to the success of the 
business. The Committee reviews the remuneration arrangements  
for Group employees whose salaries exceed a specified level and 
administers the Company’s share incentive plans. The Committee  
also determines the Chairman’s remuneration, although the Board  
itself determines the level of fees paid to the non-executive directors.  
No directors are involved in determining their own remuneration.  
The Committee maintains an active dialogue with shareholder 
representatives and its full Terms of Reference are set out on the 
Company’s website at www.compass-group.com.

The Committee consists entirely of independent non-executive 
directors, as defined in the Code. 

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
The Committee comprises Carol Arrowsmith, Chairman, and all of the 
other non-executive directors in office at the date of this Report. The 
Remuneration Committee met six times during the year and directors’ 
attendance can be found in the table below.

MEETINGS ATTENDANCE

Name

Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Susan Murray
Don Robert2
Sir Ian Robinson
Nelson Silva3
Ireena Vittal2,3

Attendance1

6 of 6
6 of 6
6 of 6
4 of 6
6 of 6
3 of 3
2 of 3

1   The number of meetings attended out of the number of meetings which each 

director was eligible to attend.

2   Unable to attend Committee meetings due to unforeseen circumstances. In each 

instance, the directors read the papers of the meeting and discussed their 
comments with the Committee Chairman prior to the meeting.
3   Ireena Vittal and Nelson Silva joined the Board on 16 July 2015.

Biographical details of the current members of the Committee are  
set out on pages 40 and 41. The General Counsel and Company 
Secretary acts as the Secretary to the Committee. Details of advisers 
to the Committee can be found on page 76. The Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee attends the AGM to respond to any 
shareholder questions that might be raised on the Remuneration 
Committee’s activities.

ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAR 
The key activities of the Committee during the year ended 
30 September 2015 were:

• a review of the draft Directors’ Remuneration Report (DRR) for 
2013-2014 following consultation with major shareholders and  
a review of the 2014 AGM voting results

• determination of the extent to which the 2013-2014 performance 

measures for the long term incentive and bonus plans were 
achieved

• annual review of directors’ share ownership against the Company’s 

agreed policy and guidelines 

• review of salary proposals for the Executive Board effective from 

1 January 2015

• determination of proposed bonus targets for 2014-2015
• determination of proposed targets under the LTIP and other 

incentive schemes operating below executive management level  
for 2014-2015

• review of the Company’s remuneration practice to ensure that the 

overall remuneration structure continues to promote the Company’s 
long term business strategy

•  regular reviews of performance under Group-wide share plans  
and approval of any discretionary matters for individuals below 
executive director level

• agreement to the proposed compensation packages for senior 

management leaving the Group including that for Andrew Martin

• determination of the remuneration package elements for the 

executive directors and the fees for the Chairman; and
• annual review of Terms of Reference for the Committee

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF DRR 
As for last year, this DRR has been prepared on behalf of the  
Board by the Committee in accordance with the requirements of the 
CA 2006 and the 2013 Regulations. The current Policy was approved  
by shareholders at the Company’s 2015 AGM and it is intended  
that this Policy will remain in place for three years. Although there  
is no requirement to do so, the Committee has, in the interests of 
transparency, good governance and emerging best practice, published 
the Policy in full for ease of reference. To the extent that changes have 
been made to the Policy since last year, these are merely to ensure that 
the content of the Policy remains relevant to the financial year under 
review; in all other respects, the Policy remains unchanged. The next 
two sections of the DRR cover the following matters:

• the Company’s intended remuneration policy from 5 February 

2015 for the next three years, including each of the components 
of directors’ remuneration (the Policy Report) 

• how the Policy (approved by shareholders at the 2015 AGM) was 
implemented in the year ended 30 September 2015 (the Annual 
Remuneration Report)

The information set out on pages 59 to 77 of this DRR represents the 
auditable disclosures referred to in the auditor’s report on pages 80  
to 82 as specified by the UKLA and the 2013 Regulations, save for  
the TSR graph; Group Chief Executive’s remuneration history and 
remuneration percentage change tables; spend on pay table; details of 
advice provided to the Committee and statement of shareholder voting.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  61

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The voting outcome at the 2015 AGM in respect of the DRR  
for the year ended 30 September 2014 is set out on page 77  
and reflected strong private and institutional shareholder  
support. Major shareholders were consulted regarding changes  
to the Remuneration Policy which took effect following approval  
by shareholders at the 2015 AGM. No changes are proposed to  
the Policy this year and, as such, it is intended that the next vote  
on the Company’s Remuneration Policy will be put to shareholders  
at the Company’s 2018 AGM.

Shareholders will be invited to approve the Annual Remuneration 
Report for the year ended 30 September 2015 (which will be  
a non-binding advisory vote) at the Company’s 2016 AGM.

The Committee will continue to be mindful of the interests of 
shareholders and other stakeholders, and welcomes shareholder 
feedback on any issue related to executive remuneration.

62  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

REMUNERATION POLICY
As set out in the Annual Statement, the Policy set out on pages 62 to 
68 was approved by shareholders at the 2015 AGM of the Company. 
Resolution 2 to adopt the Policy received 90.79% of the votes cast in 
favour of the resolution. Although not a requirement, the Committee 
has included the Policy in this year’s Report for ease of reference and 
in the interest of transparency. The underlying principles of the Policy 
remain unchanged, however, the Dilution Limits graphs on page 65, 
the Illustrations of the Application of our Remuneration Policy graphs 
on page 66, the tables on page 69 and, where appropriate, references 
to page numbers have been updated to ensure that they remain 
relevant to the year under review.

In line with the Resolution approved by shareholders at the 2015  
AGM, it is intended that the Policy will remain in force for three  
years. In accordance with the CA 2006 and the 2013 Regulations,  
the Committee will next submit the policy to shareholders at the  
2018 AGM for their approval. The current Policy is also available at 
www.compass-group.com/ar15.

REMUNERATION POLICY AND COMPONENTS
The Committee reviews the Company’s remuneration philosophy and 
structure to ensure that remuneration supports the Company’s strategic 
objectives, is in line with best practice and can fairly reward individuals 
for the contribution that they make to the business. In doing this, we 
have regard to the size and complexity of the Group’s operations and 
the need to motivate and attract employees of the highest calibre. 

We have tried to develop our policy to maintain stability in the 
executive team and to ensure appropriate positioning against our 
comparator groups. Overall, we believe that the Policy is structured so 
that the executive directors are fairly rewarded, with the aim to keep 
reward at or around median and in line with appropriate benchmarks 
for the markets in which the Company operates. We consider our 
approach to be moderate and that it will stand the test of time. 

The Group has more than 500,000 employees in over 50 different 
jurisdictions, which means that formal consultation with employees  
in respect of remuneration is impracticable. However, the Committee 
considers general pay and employment conditions of all employees 
within the Group and is sensitive to these, to prevailing market and 
economic conditions and to governance trends when assessing the 
level of salaries and remuneration packages of executive directors  
and other members of the Executive Board.

The total remuneration package links corporate and individual 
performance with an appropriate balance between short and long term 
elements, and fixed and variable components. The Policy is designed 
to incentivise executives to meet the Company’s key objectives, such 
that a significant portion of total remuneration is performance related, 
based on a mixture of internal targets linked to the Company’s key 
business drivers (which can be measured, understood and accepted  
by both executives and shareholders, with whom we consulted  
during 2014 when the Policy was being formulated for shareholders’ 
approval) and appropriate external comparator groups.

The Committee considers that the targets set for the different 
components of performance related remuneration are both appropriate 
and sufficiently demanding in the context of the business environment 
and the challenges with which the Group is faced as well as complying 
with the provisions of the Code.

The Committee has the discretion to amend certain aspects of the 
Policy in exceptional circumstances when considered to be in the best 
interests of shareholders. Should such discretion be used, this will be 
explained and reported in the DRR for the following year.

Corporate governanceCOMPONENT PARTS OF THE REMUNERATION PACKAGE
The key components of executive directors’ remuneration for the period from 5 February 2015 and beyond (the Policy Period) are  
summarised below:

Component and link to strategy

Operation of the component

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

BASE SALARY
Reflects the individual’s 
role, experience and 
contribution. Set at levels to 
attract and retain individuals 
of the calibre required to 
lead the business.

Base salaries are reviewed annually with any 
increases normally taking effect on 1 January  
of each year. Salaries are appropriately 
benchmarked and reflect the role, job size  
and responsibility as well as the performance 
and effectiveness of the individual.

Whilst there is no prescribed 
formulaic maximum, any increases 
will take into account prevailing 
market and economic conditions 
and the approach to employee pay 
throughout the organisation. 

Significant increases may occur 
when an executive director 
progresses in the role; gains 
substantially in experience; there is 
a significant increase in the scale 
of the role; has been recruited on  
a salary below the market median. 

Where changes in responsibilities 
or significant variances to the 
market exist, these will be 
appropriately explained.

BENEFITS AND PENSION
To provide a competitive 
level of benefits.

ANNUAL BONUS
Incentivise and reward  
the achievement of 
stretching one year key 
performance targets set by 
the Committee at the start 
of each financial year.

Benefits include, but are not limited to, 
healthcare insurance for executive directors and 
their dependants, limited financial advice, life 
assurance and car benefit. 

These are offered to executive directors as part 
of a competitive remuneration package.

Executive directors are invited to participate  
in the Company’s defined contribution pension 
scheme or to take a cash allowance in lieu of 
pension entitlement.

The cost of providing these 
benefits can vary in accordance 
with market conditions, which  
will, therefore, determine the 
maximum value. 

For the Company’s defined 
contribution pension scheme or 
cash allowance, the maximum 
annual contribution is 35% of  
base salary.

The target award for executive 
directors (excluding the Group 
Chief Executive) is 75% of base 
salary, with a further maximum of 
75% of base salary available for 
enhanced performance. 0% of the 
bonus pays out for below threshold 
performance but increases on a 
straight line basis to target payout. 

The target award for the Group 
Chief Executive is 100% of base 
salary, with a further maximum of 
100% for enhanced performance. 
0% of the bonus pays out for  
below threshold performance but 
increases on a straight line basis  
to target payout.

The annual bonus is earned by the achievement 
of one year performance targets set by the 
Committee at the start of each financial year 
and is delivered in cash. 

The Committee retains the discretion to adjust 
the bonus outcomes to ensure that they reflect 
underlying business performance. In particular, 
adjustments may be made for acquisitions and 
disposals. Bonus measures dependent on 
Adjusted Free Cash Flow (AFCF) are subject to 
the caveat that AFCF should not be affected by 
Board approved capital expenditure or other 
special or irregular timing differences.

A supplementary financial underpin also applies 
such that the amount payable pursuant to the 
achievement of the non-Profit Before Interest 
and Tax (PBIT) measures may not exceed the 
on target payment unless the threshold Group 
PBIT measure has been achieved.

The annual bonus is subject to malus and/or 
clawback in the event of discovery of a material 
misstatement in the accounts or in the 
assessment of a relevant performance condition 
or where the action or conduct of a participant 
amounts to fraud or serious misconduct or  
has a detrimental impact on the reputation  
of the Group. 

None.

None.

Performance is measured 
over the financial year. 
Performance measures  
are determined by the 
Committee each year and 
may vary to ensure that they 
promote the Company’s long 
term business strategy and 
shareholder value.

The bonus measures and 
their percentage weightings 
may vary, depending upon  
a director’s area of 
responsibility.

Bonus measures may 
include, but are not limited 
to, profit, revenue and cash 
flow metrics. Strategic  
KPIs may also be chosen. 
However, the overall  
metrics would always be 
substantially weighted to 
financial performance 
measures.

Annual bonus targets are set 
with reference to internal 
budgets and analyst 
consensus forecasts, with 
maximum payout requiring 
performance well ahead  
of budget.

Details of the specific 
measures applying to each 
element of the bonus for the 
year being reported on and 
the following financial year 
are shown in the Annual 
Remuneration Report on 
pages 71 and 72.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  63

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

Component and link to strategy

Operation of the component

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN 
(LTIP)
Incentivise and reward 
executive directors for the 
delivery of longer term 
financial performance and 
shareholder value. 

Share based to provide 
alignment with shareholder 
interests. 

ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW 
(AFCF)
The generation of cash is 
fundamental to the ongoing 
success of the Group and  
the use of AFCF as an LTIP 
performance measure 
directly aligns to this. 

RETURN ON CAPITAL 
EMPLOYED (ROCE)
In parallel, ROCE supports 
the strategic focus on  
growth and margins through 
ensuring that cash is 
reinvested to generate 
appropriate returns. 

RELATIVE TOTAL 
SHAREHOLDER RETURN (TSR)
The third performance 
measure of TSR provides 
direct alignment between  
the interests of executive 
directors and shareholders.

An annual conditional award of ordinary shares 
in the capital of the Company which may be 
earned after a single three year performance 
period, based on the achievement of stretching 
performance conditions.

Calculations of the achievement of the targets 
are independently performed and are approved 
by the Committee. In order to ensure continued 
alignment between executive directors’ and 
shareholders’ interests, the Committee also 
reviews the underlying financial performance  
of the Group and retains its discretion to adjust 
vesting if it considers that performance is 
unsatisfactory.

In respect of awards made from 2014-2015 
onwards, executive directors will be required to 
hold vested LTIP shares (net of any shares sold 
to meet tax and social security liabilities) for a 
period of two years post vesting. 

Dividend equivalents may be accrued on  
the shares earned from any awards after  
5 February 2015. 

Malus and clawback rules operate in respect  
of the LTIP. The Committee may decide at any 
time before an award vests, or for a period  
of three years after an award vests, that any 
participant will be subject to malus and/or 
clawback in the event of discovery of a material 
misstatement in the accounts or in the 
assessment of a relevant performance 
condition, or where the action or conduct  
of a participant amounts to fraud or serious 
misconduct or has a detrimental impact on  
the reputation of the Group.

Awards are delivered in shares. However, the 
rules contain excepted provisions to deliver 
value in cash if necessary (for example, 
because of securities laws), subject to the 
discretion of the Committee, determined at  
any time up to their release.

In the event of a change of control, any 
unvested awards will vest immediately, subject 
to satisfaction of performance conditions and 
reduction on a time apportioned basis. 

Awards may be made with the 
following maximum levels:

Performance is measured 
over three financial years. 

•  Group Chief Executive: 250%
•  Other executive directors: 200%

For performance measures  
other than TSR, 0% of the  
award vests for below threshold 
performance, increasing to 50% 
vesting on a straight line basis  
for achievement of on target 
performance, increasing to 
maximum vesting on a straight  
line basis for achievement of 
maximum performance.

The element of an award based on 
relative TSR will vest in full for top 
quartile performance achievement 
and 25% of that element of the 
award will vest if performance is at 
the median. Awards will vest on a 
straight line basis between median 
and top quartile performance 
achievement. No shares will be 
released for this element of an 
award if the Company’s TSR 
performance is below the median.

Performance measures  
are AFCF, improvement  
in ROCE and TSR, each 
measure applying to one 
third of an award.

Relative TSR is measured 
relative to the companies 
comprising the TSR 
comparator group at the 
start of the period (the 
constituent members of  
the FTSE 100, excluding 
financial services 
companies). 

For awards made prior to  
7 February 2013, 50% of 
any award was based on 
AFCF over the three year 
performance period and 
50% on the Company’s  
TSR over the same period 
relative to the companies 
comprising the TSR 
comparator group at the 
start of the relevant period.

LTIP targets are set with 
reference to internal budgets 
and analysts’ consensus 
forecasts, with maximum 
payment requiring 
performance well ahead  
of budget.

Details of the targets for 
LTIP awards vesting and 
granted are set out as 
required in the Annual 
Remuneration Report on 
pages 73 and 74.

The executive directors’ Remuneration Policy differs from that of other members of the Executive Board solely in respect of quantum of the 
various components and remuneration. Members of the wider leadership team receive each of the components of remuneration awarded to the 
executive directors. The wider employee population of the Group will receive remuneration that is considered to be appropriate in relation to their 
geographic location, level of responsibility and performance.

64  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Corporate governanceCLOSED INCENTIVE PLANS 
The LTIP described in the table on page 64 is the primary form of 
equity incentive for executive directors. There are no outstanding 
awards to executive directors made prior to 2010 under the former  
long term incentive plan, being The Compass Group Long Term 
Incentive Plan. 

DILUTION LIMITS
All of the Company’s equity based incentive plans incorporate the 
current Investment Association Share Capital Management Guidelines 
(Guidelines) on headroom which provide that overall dilution under all 
plans should not exceed 10% over a 10 year period in relation to the 
Company’s issued share capital (or reissue of treasury shares), with  
a further limitation of 5% in any 10 year period for executive plans.

The Committee monitors the position regularly and prior to the making 
of any award, to ensure that the Company remains within these limits. 
Any awards which are required to be satisfied by market purchased 
shares are excluded from such calculations. On 30 September 2015, 
the Company held 8,796,228 treasury shares. During the financial 
year ended 30 September 2015, 756,579 treasury shares were 
utilised for the purpose of satisfying the Company’s obligations under 
the Group’s employee equity incentive schemes. As at 30 September 
2015, the Company’s headroom position, which remains within current 
Guidelines, was as shown in the charts below:

10% IN 10 YEARS

5% IN 10 YEARS

SHARE OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
In order that their interests are linked with those of shareholders, 
directors are expected to build up and maintain a personal 
shareholding in the Company. 

Under the guidelines, the Group Chief Executive is required to hold a 
personal shareholding equal to the value of twice his base salary. Other 
executive directors are required to hold a personal shareholding equal 
to the value of one and a half times their base salary, and members  
of the Executive Board a personal shareholding equal to the value of 
their base salary. Non-executive directors are required to hold a 
personal shareholding equal to the value of their base fee. 

For executive directors, the guideline shareholding may be achieved by 
retaining shares received as a result of participating in the Company’s 
share plans. The guidance specifically excludes the need to make a 
personal investment should awards not vest. Non-executive directors 
are expected to purchase shares equating to a minimum value of one 
third of their net of tax fee each year until the guideline is met. The 
required level of shareholding is expected to be achieved within a four 
year period commencing from date of appointment.

Directors’ shareholdings are reviewed annually by the Remuneration 
Committee to ensure that directors are on course to achieve their 
guideline shareholding within the period required. However, if it 
becomes apparent to the Committee that the guideline is unlikely to  
be met within the timeframe, then the Committee will discuss with the 
director a plan to ensure that the guideline is met over an acceptable 
timeframe. The granting of future LTIP awards to an executive director 
will be conditional upon reaching the appropriate threshold in the 
required timeframe.

1

Details of the interests of directors in shares and equity incentives  
are set out on page 76, together with the extent to which each of the 
directors has complied with the guidelines as at 30 September 2015. 

3

2

1

3

2

1. HEADROOM ........................................... 6.69%
2. DISCRETIONARY OPTIONS .....................2.11%
3. LTIP ........................................................ 1.20%

1. HEADROOM ........................................... 1.69%
2. DISCRETIONARY OPTIONS .....................2.11%
3. LTIP ........................................................ 1.20%

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  65

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

ILLUSTRATIONS OF APPLICATION OF REMUNERATION POLICY
The graphs below show an estimate of the remuneration that could be 
received by executive directors under the Policy set out in this Report. 
Each bar gives an indication of the minimum amount of remuneration 
payable, remuneration payable at target performance and remuneration 
payable at maximum performance to each director under the Policy.

Each of the bars is broken down to show how the total under each 
scenario is made up of fixed elements of remuneration, the annual 
bonus and the LTIP.

RICHARD COUSINS
ILLUSTRATION OF PACKAGE

Maximum

Target

24%

37%

DOMINIC BLAKEMORE
ILLUSTRATION OF PACKAGE

34%

42%

TOTAL £6.0M

Maximum

27%

36%

TOTAL £3.8M

Target

28%

43%

31%

41%

TOTAL £3.1M

23%

34%

TOTAL £2.0M

Minimum

100%

TOTAL £1.4M

Minimum

100%

TOTAL £0.9M

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

5.5

6.0

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

GARY GREEN1
ILLUSTRATION OF PACKAGE

Maximum

Target

29%

44%

JOHNNY THOMSON
ILLUSTRATION OF PACKAGE

30%

41%

TOTAL £3.9M

Maximum

23%

33%

TOTAL £2.6M

Target

29%

44%

30%

41%

TOTAL £2.8M

23%

33%

TOTAL £1.9M

Minimum

100%

TOTAL £1.1M

Minimum

100%

TOTAL £0.8M

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

 FIXED ELEMENTS OF REMUNERATION 

 ANNUAL BONUS 

 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN 

The scenarios in the above graphs are defined as follows:

FIXED ELEMENTS OF REMUNERATION

Minimum performance

Target performance

Maximum performance

•  Base salary as at 30 September 2015
•  Estimated value of benefits provided under the Remuneration Policy
•  Cash supplement in lieu of pension of 35% of base salary

ANNUAL BONUS
(payout as a % maximum opportunity)

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
(vesting as a % maximum opportunity)

0%

0%

50%

54%2

100%

100%

1  Note that Gary Green’s elements of pay are converted into sterling with an exchange rate of $1.5482/£1 as used elsewhere in the Annual Report.
2   Based on AFCF and ROCE performance measures vesting at 50% of maximum and the TSR measure paying out at 62.5% of maximum (midway between threshold and  

maximum payout).

66  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Corporate governanceAPPROACH TO RECRUITMENT REMUNERATION 
The Committee will apply the same remuneration policy during the 
Policy Period as that which applies to existing executive directors when 
considering the recruitment of a new executive director in respect of all 
elements of remuneration, that is: salary, benefits, pension and short 
and long term incentives. It is envisaged that the maximum level of 
variable remuneration which may be granted to a new executive 
director would be within plan rules and identical to the intended policy 
maximum opportunity for existing executive directors and the Group 
Chief Executive. The recommended maximum awards permissible 
under the LTIP are 200% and 250% of base salary in respect of the 
bonus and LTIP opportunity per annum respectively. However, in 
exceptional circumstances, the rules allow for a maximum of 400%  
of base salary to be utilised for the LTIP opportunity.

Other arrangements may be established specifically to facilitate 
recruitment of a particular individual, albeit that any such arrangement 
would be made within the context of minimising the cost to the 
Company. The policy for the recruitment of executive directors  
during the Policy Period includes the opportunity to provide a level  
of compensation for forfeiture of bonus entitlements and/or unvested 
long term incentive awards from an existing employer, if any, and the 
additional provision of benefits in kind, pensions and other allowances, 
such as relocation, education and tax equalisation, as may be required 
in order to achieve a successful recruitment. Any arrangement 
established specifically to facilitate recruitment of a particular 
individual would be intended to be of comparable commercial value 
and capped as appropriate. The quantum, form and structure of any 
buyout arrangement will be determined by the Committee taking into 
account the terms of the previous arrangement being forfeited.  
The buyout may be structured as an award of cash or shares. However, 
the Committee will normally have a preference for replacement awards 
to be made in the form of shares, deliverable no earlier than the 
previous awards. Where an executive director is appointed from either 
within the Company or following corporate activity/reorganisation, the 
normal policy would be to honour any legacy arrangements in line with 
the original terms and conditions.

The policy on the recruitment of new non-executive directors during the 
Policy Period would be to apply the same remuneration elements as for 
the existing non-executive directors. It is not intended that variable 
pay, day rates or benefits in kind be offered, although in exceptional 
circumstances such remuneration may be required in currently 
unforeseen circumstances. 

The Committee will include in future Annual Reports details of the 
implementation of the Policy as utilised during the Policy Period in 
respect of any such recruitment to the Board.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ SERVICE AGREEMENTS
It is the Company’s policy that executive directors have rolling  
service contracts.

The current executive directors’ service contracts contain the key  
terms shown in the table below:

SERVICE CONTRACT KEY TERMS BY PROVISION

Provision
REMUNERATION

CHANGE OF  
CONTROL

NOTICE PERIOD

TERMINATION 
PAYMENT

RESTRICTIVE 
COVENANTS

Detailed terms
•  Base salary, pension and benefits
•  Company car or cash allowance
•  Private health insurance for director and dependants
•  Life assurance
•  Financial planning advice 
•  25 days’ paid annual leave
•  Participation in annual bonus plan, subject to  

plan rules

•  Participation in LTIP, subject to plan rules
•  No special contractual provisions apply in the event  

of a change of control

•  12 months’ notice from the Company 
•  6 months’ notice from the director (12 months’ from 

Richard Cousins)

 12 months’ base salary

 10% of base salary in respect of benefits

Payment in lieu of notice equal to:
• 
•  Pension supplement
• 
All of the above would be paid in monthly instalments, 
subject to an obligation on the part of the director to 
mitigate his loss such that payments will either reduce, or 
cease completely, in the event that the director gains new 
employment/remuneration.
•  During employment and for 12 months after leaving

The historic policy on the payment of bonus on termination, which was 
in place prior to June 2008, was the provision of a payment, at par or 
target, of bonus in respect of the notice period, where the Company 
exercised its right to make a payment in lieu of notice. Messrs Cousins, 
Green and Martin’s service contracts are based on this historic policy. 
After careful consideration, the Committee concluded that it would not 
be in shareholders’ interests to migrate such contracts onto the policy 
in place since June 2008. Dominic Blakemore and Johnny Thomson’s 
service contracts fully comply with the policy in effect from June 
2008. All executive directors’ service contracts impose a clear 
obligation to mitigate such payment should a departing executive 
director take on new employment or receive alternative remuneration. 
The Committee believes the obligation to mitigate adequately 
addresses the issue. 

All of the executive directors’ service contracts, with the exception  
of that of Johnny Thomson who will be appointed to the Board on  
1 December 2015, were entered into before 27 June 2012 and  
have not been modified or renewed on or after that date. As such, 
remuneration payments or payments for loss of office that are required 
to be made under them are not required to be (but are) consistent  
with the Policy. Johnny Thomson’s service contract fully complies  
with the Policy.

Whilst unvested awards will normally lapse, the Committee may in  
its absolute discretion allow for awards to continue until the normal 
vesting date and be satisfied, subject to achievement of the attendant 
performance conditions. In such circumstances, awards vesting will 
normally be prorated on a time apportioned basis, unless the 
Committee determines otherwise.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  67

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

Subject to a cap on the maximum amount of fees payable to any 
non-executive director of £125,000 per annum, an additional fee of 
£22,000 per annum is payable where a non-executive director acts as 
Chairman of either the Audit or Remuneration Committee and £12,000 
is payable to the Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee. 
An additional fee of £27,000 per annum is also payable to the director 
nominated as Senior Independent Director. Non-executive directors are 
not eligible for pension scheme membership, bonus, incentive 
arrangements or other benefits, save reimbursement of travel costs. 

Non-executive directors have letters of engagement setting out their 
duties and the time commitment expected. They are appointed for an 
initial period of three years, after which the appointment is renewable 
at three year intervals by mutual consent. In accordance with the Code, 
all directors offer themselves for annual re-election by shareholders. 
Details of non-executive directors’ appointments, which are terminable 
without compensation, are set out in the table below, together with the 
dates on which their appointments have been formally revised:

Non-executive director

Original date of
appointment

Letter of 
engagement

Carol Arrowsmith

1 Jun 2014

14 May 2014

John Bason

21 Jun 2011

Susan Murray

11 Oct 2007

Don Robert

8 May 2009

Sir Ian Robinson

 1 Dec 2006

10 May 2011
7 May 2014*

11 Oct 2007
16 Mar 2010*
8 May 2013*

8 May 2009
8 May 2012*
11 Mar 2015*

1 Dec 2006
21 Sep 2009*
14 Nov 2012*
 16 July 2015

Nelson Silva

Ireena Vittal

16 July 2015

16 July 2015

 16 July 2015

*  Date on which appointment was formally revised.

Total length of 
service as at 
30 Sep 2015 

1 year, 
4 months

4 years,
3 months

8 years

6 years, 
5 months 

8 years, 
10 months

3 months

3 months

Any such discretion in respect of leavers would only be applied  
by the Committee to ‘good leavers’ where it considers that continued 
participation is justified, for example, by reference to prior performance 
to the date of leaving. The malus and clawback provisions would 
continue to apply in the event that any such discretion was exercised.

Details of Andrew Martin’s exit arrangements are set out on page 75.

Service contracts outline the components of remuneration paid  
to the individual but do not prescribe how remuneration levels may  
be adjusted from year to year.

The senior executives who are members of the Executive Board, and 
who are referred to in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements 
on page 99, have similar service contracts. 

The executive directors have served on the Board for the periods  
shown below and have service agreements dated as follows:

Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Andrew Martin

Date of contract

12 December 2011 
22 November 2007
27 November 2007
27 November 2007

Length of Board 
service as at 
30 Sep 2015

3 years, 7 months
9 years, 5 months
8 years, 9 months
11 years, 6 months

Johnny Thomson will be appointed to the Board on 1 December 2015 pursuant  
to a service agreement dated 23 September 2015.

CHAIRMAN
The fee for the Chairman is reviewed annually by the Committee with 
any increase taking effect on 1 October (the date was changed from  
1 July so as to align the review of the Chairman’s fees with that of  
the non-executive directors’ fees). In addition to his annual fee, the 
Chairman is paid a cash sum in lieu of provision by the Company of  
a car and chauffeur for use on Company business. The Chairman  
is not entitled to any benefits in kind and is not eligible for pension 
scheme membership, bonus or incentive arrangements. The 
Chairman’s appointment is terminable without compensation on  
six months’ notice from either side.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
The fees for the non-executive directors are reviewed and determined 
by the Board each year to reflect appropriate market conditions.

No increase was effected during the year under review. The fees  
for the year ended 30 September 2015 comprised a base fee of 
£84,000 per annum, which includes membership of the Audit, 
Corporate Responsibility, Nomination and Remuneration Committees.

68  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Corporate governanceANNUAL REMUNERATION REPORT
REMUNERATION IN DETAIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED  
30 SEPTEMBER 2015
TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN (TSR)
The performance graph below shows the Company’s TSR performance 
against the performance of the FTSE 100 over the seven year period  
to 30 September 2015. The FTSE 100 Index has been chosen as  
a broad equity market index of which the Company has been a 
constituent member throughout the period.

TOTAL RETURN INDICES – COMPASS V FTSE 100
(SEPTEMBER)

400

300

200

100

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

——  COMPASS 

—— 

FTSE 100

PAY FOR PERFORMANCE 
The Committee believes that the executive director remuneration policy 
and the supporting reward structure provide a clear alignment with the 
strategic objectives and performance of the Company. To maintain this 
relationship, the Committee constantly reviews the business priorities 
and the environment in which the Company operates. The table below 
shows Richard Cousins’ total remuneration over the last seven years 
and his achieved annual variable and long term incentive pay awards  
as a percentage of the plan maxima.

Single figure 
of total 
remuneration
£000 

5,3251
6,2982
5,5323
 4,8674
4,410
5,614
5,268

Annual variable 
element: award 
payout against 
maximum 
opportunity
%

88.7
 87.3
84.5
71.8
75.0
96.0
85.0

LTIP vesting 
rates against
maximum
opportunity
 %

79
 100
98.05
100
100
100
100

Richard Cousins

2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

1  Includes LTIP indicative vesting amount of £2.120 million.
2   LTIP indicative vesting amount of £3.643 million was disclosed in the 2014 Annual 

Report. Actual gain was £3.657 million.

3   LTIP indicative vesting amount of £2.960 million was disclosed in the 2013 Annual 

Report. Actual gain was £2.928 million.

4   LTIP indicative vesting amount of £2.451 million was disclosed in the 2012 Annual 

Report. Actual gain was £2.507 million.

PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN REMUNERATION OF  
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
In the year ended 30 September 2015, Mr Cousins received 2% salary 
and 38% bonus more than the equivalent amounts for the year ended 
30 September 2014. He received 4.76% more in taxable benefits in 
2014-2015 than in the previous year. The average percentage changes 
for all full-time equivalent employees based in the UK were 0.96% 
increase, 22% decrease and 7.3% increase respectively. The UK 
employee workforce was chosen as the most suitable comparator group 
as Mr Cousins is based in the UK and pay changes across the Group 
vary widely depending on local market conditions. However, the nature 
of Mr Cousins’ global role and responsibilities makes meaningful 
comparisons with any group of employees difficult and due caution 
should be exercised in this regard. 

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPEND ON PAY
The following table sets out the amounts paid in share buybacks, 
dividends and total employee costs for the years ended 30 September 
2014 and 2015.

Dispersals

Share buybacks1
Dividends paid2
Return of Cash3
Total employee costs4

2015
£m 

328
 457
Nil
7,959

2014
£m 

280
444
1,000
7,7945

Change
% 

17.1
2.9
(100)
2.1

1   During the year ended 30 September 2014, 11.3 million shares were repurchased  

in completion of the £400 million buyback programme announced on 21 November 
2012 and 18.2 million shares were repurchased under the £500 million buyback 
announced on 27 November 2013. A further 30.09 million shares were 
repurchased under the £500 million buyback during the year ended 30 September 
2015. The £500 million buyback completed on 10 August 2015. The total number 
of shares purchased under the £500 million buyback was 48,291,944. A further 
4,345,656 million shares were repurchased from 1 October 2015 up to the date of 
this Report. Shares repurchased by the Company from 17 June 2015 onward have 
been held in treasury and used to satisfy the Company’s obligations under the 
Company’s employee equity incentive schemes. Shares held in treasury are not 
eligible to participate in dividends and do not carry any voting rights.
2   The total dividend paid during the year ended 30 September 2014 was 

£444 million and share capital in issue on that date was 1,674 million ordinary 
shares. The total dividend paid during the year ended 30 September 2015 was 
£457 million and share capital in issue on that date was 1,657 million ordinary 
shares. The full year dividend per ordinary share for the year ended 30 September 
2015 increased by 10.9%.

3   The Company returned £1 billion to shareholders in July 2014, accompanied by a 

share capital consolidation, comprising a return of 56 pence per ordinary share prior 
to such consolidation.

4   Total employee costs for continuing and discontinued operations includes wages 

and salaries, social security costs, share-based payments and pension costs for all 
employees, including directors. The average number of employees, including 
directors and part-time employees in continuing and discontinued operations, 
during 2015 was 515,864 (2014: 503,537 restated).

5   £7,794 million as reported in 2014 (page 69 of the 2014 Annual Report refers)  

but restated to £7,720 million in 2015 (as referred to in note 3 on page 99 of this 
Annual Report).

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  69

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’ SINGLE TOTAL FIGURE OF REMUNERATION
The table below sets out in a single figure the total amount of remuneration, including each element, received by each of the executive directors 
in office for the year ended 30 September 2015. 

SINGLE TOTAL FIGURE TABLE

Director

Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Gary Green1
Andrew Martin

Total by component

Base 
salary2
£000

2015

581
1,009
795
665

3,050

Taxable 
benefits3
£000

2015

2014

16
44
41
42

16
42
38
43

2014

510
970
721
650

2,851

143

139

Bonus4
£000

2015

798
1,799
1,136
730

4,463

2014

688
1,303
1,090
928

4,009

LTIP
£000

20155

791
2,120
1,218
1,071

5,200

20146

1,217
3,643
2,062
1,656

8,578

Pension7
£000

2015

203
353
279
233

Total 
£000

2015

2,389
5,325
3,469
2,741

2014

2,610
6,298
4,166
3,505

2014

179
340
255
228

1,068

1,002

13,924

16,579

1   Gary Green’s salary of US$1.241 million and his other emoluments are shown in sterling at an exchange rate of US$1.5482/£1 (2014: US$1.6579/£1).
2  Salary increases of 14.3%, 2%, 3% and 3% for Messrs Blakemore, Cousins, Green and Martin respectively were implemented on 1 January 2015. 
3  Taxable benefits comprise healthcare insurance, limited financial advice, life assurance and car benefit.
4  Details of the performance measures and weighting as well as achieved results for the bonus and LTIP components are shown below. 
5   LTIP 2015: amount shown is the vesting value as at 24 November 2015 (the date of vesting) of LTIPs that have become receivable as a result of the achievement of conditions 

relating to performance in the three years ended 30 September 2015, calculated in accordance with the 2013 Regulations.

6   LTIP 2014: amount shown is the indicative vesting value on 26 November 2014. The actual value subsequently received by Messrs Cousins and Martin, based on a sale price 
of 1064.2037 pence on 28 November 2014, was £3,657,881 and £1,662,137 respectively. On 28 November 2014, Messrs Blakemore and Green disposed of 53,866 and 
150,000 shares respectively at 1064.2037 pence each; had they sold their vested awards in full, they would have received £1,222,046 and £2,070,046 respectively. 
Theoretically, if all of the directors had chosen to sell their 2014 LTIP award in full, this would have equated to a combined total of £8,612,110, or £34,017 more than the 
indicative value reported.

7   Pension: a supplement of 35% of base salary is paid in monthly instalments in lieu of pension participation.

The annual rate of base salaries of the executive directors in office for the year ended 30 September 2015 were:

Director

Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Andrew Martin

Base salary

Effective date

£600,000
£1,014,354
US$1,241,337
£669,500

1 January 2015
1 January 2015
1 January 2015
1 January 2015

Increase

14.3%
2%
3%
3%

Reason

Progression in the role; gain in experience
Benchmarked v comparator group
Benchmarked v comparator group
Benchmarked v comparator group

The annual rate of base salaries of the executive directors in office on 1 January 2016 are:

Director

Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Johnny Thomson2

Base salary

Effective date

£640,0001 1 December 2015
1 January 2016
1 January 2016
1 December 2015

£1,044,785 
US$1,294,000
£575,000

Increase

6.66%
3%
4.24%
–

 Reason

Changes in responsibility and role
Benchmarked v comparator group
Benchmarked v comparator group
Benchmarked v comparator group

1   As announced on 24 September 2015, Dominic Blakemore will be appointed Group Chief Operating Officer, Europe on 1 December 2015. As a result of a change in his role 

and responsibilities, Mr Blakemore will be awarded a 6.66% increase in his base annual salary from that date.

2   Johnny Thomson will be appointed to the Board on 1 December 2015. Prior to the appointment being made, the Committee asked PWC to perform a benchmarking review of 
salaries for peer roles in FTSE 50 companies. In line with the Policy, the Committee adopted a moderate approach when determining the level of remuneration to be paid, 
having regard to the findings of the benchmarking report and, bearing in mind that it will be Mr Thomson’s first role as a Group Finance Director of a listed company. The salary 
on appointment has been set at £575,000 per annum, which is below the median for comparable FTSE 50 roles with the aim of making incremental increases if considered 
appropriate to reflect experience and progression in the role and to bring Mr Thomson’s base salary in line with that of his FTSE peers. Mr Thomson will be entitled to a 
relocation allowance from Brazil to the UK of £50,000. His bonus and LTIP opportunities are in line with the Policy at 150% and 200% of base salary respectively.

Non-executive directors receive fees only, which are shown on page 75, together with the Chairman’s fees and benefits. The aggregate total 
amount of remuneration received by all directors in office during the year ended 30 September 2015 is shown below: 

2015
£000

13,924
1,064 

14,988

2014
£000

16,579
1,002

17,581

Executive directors
Chairman and non-executive directors

Total

70  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Corporate governance2014-2015 BONUS
PERFORMANCE MEASURE OUTCOMES
The financial targets for the bonus for the year ended 30 September 2015, and the extent to which they were achieved, were as set out below. 
The achievement of targets is calculated on a straight line basis between Minimum and Par (target) and between Par (target) and Maximum.  
As was the case for previous years, the measurement of the achievement of the AFCF and PBIT results is based on the underlying outcome 
achieved in the financial year, so that charges, such as those related to the Emerging markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring announced 
on 29 July 2015 (EM & OR charge), are usually excluded.

Financial measures1

PBIT2
AFCF3
Revenue growth

Minimum

£1,274m
£710m
+3.4%

Par (target)

£1,300m
£724m
+4.4%

Maximum

£1,326m
£738m
+5.4%

Achieved

£1,327m 
£738m 
5.6%

1  Financial measures for 2014-2015 bonus purposes are all set at 2015 budget rates, not actuals.
2  PBIT is underlying Profit Before Interest and Tax.
3  AFCF is Adjusted Free Cash Flow.

HSE improvement

Lost Time Injury Rate
Food Safety Incident Rate

2014-2015 Target

2014-2015 achieved

Target achieved

4.91
0.35

4.36
0.34

Yes
Yes

The resultant percentages against each of the bonus measures achieved by each executive director are shown below:

Measure

PBIT1
AFCF
MAWC2
ORG3
HSE

Total

Dominic Blakemore

% of performance 
target achieved 

Richard Cousins

% of performance 
target achieved 

Gary Green

% of performance 
target achieved 

Andrew Martin

% of performance 
target achieved 

48.7/55
15/15
–
25/25
0/54

88.7

48.7/55
15/15
–
25/25
0/54

88.7

59.4/60
–
15/15
25/25
(5)5

94.4

38.65/55
–
4.33/15
24.72/25
5/5

72.7

1   Messrs Blakemore, Cousins, Green and Martin’s entitlements to any bonus related to the achievement of Group PBIT were exceptionally reduced to exclude the costs, as well 

as the benefits, borne and delivered during the year of the EM & OR charge, such that the Group PBIT element of the bonus payment was reduced.

2  MAWC is 12 months Average Working Capital balance.
3  ORG is Organic Revenue Growth.
4   Messrs Blakemore and Cousins’ entitlements to any bonus related to the achievement of HSE related targets were reduced to zero to recognise that the Group had suffered 

three fatalities during the year, one in Argentina and two in the USA, which had occurred whilst each employee had been at work, albeit that management were not considered 
to be culpable, but this recognises the seriousness with which the Company takes HSE outcomes.

5   HSE for the North American business is measured through PBIT. Mr Green waived 2.5% of his bonus to recognise that the North American business had suffered two fatalities 
during the year, which had occurred whilst each employee had been at work, albeit that management were not considered to be culpable, but this recognises the seriousness 
with which the Company takes HSE outcomes.

BONUS PAYOUT
The outcome of the annual bonus for the year ended 30 September 2015 was due to the strong underlying financial performance aligned with 
the delivery of the Group’s long term strategy. The table below shows the resulting payout to each executive director in office during the year in 
such capacity:

Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Andrew Martin

2014-2015 bonus payment 
(as % of base salary)

133.02%
177.36%
141.65%
109.09%

Value of bonus 

£798,120
£1,799,058
US$1,758,292
£730,391

No discretion was applied by the Committee in respect of directors’ bonuses for the year under review. The rules of the current annual bonus 
plan do not include any deferment of payment of any element of the same.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  71

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

2015-2016 BONUS
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The annual bonus elements for executive directors for the year ending 30 September 2016 are:

Measure

PBIT
AFCF
MAWC
ORG
HSE

Total

Dominic Blakemore

Richard Cousins

Gary Green

Johnny Thomson7

55%1
–
15%3
25%4
5%

100%

55%2
15%
–
25%5
5%

100%

60%1
–
15%3
25%4
–6

100%

55%2
15%
–
25%5
5%

100%

1  PBIT split between Group PBIT and PBIT for region of responsibility (Mr Blakemore: 5% Group/50% Regional, Mr Green: 5% Group/55% Regional).
2  PBIT on a Group-wide basis.
3  MAWC for region of responsibility. 
4  ORG for region of responsibility.
5  ORG on a Group-wide basis.
6  HSE for the North American business is measured through PBIT.
7  Johnny Thomson will become the Group Finance Director on 1 December 2015.

The Committee has set the targets for the annual bonus plan for the year ended 30 September 2016 but has chosen not to disclose the details 
in this Report, as it is the opinion of the Committee that it may be seriously prejudicial to the interests of the Company to do so, and our major 
competitors do not disclose their targets or projected forecasts. However, the specific targets and the extent to which the targets have been met 
will be disclosed in next year’s Report.

LONG TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS 
During the year ended 30 September 2015, executive directors received a conditional award of shares which may vest after a three year 
performance period which will end on 30 September 2017, based on the achievement of stretching performance conditions. The maximum 
levels achievable under these awards are set out in the table below:

Director

Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Andrew Martin

LTIP award 
(as a % of base salary)

Face value of award1
£000

200%
250%
200%
200%

1,200
2,536
1,497
1,339

1  Face value of award as at the date of grant on 6 February 2015 based on the market price of 1145.00 pence per share on that day.

In accordance with the Company’s Share Ownership Guidelines, executive directors are required to hold vested awards for a period of two years following vesting so as to further 
strengthen the long term alignment of executives’ remuneration packages with shareholders’ interests and, if required, to facilitate malus and clawback. As detailed on page 75,  
at the discretion of the Committee and in view of his exceptional past performance, Mr Martin’s award granted on 6 February 2015 will be permitted to vest in 2017, subject to the 
achievement of corporate performance targets, and he will be released from his obligation to hold the vested award for two years thereafter.

The table below sets out the performance measures for the awards:

Definition of measure

Adjusted FCF Adjusted FCF includes capital expenditure, net interest and net tax spend but excludes discontinued activities, acquisition  
spend, disposal proceeds, and unusual or irregular timing differences. 

ROCE achievement The definition aims to measure the underlying economic performance of the Company. ROCE is calculated using  
constant currency values for the underlying operating profit, net of tax at the underlying rate for the year, and after profit relating to  
non-controlling interests. The capital employed figure excludes the post-employment benefit asset/liability, net of deferred tax, impaired  
goodwill, amortised intangibles arising on acquisitions and the net assets relating to non-controlling interests. 
TSR Performance compared to that of constituent members of the FTSE 100 (excluding financial services companies). TSR is the  
aggregate of share price growth and dividends paid (assuming reinvestment of those dividends in the Company’s shares during the  
three year performance period).

Weighting

¹⁄³

¹⁄³

¹⁄³

In setting the performance targets, the Committee considers internal budgets and the Group’s strategic plan, market expectations and general 
economic conditions. The table opposite shows the targets against which performance has been measured to determine the vesting of the grant 
of awards for the year ended 30 September 2015 and forms part of the Policy detailed in the Policy Report on pages 62 to 68. 

72  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Corporate governanceTARGETS FOR AWARDS VESTED IN RESPECT OF THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015
AFCF AND ROCE TARGETS

AFCF TARGET
Level of performance

Threshold
Maximum

ROCE TARGET 
Level of performance

Threshold
Median

TSR TARGET 
Level of performance

Below Median
Median
Upper Quartile

AFCF

£2,246m
£2,482m

ROCE

17.9%
19.6%

Vesting % of each component

0%
100%

Vesting % of each component

0%
25%

Vesting % of each component

0%
25%
100%

The table below shows the targets against which performance will be measured to determine the vesting of the grant of awards for the year 
ending 30 September 2016 and forms part of the Policy detailed in the Policy Report on pages 62 to 68.  

TARGETS FOR AWARDS MADE IN THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
AFCF AND ROCE TARGETS

AFCF AND ROCE TARGETS
Level of performance

Threshold
Par (target)
Maximum

TSR TARGET 
Level of performance

Below Median
Median
Upper Quartile

AFCF

£2,220m
£2,337m
£2,454m

ROCE

18.71%
19.21%
19.71%

Vesting % of each component

0%
50%
100%

Vesting % of each component

0%
25%
100%

Such awards are intended to be made on 25 November 2015. 

The vesting of the shares under each performance condition is independent. Therefore, the total vesting amount is based on the relevant 
percentage achievement for each performance measure. 

Awards vest on a straight line basis between Threshold and Par and between Par and Maximum. If performance under a component does not 
reach the Threshold level, vesting for that component will be nil. At the end of the performance period, the Committee will review the underlying 
financial performance of the Company and retain its discretion to adjust vesting if it considers that financial performance is unsatisfactory.

The Committee will review annually whether the measures and targets described above remain appropriate and challenging. Calculations of the 
achievement of the targets will be independently performed and approved by the Committee. The Committee will retain discretion to adjust for 
material events which occur during the performance period and will make full and clear disclosure of any such adjustments in the DRR, together 
with details of the achieved AFCF, ROCE and TSR performance, as determined by the above definitions, at the end of the performance period.

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN PERFORMANCE
85% of the TSR, 78% of AFCF and 74% of the ROCE performance measures were achieved at the end of the three year performance period, 
such that 79% of the LTIP awards made during the 2012-2013 financial year vested. Shares will be delivered to individuals following the release 
of the preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2015.

2012-2013 LTIP PERFORMANCE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015 AND VESTED 24 NOVEMBER 2015

Director

Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Andrew Martin

1  TSR ranking was 25th in its comparator group.

Performance conditions

TSR % vested
 on maturity1

AFCF % vested
on maturity

ROCE % vested 
on maturity

Number of 
shares awarded

Number of 
shares vested

85%
85%
85%
85%

78%
78%
78%
78%

74%
74%
74%
74%

92,664
248,517
142,728
125,481

73,203
196,327
112,754
99,128

Value of shares 
on vesting date 
£000

791
2,120
1,218
1,071

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  73

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

The table below sets out the percentage of each LTIP award made to executive directors within the last five years which has vested and the 
percentage of each extant award, had it vested on 30 September 2015:

Year of award

2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015

Maturity date

Performance conditions

1 Oct 2013
1 Oct 2014
1 Oct 2015
1 Oct 2016
1 Oct 2017

TSR/AFCF
TSR/AFCF
TSR/AFCF/ROCE
TSR/AFCF/ROCE
TSR/AFCF/ROCE

TSR % vested on maturity or 
indicative vesting percentage

96.1%
100%
85% (after 36 months)
67.9% (after 24 months)
51.3% (after 12 months)

ROCE % vested 
on maturity

AFCF % vested 
on maturity

n/a
n/a

100%
100% 
74% (after 36 months) 78% (after 36 months)
32% (after 24 months) 22% (after 24 months)
0% (after 12 months) 29% (after 12 months)

AFCF targets for each of the last three years are shown within note 24 to the consolidated financial statements on pages 130 to 134. 

EXTANT EQUITY INCENTIVE AWARDS HELD BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 
Details of all existing equity incentive awards as at the date of this Report, including the awards conditionally made under the long term incentive 
plans to the executive directors in office during the year ended 30 September 2015, are shown in the table below. None of the executive 
directors hold any extant award under any previously operated share option scheme:

LTIP

Director

Dominic Blakemore

Total
Richard Cousins

Total
Gary Green

Total
Andrew Martin

Total

As at 
30 Sep 2014: 
number of 
shares

Awarded during
 the year: 
number of 
shares

Released during 
the year: 
number of 
shares

Lapsed during 
the year: 
number of 
shares

As at 
30 Sep 2015: 
number of 
shares

Market price 
at date 
of award: 
pence

Date of 
award

Maturity 
date

114,832
92,664
78,090
–
285,586
343,720
248,517 
209,436
–
801,673
 194,516
142,728
121,620
–
458,864
156,186
125,481
105,747
–

387,414

–
–
–
104,802
104,802
–
–
–
221,475
221,475
–
–
–
130,785
130,785
–
–
–
116,943

116,943

114,832
–
–
–
114,832
343,720
–
–
–
343,720
194,516
–
–
–
194,516
156,186
–
–
–

156,186

 –
–
–
–
–
 –
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
92,664
78,090
104,802
275,556
–
248,517 
209,436
221,475
679,428
 –
142,728
121,620
130,785
395,133
–
125,481
105,747
116,943

348,171

624.50
775.00
926.00
1145.00

551.00
 775.00
926.00
1145.00

551.00
 775.00
926.00
1145.00

551.00
 775.00
926.00
1145.00

17 May 2012
12 Feb 2013
2 Dec 2013
6 Feb 2015

25 Nov 2011
12 Feb 2013
2 Dec 2013
6 Feb 2015

25 Nov 2011
12 Feb 2013
2 Dec 2013
6 Feb 2015

25 Nov 2011
12 Feb 2013
2 Dec 2013
6 Feb 2015

1 Oct 2014
1 Oct 2015
1 Oct 2016
1 Oct 2017

1 Oct 2014
1 Oct 2015
1 Oct 2016
1 Oct 2017

1 Oct 2014
1 Oct 2015
1 Oct 2016
1 Oct 2017

1 Oct 2014
1 Oct 2015
1 Oct 2016
1 Oct 2017

Notes:
•   50% of each award granted prior to 7 February 2013 is based on a three year AFCF target, and 50% is based on growth in the Company’s TSR relative to the FTSE 100, 

excluding its financial services constituents.

•   One third of each award granted from 7 February 2013 is based on a three year AFCF target, one third on a ROCE improvement target and one third on growth in the Company’s 

TSR relative to the FTSE 100, excluding its financial services constituents.

•   Aggregate gross gains realised by Messrs Blakemore, Cousins, Green and Martin were £8,612,110 in the year ended 30 September 2015. The closing share price at the time 

of release of their awards was 1064.00 pence per share.

•   The market price on 24 November 2015, the date of vesting of the award made on 12 February 2013, was 1080.00 pence per share.
•   All awards were granted for nil consideration.
•   The highest mid-market price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the year ended 30 September 2015 was 1223.36 pence per share and the lowest was 924.40 pence 

per share. The year end price was 1053.00 pence per share.

•   As detailed on page 75, at the discretion of the Committee in view of his exceptional past performance, Mr Martin’s award granted on 6 February 2015 will be permitted to vest 

in 2017, subject to the achievement of corporate performance targets, and he will be released from his obligation to hold the vested award for two years thereafter.

74  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Corporate governancePENSIONS
At 30 September 2015, there were no executive directors actively participating in any Compass Group defined benefit pension arrangements and 
none of the executive directors were accruing additional entitlement to benefit under any arrangements that existed prior to their appointment as 
executive directors.

Dominic Blakemore, Richard Cousins and Gary Green each receive a salary supplement equal to 35% of their base salaries in lieu of pension. 
Andrew Martin has, since 6 April 2006, received a salary supplement equal to 35% of his base salary and has waived all rights to his final salary 
pension, money purchase pension and unfunded unapproved pension relating to his employment prior to that date. Johnny Thomson will receive 
a salary supplement equal to 35% of his base salary in lieu of pension.

EXIT PAYMENTS
No executive directors left the Company during the year ended 30 September 2015 and therefore no payments for compensation for loss of 
office were paid to, or receivable by, any director (30 September 2014: nil). No payments (other than regular pension benefits which were 
commenced in previous years) were made during the year ended 30 September 2015 to any past director of the Company. 

As announced on 16 July 2015, Sir Ian Robinson will step down from the Board and its committees at the conclusion of the 2016 AGM.  
Other than the fees payable to Sir Ian for the period up to 4 February 2016, no remuneration or payment has been or will be made to him in 
connection with his ceasing to be a director of the Company. In accordance with section 430(2b) of the CA 2006 (430(2b)), a statement to  
this effect will be posted on the Company’s website as soon as reasonably practicable following the conclusion of the 2016 AGM.

As further announced on 24 September 2015, Andrew Martin will step down from the Board on 1 December 2015. Mr Martin will receive his 
current salary and benefits, as well as bonus for the transitional period from 1 October 2015 to 31 December 2015 during which time he will be 
supporting the transition of Mr Blakemore. Thereafter, he will receive a sum equivalent to his contractual entitlement based on 12 months’ base 
salary, on target bonus and pre-determined benefits in lieu of notice. Mr Martin’s service contract was entered into in 2007 and included the 
payment of on target bonus in the calculation of his contractual entitlement. Service contracts entered into since summer 2008 do not contain 
any element of bonus in contractual entitlements in the calculation of payment in lieu of notice. The Remuneration Committee has also decided 
that it is appropriate to exercise its discretion, in view of his exceptional past performance, to allow Mr Martin’s final LTIP award granted on  
6 February 2015 to vest in 2017, subject to the achievement of corporate performance targets, and he will be released from his obligation to 
hold the vested award for two years thereafter. A 430(2b) statement will also be posted on the Company’s website in connection with Mr Martin 
ceasing to be a director of the Company as soon as reasonably practicable after 1 December 2015.

EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
Executive directors may take up one non-executive directorship outside of the Group subject to the Board’s approval, provided that such 
appointment is not likely to lead to a conflict of interest. It is recognised that non-executive duties can broaden experience and knowledge which 
can benefit the Company. Dominic Blakemore, Richard Cousins and Andrew Martin received fees of €127,235, £81,818 and £60,000 during 
the year in respect of their directorships of Shire plc, Tesco PLC and easyJet plc respectively, which they were permitted to retain. 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
The Chairman, Paul Walsh, had a letter of engagement dated 19 June 2013 in respect of his original appointment as a non-executive director for 
a period of three years from 1 January 2014. Mr Walsh became Chairman at the conclusion of the AGM on 6 February 2014. He received a base 
fee of £81,000 per annum initially, increasing to £475,000 per annum on his appointment as Chairman. In addition, £50,000 plus VAT per 
annum is paid in lieu of the provision by the Company of a car and chauffeur for use on Company business. Following consideration by the 
Committee during the year ended 30 September 2015, the Chairman’s fee of £475,000 per annum, which was set at the time of his appointment, 
was increased to £500,000 per annum with effect from 1 October 2015. 

Details of amounts received by Paul Walsh during the year ended 30 September 2015 are shown below:

Chairman
Paul Walsh 

Fees
£000
475

Benefits1
£000
50

2015
£000
525

1  Benefits comprise payment in lieu of the provision by the Company of a car and chauffeur for use on Company business.  

Details of the fees paid to each of the non-executive directors in office for the year ended 30 September 2015 are set out below:

Carol Arrowsmith1
John Bason
Susan Murray
Don Robert2
Sir Ian Robinson2 
Nelson Silva3
Ireena Vittal3

Total

2015
£000
106
106
96
84
111
18
18

539

2014
£000
368

2014
£000
34
103
93
81
121
–
–

432

1  Appointed to the Board on 1 June 2014.
2   Sir Ian Robinson stepped down as the SID on 1 October 2015 and was succeeded by Don Robert. The respective changes will be reflected in the fees disclosed in the 2016 

Annual Report.

3  Appointed to the Board on 16 July 2015.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  75

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

SHARE OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES AND DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES
In order that their interests are linked with those of shareholders, directors are expected to build up and maintain a personal shareholding in the 
Company as set out in the share ownership guidelines as described on page 65 of the Policy.

The Committee reviewed and noted that the guidelines were satisfied by all directors in office during the year. The interests of the directors in 
office during the year ended 30 September 2015 in shares and share incentives are shown in the table below: 

Director
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Dominic Blakemore4
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Andrew Martin5
Susan Murray
Don Robert
Sir Ian Robinson
Nelson Silva4
Ireena Vittal4
Paul Walsh

Beneficial

Conditional

Shares held 
as at 30 Sep 
2015
7,503
10,823
60,966
1,515,815
365,819
500,000
12,234
28,235
14,117
8,200
–
21,411

Shares held 
as at 30 Sep 
20141
4,035
10,714
–
1,515,815
471,725
611,764
12,234
28,235
14,117
–
–
11,411

LTIP holdings 
as at 30 Sep 
2015
n/a
n/a
275,556
679,428
395,133
348,1715 

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

LTIP holdings 
as at 30 Sep 
2014
n/a
n/a
285,586
801,673
458,864
387,414
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Shareholding 
required2
1 x
1 x
1.5 x
2 x
1.5 x
1.5 x
1 x
1 x
1 x
1 x
1 x
1 x

Compliance with 
shareholding 
guidelines3
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√

1   Following the Return of Cash and associated Share Capital Consolidation of 8 July 2014 whereby 17 ordinary shares of 10 pence each were replaced by 16 new ordinary shares 

of 105⁄8 pence each in the Company.

2  As a multiple of base salary or fee. 
3  Requirement to achieve within four year period commencing from date of appointment. 
4   Dominic Blakemore was appointed to the Board in February 2013. Ireena Vittal and Nelson Silva were appointed to the Board in July 2015. Mrs Vittal and Mr Blakemore are 

intending to progressively build up their share ownership in the Company. 

5   As detailed on page 75, at the discretion of the Committee, Mr Martin’s LTIP award granted on 6 February 2015 will be permitted to vest in 2017, subject to the achievement  
of corporate performance targets and in view of his exceptional past performance, and he will be released from his obligation to hold the vested award for two years thereafter. 

Interests shown include the interests of connected persons.

There were no changes in directors’ interests between 30 September 2015 and 24 November 2015.

REMUNERATION OF OTHER SENIOR EXECUTIVES AND MANAGEMENT
A number of senior executives and the executive directors comprise the Executive Board. These key management roles influence the ability of 
the Group to meet its strategic targets. The Committee has regard to the remuneration level and structure of this group whose total remuneration 
including salary and other short term benefits, target (or par) bonus and the expected value of long term incentives is summarised in note 3 to 
the consolidated financial statements on page 99. 

REMUNERATION ADVICE
The Chairman and the Group Chief Executive, together with Robin Mills (Group Human Resources Director) and Harriet Kemp (Director of Group 
Reward & People Processes), are normally invited to attend each Committee meeting and provide advice and guidance to the Committee (other 
than in respect of their own remuneration) for which they are not paid a fee in addition to their salaries from the Company under their service 
contracts. Details of the members of the Committee who served during the year ended 30 September 2015 are set out on page 61. 

The Committee also has access to detailed external information and research on market data and trends from independent consultants. During 
the year, the Company retained PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP (PWC) to advise on compensation related matters, including undertaking a 
benchmarking exercise in respect of the remuneration of the Chairman and non-executive directors and of the Executive Board including the 
Group Chief Executive, for which it received total fees (based on hours spent) of £39,900 (2014: £50,350). 

Alithos Limited (Alithos) provided information for the testing of the TSR performance conditions for the Company’s LTIP awards, for which it 
received fixed fees of £24,000 (2014: £24,000). It also provided the TSR performance graph for the Directors’ Remuneration Report, for which 
it received a fixed fee of £500 (2014: £500).

Alithos was appointed by the Company in 2002 and PWC was appointed in 2007 (renewed in 2011). Both appointments were made with the 
approval of the Committee following a selection exercise. Alithos did not provide any other advice or services to the Company during the year. 
PWC provided services globally which comprised pension, expatriate, internal audit, merger and acquisition, due diligence, tax and other 
consultancy advice. The Committee is satisfied that the advice it received during the year was objective and independent, based on the 
experience of its members generally, including Carol Arrowsmith, Chairman of the Committee, who was formerly a remuneration consultant with 
Deloitte LLP and Susan Murray who has experience of being a member of the remuneration committees of other quoted companies, including 
one as chair of the committee.

76  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Corporate governanceSHAREHOLDER VOTE ON 2014 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
The table below shows the voting outcome at the AGM held on 5 February 2015 for the 2014 Remuneration Policy (binding vote) and Annual 
Remuneration Report (advisory vote):

Remuneration Policy
Annual Remuneration Report

1  A vote withheld is not a vote in law.

Number of votes 
‘For’ & ‘Discretionary’

% of 
votes cast

Number of votes 
‘Against’

1,094,017,323
1,152,726,748

90.79
92.47

110,932,945
93,900,199

% of 
votes cast

9.21
7.53

Total number of 
votes cast

Number of votes 
‘Withheld’1

1,204,950,268
1,246,626,947

55,045,261
13,362,779

90.79% of the binding votes cast were for the approval of the Remuneration Policy, with 9.21% against (4.56% of the total number of votes cast 
abstained). Of the advisory votes cast for the Annual Remuneration Report, 92.47% were for the Resolution, with 7.53% against (1.07% of the 
total number of votes cast abstained).

The Committee welcomed endorsement by shareholders and took steps, wherever practicable, to understand shareholders’ concerns when 
withholding their support.

The Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders at the 2015 AGM remains in force and will not be voted on by shareholders until the 2018 
AGM. However, at the 2016 AGM, shareholders will be invited to vote on the Annual Remuneration Report for 2014-2015. 

On behalf of the Board

CAROL ARROWSMITH  
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
24 November 2015

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  77

 
CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

79 

 Directors’ responsibilities for 
consolidated and Parent Company 
financial statements

80  Independent auditor’s report

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
83  Consolidated income statement
84   Consolidated statement  
of comprehensive income
85   Consolidated statement  
of changes in equity

87  Consolidated balance sheet
88  Consolidated cash flow statement
88   Reconciliation of free cash  

flow from continuing operations

89  Accounting policies

 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS 
94  Segmental reporting 
98  Operating costs
99  Employees 
100  Financing income, costs  
and related (gains)/losses 

101  Tax
103 Discontinued operations
103  Earnings per share
105 Dividends
105  Goodwill 
107  Other intangible assets 
108  Property, plant and equipment 
109  Equity accounted investments 
110   Other investments
110   Trade and other receivables
111   IFRS 11 restatement
114   Inventories
114   Cash and cash equivalents

115   Short term and long term borrowings
117   Derivative financial instruments
122  Trade and other payables
123  Provisions
124  Post-employment benefit obligations
128  Share capital
130  Share-based payments
134  Business combinations
135  Reconciliation of operating profit  
to cash generated by operations
135  Reconciliation of net cash flow  

to movement in net debt

136  Contingent liabilities
137  Capital commitments
137  Operating lease and concessions 

commitments

137  Related party transactions
137  Post balance sheet events
138  Exchange rates
139    Details of related undertakings  

of Compass Group PLC

78  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Financial statements CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The Annual Report and Accounts complies with the Disclosure  
and Transparency Rules (DTR) of the United Kingdom’s Financial 
Conduct Authority and the UK Corporate Governance Code 2014 in 
respect of the requirements to produce an annual financial report.

The Annual Report and Accounts is the responsibility of, and has 
been approved by, the directors.

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

• the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, 
balanced and understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s performance, 
business model and strategy

• the consolidated financial statements have been prepared  

in accordance with International Financial Reporting  
Standards (IFRS)

• the financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, 

liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and  
the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole 

•  the Annual Report and Accounts includes a fair review of the 

development and performance of the business and the position of 
the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that they face

On behalf of the Board

MARK WHITE 
General Counsel and Company Secretary 
24 November 2015

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES  
IN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report 
and the Group and Parent Company financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and  
Parent Company financial statements for each financial year. 
Under that law they are required to prepare the Group financial 
statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European 
Union (EU) and applicable law and have elected to prepare the 
Parent Company financial statements in accordance with UK 
Accounting Standards. 

Under company law the directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view of the state of affairs of the Group and Parent Company and 
of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing each of the 
Group and Parent Company financial statements, the directors 
are required to: 

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and 

prudent; 

• for the Group financial statements, state whether they  

have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted  
by the EU; 

• for the Parent Company financial statements, state whether 
applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in 
the Parent Company financial statements; and 

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the 
Parent Company will continue in business. 

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Parent 
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy 
at any time the financial position of the Parent Company and 
enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for 
taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard 
the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and 
other irregularities. 

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also 
responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ Report, 
Directors’ Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance 
Statement that comply with that law and those regulations.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity 
of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may  
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  79

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS  
OF COMPASS GROUP PLC ONLY

OPINIONS AND CONCLUSIONS ARISING FROM OUR AUDIT
1  OUR OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IS UNMODIFIED
We have audited the financial statements of Compass Group  
PLC for the year ended 30 September 2015 which comprise the 
consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, the consolidated and Parent Company 
balance sheets, the consolidated cash flow statement, the 
consolidated statement of changes in equity, the accounting  
policies and the related notes. In our opinion:  

• the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state  

of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at  
30 September 2015 and of the Group’s profit for the year  
then ended; 

• the Group financial statements have been properly prepared  

in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards  
as adopted by the European Union; 

• the Parent Company financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with UK Accounting Standards; and 
• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006; and, as regards  
the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

2  OUR ASSESSMENT OF RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT
In arriving at our audit opinion above on the financial statements the 
risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our 
audit were as follows:

VALUATION OF GOODWILL
Refer to page 48 (Governance and Directors’ Report), page 91 
(accounting policy) and page 105 (financial disclosures).

• The risk: The Group’s balance sheet includes goodwill of £1,433 
million relating to the UK business the carrying value of which  
has historically been sensitive to changes in the key assumptions, 
in particular to changes in forecast sales growth rates, operating 
profit margins and discount rates. The headroom in the UK 
currently is such that the directors do not consider there to be any 
reasonably possible sensitivities that would result in a write down 
being required, however, this itself is a matter of judgement and 
the carrying value of this asset therefore continues to be an area 
of audit focus.

• Our response: Our audit procedures included testing of the 

historical accuracy of the Group’s budgeting and forecasting 
process upon which the UK discounted cash flow model is based. 
We tested the principles that underpin the calculations in the 
model and the integrity of the data. We evaluated the assumptions 
and methodologies used for the UK discounted cash flow model, 
in particular those relating to forecast revenue growth and working 
capital movements, including assessing the reasonableness of the 
forecast revenue growth against historical growth rates. We 
compared the assumptions within the UK discounted cash flow 
model to externally derived data as well as our own assessments 
in relation to key inputs such as projected economic growth. Our 
valuation specialists assisted in evaluating the assumptions and 
methodologies underlying the discount rates adopted by the 
Group. We considered the sensitivity of key inputs to reasonably 
possible changes in assumptions. We also assessed the adequacy 
of the Group’s disclosures in respect of goodwill by reference to 
relevant accounting standards.

 TAXATION
Refer to page 48 (Governance and Directors’ Report), page 91 
(accounting policy) and page 136 (financial disclosures).

• The risk: The Group has extensive international operations and in 

the normal course of business the directors make judgements and 
estimates in relation to direct and indirect tax issues and 
exposures. As a result of the complexities of transfer pricing and 
other tax legislation, the accounting for tax exposures is a key 
audit judgement. 

• Our response: Our audit procedures included evaluating the 
controls the Group has in place to identify and quantify its  
tax exposures. We used our tax specialists to analyse and 
challenge the assumptions used to determine provisions using  
our knowledge and experience of the application of international  
and local legislation by the relevant authorities and courts, and 
assessed whether the approach applied by the Group is supported 
by custom and practice in the industry. We have examined the 
calculations prepared by the directors and agreed assumptions 
used to underlying data, and considered the judgements applied 
including the maximum potential exposure and the likelihood of a 
payment being required. We have inspected correspondence with 
relevant tax authorities to identify tax risk areas and assessed 
third party tax advice received to evaluate the conclusions drawn 
in the advice. In addition, transfer pricing documentation was 
critically assessed as part of our consideration of the tax positions 
taken by the Group. We also considered the adequacy of the 
Group’s disclosures in respect of tax and uncertain tax positions. 

80  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements SUPPLIER REBATES AND DISCOUNTS
Refer to page 48 (Governance and Directors’ Report) and page 91 
(accounting policy).

• The risk: The Group has a variety of agreements with suppliers 

whereby rebates and discounts are earned based on the quantity 
of goods bought. The majority of the rebates and discounts due  
to the Group are reflected in the net price charged by its suppliers 
or are based on fixed percentages linked to the quantity of goods 
bought. There is little estimation or judgement involved in 
determining the timing and amount to be recognised. However, 
due to the large number of agreements in place across numerous 
jurisdictions within the Group, the complexity of transaction 
processing as well as supplier rebate periods frequently not being 
coterminous with the year end date, we consider there is a risk  
of error.

• Our response: We evaluated the controls that the Group has in 
place over the accounting for rebates and discounts. Our audit 
procedures included inspecting underlying contractual terms and 
supplier correspondence for a selection of arrangements in place. 
We performed detailed testing on a sample basis of the largest 
rebates and discounts recognised in the period, with particular 
attention to whether the rebates and discounts were recognised  
in the correct period and the appropriateness of any rebates  
and discounts accrued at the period end. This involved selecting  
a sample of amounts invoiced and accrued as at the balance  
sheet date and agreeing the underlying calculation to contractual 
terms and supplier correspondence. We also considered the 
adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in respect of supplier rebates 
and discounts.

3  OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY AND AN OVERVIEW OF THE 
SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT
The materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was  
set at £62.7 million, determined with reference to a benchmark of 
Group profit before tax of £1.2 billion, of which it represents 5%.

We report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected 
identified misstatements exceeding £3.1 million, in addition to  
other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on 
qualitative grounds.

Of the Group’s 52 reporting components, we subjected 44  
to audits for Group reporting purposes and one to specified  
risk-focused audit procedures. The latter was not individually  
financially significant enough to require an audit for Group reporting 
purposes, but did present specific individual risks that needed  
to be addressed.

The components within the scope of our work accounted for the 
following percentages of the Group’s results:

GROUP REVENUE
(%)

2 3

GROUP PROFIT BEFORE TAX
(%)

2 3

1

1

1.  AUDITS FOR GROUP  

1.  AUDITS FOR GROUP  

REPORTING PURPOSES ......................... 95%

REPORTING PURPOSES .........................96%

2.   SPECIFIED RISK-FOCUSED  

2.   SPECIFIED RISK-FOCUSED  

AUDIT PROCEDURES ................................ 4%
3. GROUP-LEVEL PROCEDURES ONLY ......... 1%

AUDIT PROCEDURES ................................ 3%
3. GROUP-LEVEL PROCEDURES ONLY ......... 1%

GROUP TOTAL ASSETS
(%)

2 3

1

1.  AUDITS FOR GROUP  

REPORTING PURPOSES ......................... 95%

2.   SPECIFIED RISK-FOCUSED  

AUDIT PROCEDURES ................................ 4%
3. GROUP-LEVEL PROCEDURES ONLY ......... 1%

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  81

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS  
OF COMPASS GROUP PLC ONLY CONTINUED

The Group audit team instructed component auditors as to the 
significant areas to be covered, including the relevant risks detailed 
above and the information to be reported back. The Group audit 
team determined the component materialities, which ranged from 
£0.06 million to £49.2 million, having regard to the mix of size and 
risk profile of the Group across the components. Aside from the 
audit of the Parent Company and the non-trading head office entities 
that was performed by the Group audit team, the work on all of the 
components was performed by component auditors.

The Group audit team visited 18 component locations, to assess  
the audit risk and strategy. Video and telephone conference 
meetings were also held with these component auditors and the 
majority of the others that were not physically visited. At these visits 
and meetings, the findings reported to the Group audit team were 
discussed in more detail, and any further work required by the  
Group audit team was then performed by the component auditor.

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion: 

• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent 

Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited by us; or 

• the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the 

Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law  

are not made; or 

• we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review: 

• the directors’ statements, set out on page 30, in relation to going 

concern and longer term viability; and

• the part of the Corporate Governance Statement on page 44 

4  OUR OPINION ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES 
ACT 2006 IS UNMODIFIED
In our opinion: 

relating to the Company’s compliance with the eleven provisions 
of the 2014 UK Corporate Governance Code specified for  
our review. 

• the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has 
been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 
2006; and 

• the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ 
Report for the financial year for which the financial statements  
are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. 

5  WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT ON THE DISCLOSURES OF  
PRINCIPAL RISKS 
Based on the knowledge we acquired during our audit, we have 
nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to: 

• the directors’ statement of viability on page 30, concerning the 

principal risks, their management, and, based on that, the 
directors’ assessment and expectations of the Group continuing  
in operation over the three years to 2018; or 

• the disclosures in note 1 of the financial statements concerning 

the use of the going concern basis of accounting. 

6  WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT IN RESPECT OF THE MATTERS ON 
WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION 
Under ISAs (UK and Ireland) we are required to report to you  
if, based on the knowledge we acquired during our audit, we  
have identified other information in the annual report that  
contains a material inconsistency with either that knowledge  
or the financial statements, a material misstatement of fact,  
or that is otherwise misleading. 

In particular, we are required to report to you if: 

• we have identified material inconsistencies between the 

knowledge we acquired during our audit and the directors’ 
statement that they consider that the annual report and financial 
statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Group’s performance, business model and strategy; or
• the Audit Committee Report does not appropriately address 

matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

We have nothing to report in respect of the above responsibilities.

SCOPE OF REPORT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities  
statement set out on page 79, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that 
they give a true and fair view. A description of the scope of an  
audit of financial statements is provided on the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate. This  
report is made solely to the Company’s members as a body and  
is subject to important explanations and disclaimers regarding our 
responsibilities, published on our website at www.kpmg.com/uk/
auditscopeukco2014a, which are incorporated into this report as  
if set out in full and should be read to provide an understanding of 
the purpose of this report, the work we have undertaken and the 
basis of our opinions.

ANTHONY SYKES  
(Senior Statutory Auditor) 

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor  
Chartered Accountants  
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL 
24 November 2015

82  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements  
 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures
Less: share of sales of equity accounted joint ventures
Revenue
Operating costs

Operating costs, excluding Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring
Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring

Operating profit before joint ventures and associates
Share of profit after tax of joint ventures and associates
Operating profit

Underlying operating profit²
Amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition
Acquisition transaction costs
Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition
Tax on share of profit of joint ventures

(Loss)/profit on disposal of US businesses
Profit on disposal of interest in associates
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items 
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year from continuing operations
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Profit for the year from discontinued operations

CONTINUING AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Profit for the year

ATTRIBUTABLE TO
Equity shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Profit for the year

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations
From continuing and discontinued operations

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations
From continuing and discontinued operations

Total
2015
 £m

17,843
(253)
17,590
(16,368)

(16,342)
(26)

Total
2014 
Restated1
 £m

17,058
(204)
16,854
(15,670)

(15,670)
–

1,222
39
1,261

1,296
(26)
(2)
(5)
(2)

(1)
–
3
(107)
3
1,159
(282)
877

–

877

869
8
877

52.3p
–
52.3p

52.2p
–
52.2p

1,184
30
1,214

1,245
(25)
(3)
–
(3)

1
13
5
(91)
2
1,144
(276)
868

3

871

865
6
871

48.8p
0.2p
49.0p

48.7p
0.2p
48.9p

Notes

1

2

1,12

1

1

10

25

4

4

4

5

1

6

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.
2   Underlying operating profit excludes amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition, acquisition transaction costs and adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition, 

but includes share of profit after tax of associates and operating profit of joint ventures.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  83

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Items that are not reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Remeasurement of post-employment benefit obligations – loss
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income – gain
Tax on items relating to the components of other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Currency translation differences

Total other comprehensive loss for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year

ATTRIBUTABLE TO
Equity shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income for the year

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11.

Notes

22

22

5

2015 
£m

877

(37)
145
(20)
88

(92)
(92)
(4)
873

865
8
873

2014 
Restated1
 £m

871

(146)
137
3
(6)

(103)
(103)
(109)
762

756
6
762

84  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

At 1 October 2014

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Currency translation differences
Remeasurement of post-employment benefit 

obligations – loss

Return on plan assets, excluding interest  

income – gain

Tax on items relating to the components  

of other comprehensive income

Total other comprehensive (loss)/income

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year

Issue of shares (for cash)
Fair value of share-based payments 
Tax on items taken directly to equity (note 5)
Share buyback1
Issue of treasury shares to satisfy employee share 

scheme awards exercised

Release of LTIP award settled by issue  

of new shares

Other changes

Dividends paid to Compass shareholders (note 8)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
At 30 September 2015

1  Including stamp duty and brokers’ commission.

Share 
capital 
£m

178

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
(2)

–

–
–
176
–
–
176

Attributable to equity shareholders of the Company

 Share 
premium
 account
 £m 

Capital 
redemption
 reserve 
£m 

Own
 shares 
£m

Other 
reserves 
£m

Retained 
earnings 
£m

Non- 
controlling
 interests 
£m

174

293

(1)

4,277

(3,082)

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

2
–
–
–

–

6
–
182
–
–
182

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
2

–

–
–
295
–
–
295

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
(1)
–
–
(1)

–

869

(92)

–

–

–

(1)
(93)

(93)

–
15
–
–

–

(37)

145

(19)
89

958

–
–
2
(328)

1

(6)
(4)
4,189
–
–
4,189

–
2
(2,447)
(457)
–
(2,904)

9

8

–

–

–

–
–

8

–
–
–
–

–

–
2
19
–
(6)
13

Total 
£m

1,848

877

(92)

(37)

145

(20)
(4)

873

2
15
2
(328)

1

–
–
2,413
(457)
(6)
1,950

OTHER RESERVES

At 1 October 2014 
Other comprehensive income
Currency translation differences
Tax on items relating to the components of other comprehensive income 

(note 5)

Total other comprehensive loss

Fair value of share-based payments
Release of LTIP award settled by issue of new shares
Other changes
At 30 September 2015

Share-based
 payment 
reserve 
£m

170

–

–
–

15
(6)
–
179

Merger 
reserve
 £m 

4,170

–

–
–

–
–
–
4,170

Revaluation 
reserve 
£m

Translation 
reserve 
£m 

Adjustment 
for minority 
interest
 put options 
reserve
£m

7

–

–
–

–
–
–
7

(70)

(92)

(1)
(93)

–
–
2
(161)

–

–

–
–

–
–
(6)
(6)

Total other 
reserves 
£m

4,277

(92)

(1)
(93)

15
(6)
(4)
4,189

Own shares held by the Group represent 27,799 new ordinary shares in Compass Group PLC (2014: 54,941 ordinary shares). 11,601  
(2014: 38,743) shares are held by the Compass Group Employee Share Trust (ESOP) and 16,198 (2014: 16,198) shares by the Compass  
Group Long Term Incentive Plan Trust (LTIPT). These shares are listed on a recognised stock exchange and their market value at  
30 September 2015 was £0.3 million (2014: £0.5 million). The nominal value held at 30 September 2015 was £2,954 (2014: £5,837).

ESOP and LTIPT are discretionary trusts for the benefit of employees and the shares held are used to satisfy some of the Group’s liabilities  
to employees for share options, share bonus and long term incentive plans. All of the shares held by the ESOP and LTIPT are required to be 
made available in this way.

From 17 June 2015, repurchased ordinary shares were transferred and held in treasury for the purpose of satisfying the Company’s 
obligations under employee equity incentive schemes.

The merger reserve arose in 2000 following the demerger from Granada Compass plc. 

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  85

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

Attributable to equity shareholders of the Company

 Share
 premium
 account
 £m

Capital
redemption
 reserve
£m

Own
 shares
£m

Other
reserves
£m

Retained
earnings
£m

Non-
controlling
 interests
£m

At 1 October 2013

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Currency translation differences
Remeasurement of post-employment benefit 

obligations – loss

Return on plan assets, excluding interest  

income – gain

Tax on items relating to the components  

of other comprehensive income

Total other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year

Issue of shares (for cash)
Share issue expenses
B and C shares issued through capitalisation  

of share premium

Redemption and cancellation of B shares
Fair value of share-based payments 
Tax on items taken directly to equity (note 5)
Share buyback2
Release of LTIP award settled by issue  

of new shares

Other changes

Return of Cash to Compass shareholders (note 8)
Dividends paid to Compass shareholders (note 8)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
At 30 September 2014

Share
capital
£m

180

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

1
–

235
(235)
–
–
(3)

–
–
178
–
–
–
178

400

55

(1)

4,374

(2,227)

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

6
(2)

(235)
–
–
–
–

5
–
174
–
–
–
174

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–
235
–
–
3

–
–
293
–
–
–
293

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
(1)
–
–
–
(1)

–

865

(103)

–

–

–

(3)
(106)

(106)

–
–

–
–
13
–
–

(5)
1
4,277
–
–
–
4,277

(146)

137

6
(3)

862

–
–

–
–
–
6
(280)

–
1
(1,638)
(1,000)
(444)
–
(3,082)

Total    
Restated1 

£m

2,790

871

(103)

(146)

137

3
(109)

762

7
(2)

–
–
13
6
(280)

9

6

–

–

–

–
–

6

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
(1)
14
–
–
(5)
9

–
1
3,297
(1,000)
(444)
(5)
1,848

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11.
2  Including stamp duty and brokers’ commission.

OTHER RESERVES

At 1 October 2013
Other comprehensive income
Currency translation differences
Tax on items relating to the components of other comprehensive income (note 5)
Total other comprehensive loss

Fair value of share-based payments
Release of LTIP award settled by issue of new shares
Other changes
At 30 September 2014

Share-based
 payment
reserve
£m

Merger
reserve
 £m 

Revaluation 
reserve
£m

Translation
reserve
£m

Total other
reserves
£m

162

4,170

–
–
–

13
(5)
–
170

–
–
–

–
–
–
4,170

7

–
–
–

–
–
–
7

35

4,374

(103)
(3)
(106)

–
–
1
(70)

(103)
(3)
(106)

13
(5)
1
4,277

86  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Interests in joint ventures and associates
Other investments
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax assets*
Derivative financial instruments**
Non-current assets

CURRENT ASSETS
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Tax recoverable*
Cash and cash equivalents**
Derivative financial instruments**
Current assets

Total assets

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short term borrowings2**
Derivative financial instruments**
Provisions
Current tax liabilities*
Trade and other payables2
Current liabilities

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long term borrowings**
Derivative financial instruments**
Post-employment benefit obligations
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities*
Trade and other payables
Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY
Share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Less: Own shares
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity shareholders’ funds

Non-controlling interests
Total equity

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.
2  2014 has been restated to reflect a reclassification between other payables and short term borrowings.

*  Component of current and deferred taxes. **   Component of net debt.

Approved by the Board of Directors on 24 November 2015 and signed on their behalf by

RICHARD COUSINS, Director 
DOMINIC BLAKEMORE, Director

Notes

9

10

11

12

13

14

5

19

16

14

17

19

18

19

21

20

18

19

22

21

5

20

23

2015
£m

3,538
1,130
764
203
38
71
182
58
5,984

282
2,115
64
283
19
2,763

8,747

(247)
(7)
(136)
(169)
(3,157)
(3,716)

(2,684)
(25)
(9)
(251)
(28)
(84)
(3,081)

(6,797)

1,950

176
182
295
(1)
4,189
(2,904)
1,937

13
1,950

2014 
Restated1
 £m

3,528
1,010
724
189
36
70
246
50
5,853

265
2,069
32
408
16
2,790

8,643

(315)
(4)
(161)
(148)
(3,077)
(3,705)

(2,525)
(1)
(170)
(277)
(39)
(78)
(3,090)

(6,795)

1,848

178
174
293
(1)
4,277
(3,082)
1,839

9
1,848

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  87

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash generated from operations
Interest paid
Tax received
Tax paid
Net cash from operating activities

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of subsidiary companies and investments in associated undertakings2
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary companies and associated undertakings – discontinued activities2
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary companies and associated undertakings – continuing activities2
Tax on profits from sale of subsidiary companies and associated undertakings
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment3
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment/intangible assets
Purchase of other investments
Proceeds from sale of other investments
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Interest received
Net cash used in investing activities

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital
Purchase of own shares4
Receipts from issue of treasury shares to satisfy employee share scheme awards exercised
Increase in borrowings5
Repayment of loan notes5
Repayment of obligations under finance leases
Return of Cash to Compass shareholders
Equity dividends paid
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Net cash used in financing activities

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Currency translation losses on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.
2  Net of cash acquired or disposed and payments received or made under warranties and indemnities.
3  Includes property, plant and equipment purchased under client commitments.
4  Includes stamp duty and brokers’ commission.
5  2014 re-presented to show gross up of net increase in borrowings.

RECONCILIATION OF FREE CASH FLOW FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

Net cash from operating activities of continuing operations
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment/intangible assets
Purchase of other investments
Proceeds from sale of other investments
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Interest received
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Free cash flow from continuing operations
Add back: Europe & Japan cash restructuring costs in the year
Underlying free cash flow

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15. 

88  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Notes

26

6

10

13

27

27

27

8

8

27

27

27

27

2015 
£m

1,476
(96)
19
(261)
1,138

(89)
–
3
–
(222)
(282)
28
(1)
1
27
3
(532)

2
(328)
1
334
(250)
(5)
–
(457)
(6)
(709)

(103)
408
(22)
283

 2015 
£m

1,138
(222)
(282)
28
(1)
1
27
3
(6)
686
36
722

2014 
Restated1
 £m

1,417
(77)
24
(266)
1,098

(176)
(1)
66
(4)
(206)
(261)
22
(2)
3
22
6
(531)

5
(280)
–
671
(74)
(5)
(1,000)
(444)
(3)
(1,130)

(563)
987
(16)
408

2014 
Restated1
 £m

1,098
(206)
(261)
22
(2)
3
22
6
(3)
679
58
737

Consolidated financial statements  
 
 
 
 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

INTRODUCTION
The significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the 
Group’s financial statements are set out below:

A  ACCOUNTING CONVENTION AND BASIS OF PREPARATION
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International 
Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations 
as adopted by the European Union that are effective for the year 
ended 30 September 2015. They have been prepared under the 
historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of certain 
financial instruments.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern 
basis. This is discussed in the Finance Director’s statement on  
page 30.

In the current financial year, the Group has adopted:

• IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’ – as a result of IFRS 
10, the Group has changed its accounting policy for determining 
whether it has control over and consequently whether it 
consolidates its investees. IFRS 10 introduces a new control 
model that focuses on whether the Group has power over an 
investee, exposure to variable returns from its involvement and 
ability to use its power to affect those returns. In accordance with 
the transitional provisions of IFRS 10, the Group reassessed the 
control conclusion for its investments at 1 October 2014. No 
modifications of previous conclusions about control regarding the 
Group’s investees were required.

• IFRS 11 ‘Joint arrangements’ – as a result of IFRS 11, the Group 

has changed its accounting policy for its interests in joint 
arrangements. Under IFRS 11, the Group has classified its 
interest in joint arrangements as either joint operations when the 
Group has rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, 
relating to an arrangement, or joint ventures when the Group has 
rights only to the net assets of an arrangement. When making  
this assessment, the Group considered the structure of the 
arrangements, the legal form of any separate vehicles, the 
contractual terms of the arrangements and other facts and 
circumstances. Previously, the structure of the arrangement was 
the sole focus of classification. Prior to IFRS 11, the Group’s share 
in joint ventures was accounted for using the proportionate 
consolidation method. As equity accounting is now compulsory  
for joint ventures, details of the restatement to the year ended  
30 September 2014 are set out in note 15. Our conclusions about 
the classification of joint arrangements between joint operations 
and joint ventures remain the same.

• IFRS 12 Disclosure of interests in other entities
• IFRIC 21 Levies
In addition, there have been other minor improvements to existing 
IFRS and interpretations that are effective for the first time in the 
current financial year which have been adopted by the Group with  
no impact on its consolidated results or financial position.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS, AMENDMENTS AND INTERPRETATIONS  
TO EXISTING STANDARDS THAT ARE NOT YET EFFECTIVE
Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations of existing 
standards have been published that, once they have been endorsed 
by the European Union, will be mandatory for the Group’s accounting 
period beginning on 1 October 2015 or for later periods. The Group 
has not yet adopted these pronouncements and does not currently 
believe that the adoption of these standards, amendments or 
interpretations would have a material effect on the consolidated 
results or financial position of the Group unless stated otherwise.

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ (not yet endorsed by the European 
Union) removes the multiple classification and measurement models 
for financial assets required by IAS 39 and introduces a model that 
has only two classification categories: amortised cost and fair value. 
Classification is driven by the business model for managing the 
financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of 
those assets. The accounting and presentation for financial liabilities 
and for derecognising financial instruments is relocated from IAS 39 
without any significant changes. The Group is currently assessing the 
impact this standard would have on its consolidated results and 
financial position.

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ (not yet endorsed  
by the European Union). The standard introduces a new revenue 
recognition model that recognises revenue either at a point in time 
or over time. The model features a contract based five step analysis 
of transactions to determine whether, how much and when revenue 
is recognised. The Group is currently assessing the impact this 
standard would have on its consolidated results and financial 
position. It is anticipated that there will be an impact on the Group  
as a result of changes in the accounting treatment of some client 
commitment contract intangibles, variable payments to clients and 
sales commissions.

Amendments to IAS 1 – Disclosure initiative 

Amendments to IAS 27 (revised) – Equity method in separate 
financial statements

Amendments to IAS 19 – Defined benefit plans: Employee 
contributions

Amendments to IFRS 11 – Accounting for acquisitions of interests  
in joint operations

Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 – Sale or contribution of assets 
between investor and its associate or joint venture

Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 – Clarification of acceptable 
methods of depreciation and amortisation 

Improvements to IFRS 2010-2012 Cycle 

Improvements to IFRS 2011-2013 Cycle 

Improvements to IFRS 2012-2014 Cycle 

B  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND USE OF 
ASSUMPTIONS AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires 
management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that 
affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and 
liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates and assumptions 
are based on historical experience and other factors that are believed 
to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ 
from these estimates. The estimates and assumptions that have a 
significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying value 
of assets and liabilities in the next financial year are discussed below.

TAXES
The Group is subject to direct and indirect taxes in numerous 
jurisdictions. Significant judgement is required in determining the 
worldwide provision for taxes as there are many transactions and 
calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain 
during the ordinary course of business. The Group recognises 
liabilities based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. 
Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the 
amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the 
results for the year and the respective tax and deferred tax 
provisions in the year in which such determination is made.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  89

ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

GOODWILL
The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any 
impairment in accordance with the accounting policy set out in 
section M on page 91. The recoverable amounts of cash generating 
units (CGU) have been determined based on value in use calculations. 
These calculations require the use of estimates and assumptions 
consistent with the most up to date budgets and plans that have  
been formally approved by management. The key assumptions  
used for the value in use calculations are set out in note 9 to the 
consolidated financial statements.

POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Defined benefit schemes are reappraised annually by independent 
actuaries based on actuarial assumptions. Significant judgement is 
required in determining these actuarial assumptions. The principal 
assumptions used are described in note 22 to the financial statements.

INTRA-GROUP TRANSACTIONS
All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are 
eliminated on consolidation. Where a Group subsidiary transacts with  
a joint operation of the Group, profits or losses are eliminated to the 
extent of the Group’s interest in the relevant joint operation.

E  ACQUISITIONS
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the purchase 
method. The cost of acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the 
fair values, at the date of exchange, of assets given, liabilities 
incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued.

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities 
assumed are recognised at the fair values at the acquisition date, 
except for non-current assets (or disposal groups) that are classified 
as held for sale which are recognised and measured at fair value less 
costs to sell.

C  BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements consist of the financial 
statements of the Company, entities controlled by the Company  
(its subsidiaries) and the Group’s share of interests in joint 
arrangements and associates made up to 30 September each year.

The cost of the acquisition in excess of the Group’s interest in the 
net fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as 
goodwill. If the cost of the acquisition is less than the fair value of 
the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is 
recognised directly in the income statement.

D  SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT ARRANGEMENTS
SUBSIDIARIES
Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has control. Control 
exists when the Company has power over an entity, exposure to 
variable returns from its involvement and the ability to use its power 
over the entity to affect its returns. The existence and effect of 
potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible 
are also considered when assessing control.

ASSOCIATES
Associates are undertakings that are not subsidiaries or joint 
arrangements over which the Group has significant influence  
and can participate in financial and operating policy decisions. 
Investments in associated undertakings are accounted for using the 
equity method. The consolidated income statement includes the 
Group’s share of the profit after tax of the associated undertakings. 
Investments in associates include goodwill identified on acquisition 
and are carried in the Group balance sheet at cost plus post-
acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net assets of the 
associate, less any impairment in value.

JOINT ARRANGEMENTS
Joint arrangements are entities in which the Group holds an interest 
on a long term basis and which are jointly controlled by the Group 
and other entities under a contractual agreement. The Group 
accounts for its own share of assets, liabilities, revenues and 
expenses measured according to the terms of the agreements 
covering the joint operations. Joint ventures are accounted for using 
the equity method.

ADJUSTMENTS
Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements 
of subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements to bring the 
accounting policies used in line with those used by the Group.

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
The results of subsidiaries, associates or joint arrangements acquired 
or disposed of during the period are included in the consolidated 
income statement from the effective date of acquisition or up to the 
effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

90  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

F  FOREIGN CURRENCY
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in sterling, which  
is the functional currency of the Company.

In preparing the financial statements of individual companies within 
the Group, transactions in currencies other than the companies’ 
functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange on the 
dates of the transaction. At each balance sheet date, monetary 
assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are 
retranslated at the rates on the balance sheet date. Gains and losses 
arising on retranslation are included in the income statement for the 
period, except for where they arise on items taken directly to other 
comprehensive income, in which case they are also recognised in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

In order to hedge its exposure to certain foreign exchange risks the 
Group enters into forward currency contracts (see section Q on page 
92 for the Group’s accounting policies in respect of derivative 
financial instruments).

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas 
operations (expressed in their functional currencies, being the 
currency of the primary economic environment in which each entity 
operates) are translated at the exchange rates on the balance sheet 
date. Income and expense items are translated at the average 
exchange rates for the period. Exchange differences arising, if any, 
are classified as equity and transferred to the Group’s translation 
reserve. Such translation differences are recognised as income or 
expense in the period in which the operation is disposed of.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a 
foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity  
and translated at the closing rate.

G  REVENUE
Revenue is recognised in the period in which services are provided 
in accordance with the terms of the contractual relationships with 
third parties. Revenue represents the fair value of the consideration 
received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal 
course of business, excluding trade discounts, value added tax and 
similar sales taxes.

Consolidated financial statements MANAGEMENT FEE CONTRACTS
Revenue from management fee contracts comprises the total of 
sales made to consumers, the subsidy charged to clients, together 
with the management fee charged to clients.

FIXED PRICE CONTRACTS
Revenue from fixed price contracts is recognised in proportion  
to the volume of services that the Group is contracted to supply  
in each period.

PROFIT AND LOSS CONTRACTS
Revenue from profit and loss contracts comprises the total of  
sales made to consumers, typically with little or no subsidy charged 
to clients.

INTER-SEGMENT TRANSACTIONS
There is little or no intra-group trading between the reported 
business segments. Where such trading does take place it is on 
similar terms and conditions to those available to third parties.

H  REBATES AND OTHER AMOUNTS RECEIVED FROM 
SUPPLIERS
Rebates and other amounts received from suppliers include  
agreed discounts from suppliers’ list prices and value and volume 
related rebates.

Income from value and volume related rebates is recognised based 
on actual purchases in the period as a proportion of total purchases 
made or forecast to be made over the rebate period.

Rebates received in respect of plant and equipment are deducted 
from the costs capitalised and are recognised in the income 
statement in line with depreciation.

Agreed discounts relating to inventories are credited to the income 
statement within cost of sales as the goods are consumed.

Rebates relating to items purchased, but still held at the balance 
sheet date, are deducted from the carrying value of these items so 
that the cost of inventories is recorded net of applicable rebates.

I  BORROWING COSTS
Borrowing costs which are directly attributable to the acquisition, 
construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalised as 
part of the cost of that asset.

J  OPERATING PROFIT
Operating profit is stated after the share of profit after tax of joint 
ventures and associates, and before finance costs.

K  EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
Exceptional items are disclosed and described separately in the 
consolidated financial statements where it is necessary to do so to 
provide further understanding of the financial performance of the 
Group. They are material items of income or expense that have been 
shown separately due to the significance of their nature or amount.

L  TAX
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is 
recognised in the income statement except where it relates to items 
taken directly to the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income or equity, in which case it is recognised in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income or equity as appropriate.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for  
the period, using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted in respect of that period by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, 
providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts  
of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the 
amounts used for tax purposes. Deferred tax liabilities are generally 
recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax 
assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable 
profits will be available against which deductible temporary 
differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not 
recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial 
recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than  
in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in  
a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the 
accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary 
differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, 
and interest in joint arrangements, except where the Group is  
able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it  
is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each 
balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all  
or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the enacted or substantially enacted  
tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability  
is settled or the asset realised.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset against each other when 
they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax jurisdiction and 
the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on  
a net basis.

M  INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL
Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the  
cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the 
identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired subsidiary, associate 
or joint arrangement at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is tested 
annually for impairment and is carried at cost less any accumulated 
impairment losses.

Goodwill is allocated to CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing. 
A CGU is identified at the lowest aggregation of assets that generate 
largely independent cash inflows, and that which is looked at by 
management for monitoring and managing the business and relates 
to the total business for a country. 

If the recoverable amount of the CGU is less than the carrying 
amount, an impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying 
amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other 
assets of the unit pro rata on the basis of the carrying amount of 
each asset in the unit. Any impairment is immediately recognised  
in the income statement and an impairment loss recognised for 
goodwill is not subsequently reversed.

On disposal, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the 
determination of the gain or loss on disposal.

Goodwill arising on acquisitions before the date of transition to  
IFRS has been retained at the previous UK GAAP amounts subject 
to being tested for impairment at that date. Goodwill written off to 
reserves under UK GAAP prior to 1998 has not been reinstated  
and is not included in determining any subsequent gain or loss  
on disposal.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  91

ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets acquired separately are capitalised at cost or,  
if acquired as part of a business combination, are capitalised at  
fair value as at the date of the acquisition. Amortisation is charged 
on a straight line basis over the expected useful lives of the assets. 
Internally generated intangible assets are not capitalised.

The following rates applied for the Group:

• Contract related intangible assets: the life of the contract 
• Computer software: 6% to 33% per annum

The typical life of contract related intangibles is 2 to 20 years.

Contract related intangible assets arising on acquisition of a 
business such as client contracts, customer databases or 
trademarks, are recognised at fair value and amortised over the life 
of the contract, including the renewal period where appropriate. 
Underlying operating profit and underlying earnings per share 
exclude the amortisation of contract related intangible assets arising 
on acquisition of a business as it is not considered to be relevant to 
the underlying trading performance of the Group.

Q  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the 
Group’s balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the 
contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and 
liabilities, including derivative financial instruments, denominated in 
foreign currencies are translated into sterling at period end exchange 
rates. Gains and losses are dealt with through the income statement, 
unless hedge accounting treatment is available.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and 
short term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less.

BORROWINGS
Borrowings are recognised initially at the proceeds received, net of 
direct issue costs. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised 
cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of direct issue costs) 
and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement 
over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest 
method, unless included in a fair value hedge.

N  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
All tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment when there are 
indications that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Freehold 
land is not depreciated. All other property, plant and equipment 
assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any 
recognised impairment in value.

Depreciation is provided on a straight line basis over the anticipated 
useful lives of the assets.

The following rates applied for the Group: 

• Freehold buildings and long term leasehold property: 2% per 

annum

• Short term leasehold property: the life of the lease
• Plant and machinery: 8% to 33% per annum
• Fixtures and fittings: 8% to 33% per annum

When assets are sold, the difference between sales proceeds and 
the carrying amount of the assets is dealt with in the income 
statement.

O  ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for 
sale if the carrying amount will be recovered through a sale transaction 
rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met 
only when the sale is highly probable, management is committed to  
a sale plan, the asset is available for immediate sale in its present 
condition and the sale is expected to be completed within one year 
from the date of classification. These assets are measured at the 
lower of carrying value and fair value less costs to sell.

INVENTORIES

P 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  
Cost is calculated using either the weighted average price or the  
first in first out method, as appropriate to the circumstances. Net 
realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course 
of business, less applicable variable selling expenses.

EQUITY INSTRUMENTS
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the 
proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGE ACCOUNTING
The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as forward 
currency contracts and interest rate swaps to hedge the risks 
associated with changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. 
Such derivative financial instruments are initially measured at fair 
value on the contract date, and are remeasured to fair value at 
subsequent reporting dates.

The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Group’s policies 
approved by the Board that provide written principles on the use of 
financial derivatives consistent with the Group’s risk management 
strategy. The Group does not use derivative financial instruments  
for speculative purposes.

The fair value of forward currency contracts is calculated by 
reference to current forward exchange rates for contracts with similar 
maturity profiles. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined 
by reference to market values for similar instruments.

For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as either 
fair value hedges when they hedge the exposure to changes in the 
fair value of a recognised asset or liability; or cash flow hedges 
where they hedge the exposure to variability in cash flows that is 
either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised 
asset or liability or a forecasted transaction.

In relation to fair value hedges (interest rate swaps) which meet the 
conditions for hedge accounting, any gain or loss from remeasuring 
the hedging instrument at fair value is recognised immediately in the 
income statement. Any gain or loss on the hedged item attributable 
to the hedged risk is adjusted against the carrying amount of the 
hedged item and recognised in the income statement. Where the 
adjustment is to the carrying amount of a hedged interest bearing 
financial instrument, the adjustment is amortised to the net profit 
and loss such that it is fully amortised by maturity.

92  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements When fair value hedge accounting is discontinued, any adjustment  
to the carrying amount of the hedged item for the designated risk for 
interest bearing financial instruments is amortised to profit or loss, 
with amortisation commencing no later than when the hedged item 
ceases to be adjusted.

The Group’s policy is to convert a proportion of its floating rate debt  
to fixed rates, using floating to fixed interest rate swaps. The Group 
designates these as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk.

T  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
PENSION OBLIGATIONS
Payments made to defined contribution pension schemes are 
charged as an expense when they fall due. Payments made to  
state managed schemes are dealt with as payments to defined 
contribution schemes where the Group’s obligations under the 
schemes are equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution 
pension scheme.

In relation to cash flow hedges (forward currency contracts) to hedge 
firm commitments which meet the conditions for hedge accounting, 
the portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is 
determined to be an effective hedge is recognised directly in equity 
and the ineffective portion is recognised in the income statement.

For defined benefit pension schemes, the cost of providing benefits 
is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial 
valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. Actuarial 
gains and losses are recognised immediately in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income.

When the hedged firm commitment results in the recognition of an 
asset or liability, then at the time the asset or liability is recognised, 
the associated gains or losses that had previously been recognised  
in equity are included in the initial measurement of the acquisition 
cost and carrying amount of the asset or liability. For all other cash 
flow hedges, the gains or losses that are recognised in equity are 
transferred to the income statement in the same period in which the 
hedged firm commitment affects the net profit and loss, for example 
when the future sale actually occurs.

For derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge 
accounting, any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value  
are taken directly to the income statement in the period.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument 
expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies for 
hedge accounting. At that point in time, any cumulative gain or loss 
on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is kept in equity until 
the forecasted transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no 
longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised 
in equity is transferred to the income statement in the period.

R  LEASES
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the 
lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership  
to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the 
Group at their fair value or, if lower, at the present value of the 
minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the 
lease. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the 
balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are 
apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease 
obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the 
remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged 
directly against income.

Payments made under operating leases are charged to income on  
a straight line basis over the period of the lease. Any incentives to 
enter into an operating lease are also spread on a straight line basis 
over the lease term.

S  PROVISIONS
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation 
as a result of a past event and it is probable that the Group will be 
required to settle that obligation. Provisions are measured at the 
directors’ best estimate of the cost of settling these liabilities and 
are discounted to present value where the effect is material.

Past service cost is recognised immediately.

The pension obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents  
the present value of the defined benefit obligation, as reduced  
by the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this 
calculation is limited to the present value of available refunds  
and reductions in future contributions to the plan.

OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATIONS
Some Group companies provide other post-employment  
benefits. The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over  
the period of employment using a similar basis to that used for 
defined benefit pension schemes. Actuarial gains and losses  
are recognised immediately in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The Group issues equity-settled and cash-settled share-based 
payments to certain employees. In accordance with the requirements 
of IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payments’, the Group has applied IFRS 2  
to all equity-settled share options granted after 7 November 2002 
that had vested before 1 January 2005. Equity-settled share-based 
payments are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of 
non-market based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The fair 
value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based 
payments is expensed on a straight line basis over the vesting 
period, based on the Group’s estimate of the shares that will 
eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non-market based 
vesting conditions.

Fair value is measured using either the binomial distribution or 
Black-Scholes pricing models as is most appropriate for each 
scheme. The expected life used in the models has been adjusted, 
based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of exercise 
restrictions and behavioural considerations.

For cash-settled share-based payments, a liability equal to the 
portion of the goods or services received is recognised at the current 
fair value determined at each balance sheet date.

HOLIDAY PAY 
Paid holidays and similar entitlements are regarded as an employee 
benefit and are charged to the income statement as the benefits are 
earned. An accrual is made at the balance sheet date to reflect the 
fair value of holidays earned but not taken.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  93

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

1  SEGMENTAL REPORTING
The management of the Group’s operations, excluding Central activities, is organised within three segments: North America, the more 
developed markets of Europe & Japan and our Fast Growing & Emerging markets. These, together with Central activities, comprise the 
Group’s reportable segments. These segments comprise countries which are at similar stages of development and demonstrate similar 
economic characteristics. Each segment derives revenue from delivery of food and support services. 

REVENUE1

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures2,3

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2014
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures2,3

Geographical segments

North
America
£m

Europe &
Japan
£m

Fast 
Growing &
Emerging
£m

Total 
£m

9,361

5,469

3,013

17,843

8,199

5,716

3,143

17,058

REVENUE1

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures2

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2014
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures2

Sectors

Business
& Industry
£m

Education
£m

Healthcare
& Seniors
£m

Sports
& Leisure
£m

Defence,
Offshore
& Remote
£m

Total 
£m

6,743

3,139

3,847

2,138

1,976

17,843

6,783

2,815

3,515

1,857

2,088

17,058

1  There is no inter-segmental trading.
2  This is the revenue measure considered by the chief operating decision maker.
3   Continuing underlying revenue from external customers arising in the UK, the Group’s country of domicile, was £1,912 million (2014: £1,787 million). Continuing underlying  
revenue from external customers arising in the US was £8,557 million (2014: £7,413 million). Continuing underlying revenue from external customers arising in all foreign  
countries from which the Group derives revenue was £15,931 million (2014: £15,271 million). 

94  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 1  SEGMENTAL REPORTING CONTINUED

RESULT

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015
Underlying operating profit before joint ventures and associates and Emerging 

Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring
Add: Share of profit before tax of joint ventures
Underlying operating profit before associates and Emerging Markets  

and Offshore & Remote restructuring

Add: Share of profit of associates
Underlying operating profit before Emerging Markets  

and Offshore & Remote restructuring

Less: Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring1
Underlying operating profit2
Less: Amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition
Less: Acquisition transaction costs
Less: Tax on share of profit of joint ventures
Add: Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition
Total operating profit – continuing

Loss on disposal of US business
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items

Profit before tax

Income tax expense
Profit for the year from continuing operations

RESULT

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20143
Underlying operating profit before joint ventures and associates
Add: Share of profit before tax of joint ventures
Underlying operating profit before associates
Add: Share of profit of associates
Underlying operating profit2
Less: Amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition
Less: Acquisition transaction costs
Less: Tax on share of profit of joint ventures
Add: Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition
Total operating profit – continuing

Profit on disposal of US businesses
Profit on disposal of interest in associates
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items

Profit before tax

Income tax expense
Profit for the year from continuing operations

Geographical segments

North
America
£m

Europe &
Japan
£m

Fast 
Growing &
Emerging
£m

Central
activities
£m

759
1

760
8

768
–
768
(15)
(2)
–
(5)
746

666
–
666
6
672
(12)
(2)
–
1
659

395
2

397
5

402
–
402
(5)
–
(1)
–
396

406
3
409
3
412
(5)
(1)
(1)
–
405

193
25

218
–

218
(21)
197
(6)
–
(1)
–
190

205
21
226
–
226
(8)
–
(2)
(1)
215

(66)
–

(66)
–

(66)
(5)
(71)
–
–
–
–
(71)

(65)
–
(65)
–
(65)
–
–
–
–
(65)

Total 
£m

1,281
28

1,309
13

1,322
(26)
1,296
(26)
(2)
(2)
(5)
1,261

(1)
3
(107)
3

1,159

(282)
877

1,212
24
1,236
9
1,245
(25)
(3)
(3)
–
1,214

1
13
5
(91)
2

1,144

(276)
868

1   The Group has incurred charges resulting from the restructuring and in response to the downturn in the trading conditions of its Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote 

activities which include headcount reductions (£17 million) and onerous contract provisions (£9 million).

2  Underlying operating profit is the profit measure considered by the chief operating decision maker.
3  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  95

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

1  SEGMENTAL REPORTING CONTINUED

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2015
Total assets
Total liabilities 
Net assets/(liabilities)
Total assets include:
Interests in associates and joint ventures
Non-current assets1

AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 20142,3
Total assets
Total liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)
Total assets include:
Interests in associates and joint ventures
Non-current assets1

Geographical segments

Unallocated

North
America
£m

Europe &
Japan
£m

Fast 
Growing & 
Emerging
£m

Central
activities
£m

Current and
deferred tax
£m

Net
debt
£m

3,813
(1,769)
2,044

63
2,766

3,423
(1,613)
1,810

50
2,488

3,241
(1,084)
2,157

71
2,422

3,210
(1,280)
1,930

69
2,416

1,067
(529)
538

57
549

1,253
(611)
(642)

70
653

21
(256)
(235)

12
7

6
(260)
(254)

–
–

246
(197)
49

–
182

278
(187)
91

–
246

359
(2,962)
(2,603)

–
58

473
(2,844)
(2,371)

–
50

Total 
£m

8,747
(6,797)
1,950

203
5,984

8,643
(6,795)
1,848

189
5,853

1   Non-current assets located in the UK, the Group’s country of domicile, were £1,794 million (2014: £1,786 million). Non-current assets located in the US were £3,213 million 

(2014: £2,921 million). Non-current assets located in all foreign countries in which the Group holds assets were £4,190 million (2014: £4,067 million).

2  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.
3  2014 has been restated to reflect a reclassification between other payables and short term borrowings.

96  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 1  SEGMENTAL REPORTING CONTINUED 

ADDITIONS TO OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015
Total additions to other intangible assets

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2014
Total additions to other intangible assets

ADDITIONS TO PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015
Total additions to property, plant and equipment1

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2014
Total additions to property, plant and equipment1,2

AMORTISATION OF OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015
Total amortisation of other intangible assets3

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2014
Total amortisation of other intangible assets3

DEPRECIATION OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015
Total depreciation of property, plant and equipment

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2014
Total depreciation of property, plant and equipment2 

OTHER NON-CASH EXPENSES

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015
Total other non-cash expenses4

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2014
Total other non-cash expenses4

Geographical segments

North
America
£m

Europe &
Japan
£m

Fast 
Growing & 
Emerging
£m

Central 
activities 
£m

169

171

35

24

17

11

1

–

Geographical segments

North
America
£m

Europe &
Japan
£m

Fast 
Growing & 
Emerging
£m

Central 
activities 
£m

108

86

109

110

46

51

10

1

Geographical segments

North
America
£m

Europe &
Japan
£m

Fast 
Growing & 
Emerging
£m

Central 
activities 
£m

137

115

26

25

10

13

–

–

Geographical segments

North
America
£m

Europe &
Japan
£m

Fast 
Growing & 
Emerging
£m

Central 
activities 
£m

78

71

74

75

41

42

–

1

Geographical segments

North
America
£m

Europe &
Japan
£m

Fast 
Growing & 
Emerging
£m

Central 
activities 
£m

4

3

3

4

4

4

4

2

Total 
£m

222

206

Total 
£m

273

248

Total 
£m

173

153

Total 
£m

193

189

Total 
£m

15

13

1  Includes leased assets of £2 million (2014: £2 million) and creditor for capital creditors of £nil (2014: £1 million). 
2  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11.
3  Including the amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition. 
4  Other non-cash expenses are mainly comprised of share-based payments. 

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

2  OPERATING COSTS 

OPERATING COSTS2

Cost of food and materials:
Cost of inventories consumed

Labour costs:
Employee remuneration (note 3)

Overheads:
Depreciation – owned property, plant and equipment 
Depreciation – leased property, plant and equipment
Amortisation – owned intangible assets 

Property lease rentals
Other occupancy rentals – minimum guaranteed rent
Other occupancy rentals – rent in excess of minimum guaranteed rent
Other asset rentals

Audit and non-audit services (see below)
Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring
Other expenses 
Operating costs before costs relating to acquisitions

Amortisation – intangible assets arising on acquisition
Acquisition transaction costs
Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition
Total continuing operations

Total
2015
£m

Total
2014 
Restated1
 £m

5,219

5,027

7,959

7,720

190
3
147

74
64
11
72

5
26
2,565
16,335

26
2
5
16,368

185
4
128

79
62
13
76

6
–
2,342
15,642

25
3
–
15,670

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.
2   Operating costs exclude costs relating to Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring, which comprise £17 million employee remuneration, £2 million depreciation 

of owned property, plant and equipment, £1 million property lease rentals and £6 million other expenses (2014: £nil). 

AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES

AUDIT SERVICES
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for other services to the Group:
    The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries and joint arrangements pursuant to legislation
Total audit fees

NON-AUDIT SERVICES
Audit related assurance
Taxation compliance
Other tax advisory
Corporate finance services
Services relating to information technology
Other services
Total non-audit fees

TOTAL AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES
Total audit and non-audit services

2015
£m

2014
£m

0.5

4.0
4.5

0.2
0.1
0.3
–
–
0.1
0.7

5.2

0.5

3.7
4.2

0.3
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.8
0.2
1.9

6.1

98  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 3  EMPLOYEES 

AVERAGE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DIRECTORS AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES

North America
Europe & Japan
Fast Growing & Emerging
Total continuing operations

AGGREGATE REMUNERATION OF ALL EMPLOYEES INCLUDING DIRECTORS

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Share-based payments
Pension costs – defined contribution plans
Pension costs – defined benefit plans
Total continuing operations

2015
Number 

226,618
150,816
138,430
515,864

2014 
Restated1
Number 

214,511
150,847
138,179
503,537

20152 
£m

2014 
Restated1,3

 £m

6,708
1,136
15
84
16
7,959

6,444
1,164
15
85
12
7,720

1  2014 has been restated to reflect the average number of employees on a consistent basis with current year.
2  Aggregate remuneration of all employees including directors excludes Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring costs of £17 million.
3  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11.

In addition to the pension cost shown in operating costs above, there is a pensions-related net charge within finance costs of £5 million 
(2014: £7 million).

The remuneration of directors and key management personnel1 is set out below. Additional information on directors’ and key management 
remuneration, share options, long term incentive plans, pension contributions and entitlements can be found in the audited section of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 69 to 77 and forms part of these accounts. 

REMUNERATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

Salaries 
Other short term employee remuneration
Share-based payments 
Pension salary supplement
Total

2015 
£m

6.1
6.6
4.9
1.8
19.4

2014 
£m

5.5
6.4
4.9
1.5
18.3

1   Key management personnel is defined as the Board of Directors and five additional individuals making up the Executive Board. In 2014, 16 individuals were included in the 

table which comprised the Board of Directors and five additional individuals who were part of the Executive Board. 

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  99

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

4  FINANCING INCOME, COSTS AND RELATED (GAINS)/LOSSES
Finance income and costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are earned or incurred.

FINANCE INCOME AND COSTS

FINANCE INCOME
Bank interest
Total finance income

FINANCE COST
Interest on bank loans and overdrafts 
Interest on other loans
Finance lease interest 
Interest on bank loans, overdrafts, other loans and finance leases
Unwinding of discount on provisions
Interest on net post-employment benefit obligations (note 22)
Total finance costs

ANALYSIS OF FINANCE COSTS BY DEFINED IAS 39¹ CATEGORY
Fair value through profit or loss (unhedged derivatives)
Derivatives in a fair value hedge relationship
Derivatives in a net investment hedge relationship
Other financial liabilities
Interest on bank loans, overdrafts, other loans and finance leases
Fair value through profit or loss (unwinding of discount on provisions)
Outside of the scope of IAS 39 (net pension scheme charge)
Total finance costs

1  IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. 

2015
 £m 

2014
 £m

3
3

13
82
1
96
6
5
107

5
(23)
5
109
96
6
5
107

5
5

11
69
1
81
3
7
91

4
(28)
3
102
81
3
7
91

The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as forward currency contracts, cross currency swaps and interest rate swaps to hedge 
the risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. As explained in section Q of the Group’s accounting 
policies, such derivative financial instruments are initially measured at fair value on the contract date, and are remeasured to fair value at 
subsequent reporting dates. For derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting, any gains or losses arising from 
changes in fair value are taken directly to the income statement in the period.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
All derivative financial instruments are shown at fair value in the balance sheet. All the derivatives held by the Group at fair value are 
considered to have fair values determined by Level 2 inputs as defined by the fair value hierarchy of IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurement’.  
The fair values of derivative financial instruments represent the maximum credit exposure.

FINANCING RELATED (GAINS)/LOSSES

HEDGE ACCOUNTING INEFFECTIVENESS 
Unrealised net losses on unhedged derivative financial instruments1
Unrealised net gains on derivative financial instruments in a designated fair value hedge2
Unrealised net losses on the hedged item in a designated fair value hedge
Total hedge accounting ineffectiveness 

CHANGE IN THE FAIR VALUE OF INVESTMENTS
Gain from the changes in the fair value of investments1,3

1  Categorised as derivatives that are designated and effective as hedging instruments carried at fair value (IAS 39). 
2  Categorised as ‘fair value through profit or loss’ (IAS 39). 
3  Life insurance policies used by overseas companies to meet the cost of unfunded post-employment benefit obligations included in note 22. 

2015 
£m 

2014 
£m

3
(32)
26
(3)

–

–
(23)
23
–

(2)

100  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements  
 
 
 
5  TAX
RECOGNISED IN THE INCOME STATEMENT: 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE ON CONTINUING OPERATIONS

CURRENT TAX
Current year
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Current tax expense

DEFERRED TAX
Current year 
Impact of changes in statutory tax rates
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Deferred tax expense

TOTAL INCOME TAX
Income tax expense on continuing operations 

2015
£m

284
(24)
260

12
1
9
22

2014
Restated1
£m

269
1
270

9
1
(4)
6

282

276

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.

The income tax expense for the year is based on the effective UK statutory rate of corporation tax for the period of 20.5% (2014: 22.0%).  
The impact of changes in statutory rates in the prior year related principally to the reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 21% to 20% 
from 1 April 2015. In the Budget on 8 July 2015, the Chancellor announced additional planned reductions in the UK corporation tax rate to 
18% by 2020. We expect the new rates to reduce the current tax charge in future years, however, as they were not substantively enacted at 
the balance sheet date, they have not been brought into account in calculating the deferred tax asset at 30 September 2015. Overseas tax  
is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions.  

Profit before tax from continuing operations

Notional income tax expense at the effective UK statutory rate of 20.5% (2014: 22.0%) on profit before tax
Effect of different tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other jurisdictions
Impact of changes in statutory tax rates
Permanent differences
Impact of share-based payments
Tax on profit of associates and equity accounted joint ventures
Losses and other temporary differences not previously recognised
Unrelieved current year tax losses 
Prior year items
Income tax expense on continuing operations

TAX (CHARGED)/CREDITED TO OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Current and deferred tax (charges)/credits on actuarial and other movements on post-employment benefits
Current and deferred tax (charges) on foreign exchange movements
Tax (charge)/credit on items recognised in other comprehensive income

TAX CREDITED TO EQUITY

Current and deferred tax credits in respect of share-based payments
Tax credit on items recognised in equity

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.

2015
£m

1,159

2014
Restated1
£m

1,144

238
136
1
(74)
1
(3)
(6)
4
(15)
282

2015 
£m

(19)
(1)
(20)

2015 
£m

2
2

252
116
1
(83)
1
(4)
(7)
3
(3)
276

2014 
£m

6
(3)
3

2014 
£m

6
6

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  101

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

5  TAX CONTINUED

MOVEMENT IN NET DEFERRED TAX ASSET/(LIABILITY)

At 1 October 2013
Credit/(charge) to income
Credit/(charge) to equity/other comprehensive income
Business acquisitions
Other movements
Exchange adjustment
At 30 September 20141

At 1 October 2014
Credit/(charge) to income
Credit/(charge) to equity/other comprehensive income
Business acquisitions
Other movements
Exchange adjustment
At 30 September 2015

Tax
 depreciation 
£m

Intangibles
 £m

Pensions
and post-
employment
benefits
£m

Self-funded
insurance
 provisions
£m

Net
short term
temporary
differences
£m

Tax losses
£m

Total
Restated1
£m

9
4
–
–
–
–
13

13
(4)
–
–
–
(2)
7

(183)
(7)
–
(6)
–
5
(191)

(191)
(13)
–
(4)
(1)
1
(208)

136
7
(6)
–
–
(1)
136

136
3
(28)
–
–
7
118

21
1
–
–
1
(2)
21

21
1
–
–
1
(2)
21

64
3
–
–
–
–
67

67
(1)
–
–
–
5
71

180
(14)
1
1
(1)
(6)
161

161
(8)
(3)
1
(1)
(5)
145

227
(6)
(5)
(5)
–
(4)
207

207
(22)
(31)
(3)
(1)
4
154

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.

Net short term temporary differences relate principally to provisions and other liabilities of overseas subsidiaries.  

After netting off balances within countries, the following are the deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised in the consolidated  
balance sheet:

NET DEFERRED TAX BALANCE

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax asset

2015
 £m 

182
(28)
154

2014
 £m

246
(39)
207

Unrecognised deferred tax assets in respect of tax losses and other temporary differences amount to £39 million (2014: £42 million). Of the 
total, £25 million relates to tax losses which will expire at various dates between 2015 and 2022. These deferred tax assets have not been 
recognised as the timing of recovery is uncertain. 

The Group does not recognise any deferred tax liability on temporary differences relating to potentially taxable unremitted earnings of 
overseas subsidiaries totalling £370 million (2014: £448 million) because it is able to control the timing of reversal of these differences.  
It is probable that no reversal will take place in the foreseeable future.

102  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 6  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The profit for the year from discontinued operations was £nil (2014: £3 million). 

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

TRADING ACTIVITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Operating costs 
Loss before tax
Income tax credit 
Profit after tax

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Profit for the year from discontinued operations

INCOME TAX FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

INCOME TAX ON TRADING ACTIVITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND ON DISPOSAL OF NET ASSETS AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS  
RELATING TO DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Current tax 
Deferred tax
Income tax credit on discontinued operations

NET ASSETS DISPOSED AND DISPOSAL PROCEEDS

Decrease in retained liabilities1
Consideration (net of costs)
Cash outflow from disposals

2015
 £m 

2014
 £m

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
3
3

3

2015
 £m 

2014
 £m

–
–
–

3
–
3

2015
 £m 

2014
 £m

–
–
–

(1)
(1)
(1)

1  Includes the utilisation of disposal provisions of £1 million in the year ended 30 September 2014. 

7  EARNINGS PER SHARE
The calculation of earnings per share is based on earnings after tax and the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.  
The adjusted earnings per share figures have been calculated based on earnings excluding the effect of discontinued operations, the 
amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition, acquisition transaction costs, adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition, 
European exceptional, gains and losses on disposal of businesses, hedge accounting ineffectiveness, change in fair value of investments  
and the tax attributable to these amounts. These items are excluded in order to show the underlying trading performance of the Group. 

ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT

Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
Less: Profit for the year from discontinued operations
Attributable profit for the year from continuing operations
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition (net of tax)
Acquisition transaction costs (net of tax)
Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition (net of tax)
European exceptional (net of tax)
Loss/(profit) on disposal of US businesses (net of tax)
Profit on disposal of interest in associate (net of tax)
Gain from hedge accounting ineffectiveness (net of tax)
Profit from change in the fair value of investments (net of tax)
Underlying attributable profit for the year from continuing operations

2015
Attributable
profit
£m

2014
Attributable
profit 
£m

869
–
869
20
1
3
–
1
–
(2)
–
892

865
(3)
862
18
2
1
(7)
(1)
(13)
–
(2)
860

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  103

 
 
2015
Ordinary
shares of
105⁄8p each
millions

2014
Ordinary
shares of
105⁄8p each
millions

1,662
4
1,666

2015
Earnings
per share
pence

1,766
5
1,771

2014
Earnings
per share
pence

52.3
–
52.3
1.2
0.1
0.2
–
0.1
–
(0.2)
–
53.7

52.2
–
52.2
1.2
0.1
0.2
–
0.1
–
(0.2)
–
53.6

49.0
(0.2)
48.8
1.0
0.1
0.1
(0.4)
(0.1)
(0.7)
–
(0.1)
48.7

48.9
(0.2)
48.7
1.0
0.1
0.1
(0.4)
(0.1)
(0.7)
–
(0.1)
48.6

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

7  EARNINGS PER SHARE CONTINUED

AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES (MILLIONS OF ORDINARY SHARES)

Average number of shares for basic earnings per share
Dilutive share options
Average number of shares for diluted earnings per share

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)
From continuing and discontinued operations
From discontinued operations
From continuing operations 
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition (net of tax)
Acquisition transaction costs (net of tax)
Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition (net of tax)
European exceptional (net of tax)
Loss/(profit) on disposal of US businesses (net of tax)
Profit on disposal of interest in associate (net of tax)
Hedge accounting ineffectiveness (net of tax)
Profit from change in the fair value of investments (net of tax)
From underlying continuing operations

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)
From continuing and discontinued operations
From discontinued operations
From continuing operations
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition (net of tax)
Acquisition transaction costs (net of tax)
Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition (net of tax)
European exceptional (net of tax)
Loss/(profit) on disposal of US businesses (net of tax)
Profit on disposal of interest in associate (net of tax)
Hedge accounting ineffectiveness (net of tax)
Profit from change in the fair value of investments (net of tax)
From underlying continuing operations

104  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 8  DIVIDENDS
A final dividend in respect of 2015 of 19.6 pence per share, £323 million in aggregate1, has been proposed, giving a total dividend in respect 
of 2015 of 29.4 pence per share (2014: 26.5 pence per share). The proposed final dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting on 4 February 2016 and has not been included as a liability in these financial statements. 

DIVIDENDS ON ORDINARY SHARES

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity shareholders during the year:
Final 2013 – 16.0p per share
Interim 2014 – 8.8p per share
Final 2014 – 17.7p per share
Interim 2015 – 9.8p per share
Total dividends

2015

2014

Dividends 
per share 
pence

–
–
17.7p
9.8p
27.5p

Dividends 
per share 
pence

16.0p
8.8p
–
–
24.8p

£m

–
–
295
162
457

£m

287
157
–
–
444

1  Based on the number of ordinary shares, excluding treasury shares, in issue at 30 September 2015 (1,648 million shares).

In addition, a Return of Cash of £1 billion was paid to shareholders in 2014 and is described in more detail in note 23.

9  GOODWILL 
During the year the Group made a number of acquisitions. See note 25 for more details. 

GOODWILL

COST
At 1 October 2013
Additions 
Disposals
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 20141
At 1 October 2014
Additions 
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2015

IMPAIRMENT
At 1 October 2013
Disposals
At 30 September 20141
At 1 October 2014
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2015

NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 20141
At 30 September 2015

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15. 

£m

4,071
39
(13)
(87)
4,010
4,010
25
(13)
4,022

488
(6)
482
482
2
484

3,528
3,538

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  105

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

9  GOODWILL CONTINUED

GOODWILL BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

USA
Canada
Total North America

UK
Japan
Rest of Europe & Japan
Total Europe & Japan

Turkey
Rest of Fast Growing & Emerging
Total Fast Growing & Emerging
Total 

2015 
£m

1,316
125
1,441

1,433
124
282
1,839

70
188
258
3,538

2014 
Restated1
 £m

1,211
138
1,349

1,433
127
296
1,856

87
236
323
3,528

1  2014 has been restated for the change in accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15. 

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. The recoverable 
amount of a CGU is determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for these calculations are long term growth rates and 
pre-tax discount rates and use cash flow forecasts derived from the most recent financial budgets and forecasts approved by management 
covering a five year period. Budgets and forecasts are based on expectations of future outcomes taking into account past experience, 
adjusted for anticipated revenue growth, from both new business and like for like growth and taking into consideration external economic 
factors. Cash flows beyond the five year period are extrapolated using estimated growth rates based on local expected economic conditions 
and do not exceed the long term average growth rate for that country. The pre-tax discount rates are based on the Group’s weighted average 
cost of capital adjusted for specific risks relating to the country in which the CGU operates. 

2015

2014

GROWTH AND DISCOUNT RATES

USA
Rest of North America
UK
Rest of Europe & Japan
Turkey
Rest of Fast Growing & Emerging

Residual 
growth 
rates

2.0%
2.0%
2.0%
1.3-2.6%
5.1%
1.9-5.7%

Pre-tax 
discount 
rates

Residual 
growth 
rates

Pre-tax 
discount 
rates

2.5%
2.0%
2.0%

10.0%
8.2%
8.2%

8.5%
7.9%
8.0%
7.6-16.0% 1.3-2.8% 7.4-16.5%
12.8%
1.9-7.8% 7.8-17.5%

14.0%
8.1-15.9%

4.0%

Given the current economic climate, a sensitivity analysis has been performed in assessing recoverable amounts of goodwill for all CGUs.  
This has been based on changes in key assumptions considered to be reasonably possible by management. With the exception of Turkey, the 
directors do not consider that any reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions would cause the value in use of the net operating 
assets of the individually significant CGUs disclosed above to fall below their carrying values. 

The book value of goodwill attributable to Turkey is £70 million with a value in use of £97 million based on management’s estimates 
reflecting the recent downturn in Turkey’s economy. Given the limited headroom of £27 million, reasonably possible changes in key 
assumptions would cause the value in use of the CGU attributable to this country to fall below the carrying value of its net assets. Such 
changes include: a reduction in the level of cash generation of 16% as a result of, for example, a decrease of 2 percentage points in the 
revenue growth assumptions; or an increase in the assumed discount rate of 1.5%.

106  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements  
 
10  OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

COST
At 1 October 2013
Additions 
Disposals
Business acquisitions
Business disposals
Reclassified
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2014

At 1 October 2014
Additions 
Disposals
Business acquisitions
Business disposals
Reclassified
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2015

AMORTISATION
At 1 October 2013
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Business disposals
Reclassified
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2014

At 1 October 2014
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Reclassified
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2015

NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2014
At 30 September 2015

Contract and  
other intangibles1

Computer 
software
 £m 

Arising on
 acquisition 
£m

Other 
£m

Total 
£m

224
22
(5)
–
–
(2)
(7)
232

232
31
(3)
–
–
–
(6)
254

155
21
(4)
–
–
(5)
167

167
21
(2)
–
(2)
184

65
70

401
–
–
89
(3)
3
(17)
473

473
–
–
62
(1)
(1)
(12)
521

62
25
–
–
–
(3)
84

84
26
–
(1)
(6)
103

389
418

842
184
(59)
9
–
4
(7)
973

973
191
(85)
–
–
2
47
1,128

364
107
(54)
2
3
(5)
417

417
126
(75)
–
18
486

556
642

1,467
206
(64)
98
(3)
5
(31)
1,678

1,678
222
(88)
62
(1)
1
29
1,903

581
153
(58)
2
3
(13)
668

668
173
(77)
(1)
10
773

1,010
1,130

1   Contract related intangible assets, other than those arising on acquisition, result from payments made by the Group in respect of client contracts and generally arise where it is 

economically more efficient for a client to purchase assets used in the performance of the contract and the Group funds these purchases. The intangible assets arising on 
acquisition are all contract related.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  107

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

11  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

COST
At 1 October 2013
Additions1
Disposals
Business disposals – other activities
Business acquisitions 
Reclassified
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 20142

At 1 October 2014
Additions1
Disposals
Business disposals – other activities
Business acquisitions 
Reclassified
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2015

DEPRECIATION
At 1 October 2013
Charge for the year 
Disposals
Business disposals – other activities
Reclassified 
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 20142

At 1 October 2014
Charge for the year 
Disposals
Business disposals – other activities
Reclassified 
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2015

NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 20142
At 30 September 2015

Land and
buildings
£m

Plant and
 machinery
£m

Fixtures 
and
 fittings
£m

358
29
(17)
–
2
–
(16)
356

356
13
(21)
–
2
(1)
(10)
339

174
25
(16)
–
(1)
(7)
175

175
21
(18)
–
–
(1)
177

181
162

1,015
140
(79)
(12)
5
8
(39)
1,038

1,038
171
(104)
(1)
2
9
(15)
1,100

666
112
(69)
(9)
8
(26)
682

682
118
(92)
(1)
4
(7)
704

356
396

531
79
(37)
(1)
1
(3)
(26)
544

544
89
(40)
–
2
(1)
(29)
565

356
52
(32)
–
(2)
(17)
357

357
54
(35)
–
–
(17)
359

187
206

The net book amount of the Group’s property, plant and equipment includes assets held under finance leases as follows:

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT HELD UNDER FINANCE LEASES

At 30 September 2014
At 30 September 2015

Land and
buildings
£m

Plant and
machinery
£m

7
6

6
6

Fixtures 
and
 fittings 
£m

1
1

1  Includes leased assets at a net book value of £2 million (2014: £2 million). 
2  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.

108  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Total 
£m

1,904
248
(133)
(13)
8
5
(81)
1,938

1,938
273
(165)
(1)
6
7
(54)
2,004

1,196
189
(117)
(9)
5
(50)
1,214

1,214
193
(145)
(1)
4
(25)
1,240

724
764

Total 
£m

14
13

Consolidated financial statements  
 
 
 
 
12  EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTMENTS 
Significant interests in associates are:

Twickenham Experience Limited2
Oval Events Limited3
AEG Facilities, LLC4
Thompson Hospitality Services, LLC4

Country of incorporation

2015
 ownership1

2014
ownership1

England & Wales
England & Wales
USA
USA

16%
25%
49%
49%

16%
25%
49%
49%

1  % ownership is of the ordinary share capital.
2   Financial statements applied using the equity method relate to the year ended 30 June and are rolled forward to 30 September. 2014 has been restated to correctly reflect 

ownership %.

3  Financial statements applied using the equity method relate to the year ended 31 January and are rolled forward to 30 September.
4  Financial statements applied using the equity method relate to the year ended 31 December of the prior year and are rolled forward to 30 September.

Significant interests in joint ventures are:

Quadrant Catering Ltd2
ADNH-Compass Middle East LLC
Express Support Services Limitada2,3

1  % ownership is of the ordinary share capital. 
2  49% ownership entitles Compass Group to 50% of voting rights.
3  2014 has been restated to correctly reflect % ownership.

Country of incorporation

England & Wales
United Arab Emirates
Angola

2015
 ownership1

2014
ownership1

49%
50%
49%

49%
50%
49%

None of these investments is held directly by the ultimate Parent Company. All joint ventures provide food and/or support services in their 
respective countries of incorporation and make their accounts up to 30 September. All holdings are in the ordinary shares of the respective 
joint venture company. These investments are structured through separate vehicles and the Group has a residual interest in their respective 
net assets. Accordingly, the Group has classified its interests as joint ventures which are equity accounted. 

The tables below reconcile the summarised financial information to the carrying amount of the Group’s interests in its associates and  
joint ventures.

INTERESTS IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

NET BOOK VALUE
Interests in associates
Interests in joint ventures
At 30 September 

At 1 October
Additions
Disposals
Share of profits less losses (net of tax)
Dividends declared 
Currency and other adjustments 
At 30 September 

The Group’s share of revenues and profits is included below:

ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES 

SHARE OF REVENUE AND PROFITS
Revenue
Expenses/taxation2
Profit after tax for the year 

SHARE OF NET ASSETS
Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Net assets

SHARE OF CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Contingent liabilities

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.
2  Expenses include the relevant portion of income tax recorded by associates and joint ventures.

2015 
£m

122
81
203

189
2
–
39
(33)
6
203

2015 
£m

310
(271)
39

165
157
(13)
(106)
203

2014 
Restated1
 £m

114
75
189

155
48
(19)
30
(24)
(1)
189

2014 
Restated1
 £m

250
(220)
30

166
190
(18)
(149)
189

(22)

(23)

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  109

2015 
£m

2014 
£m

36
1
(1)
2
38

9
29
38

41
2
(10)
3
36

9
27
36

Total 
£m

2,099
141
(101)
2,139

1,762
(75)
1,687

160
(27)
133

189
130
–
2,139

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

13  OTHER INVESTMENTS

NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Additions
Disposals
Currency and other adjustments
At 30 September

COMPRISED OF
Other investments1,2
Life insurance policies and mutual fund investments1,2,3
Total

1  Categorised as ‘available for sale’ financial assets (IAS 39).
2  As per the fair value hierarchies explained in note 19, other investments are Level 1 and the life insurance policies are Level 2. 
3  Life insurance policies used by overseas companies to meet the cost of unfunded post-employment benefit obligations as set out in note 22.

14  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Net movement
Currency adjustment
At 30 September

COMPRISED OF
Trade receivables 
Less: Provision for impairment of trade receivables
Net trade receivables2

Other receivables 
Less: Provision for impairment of other receivables
Net other receivables 

Accrued income 
Prepayments
Amounts owed by associates, joint ventures and related parties
Trade and other receivables

2015

 Non-
current 
£m 

2014 Restated1

Total 
£m

Current 
£m

 Non-
current 
£m 

70
2
(1)
71

–
–
–

80
(15)
65

–
6
–
71

2,139
144
(97)
2,186

1,627
(57)
1,570

334
(24)
310

177
123
6
2,186

2,013
153
(97)
2,069

1,762
(75)
1,687

82
(11)
71

189
122
–
2,069

86
(12)
(4)
70

–
–
–

78
(16)
62

–
8
–
70

Current 
£m

2,069
142
(96)
2,115

1,627
(57)
1,570

254
(9)
245

177
117
6
2,115

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.
2  Categorised as ‘loans and receivables’ financial assets (IAS 39). 

TRADE RECEIVABLES
The book value of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value due to the short term nature of the majority of the receivables.

Credit sales are only made after credit approval procedures have been completed satisfactorily. The policy for making provisions for bad and 
doubtful debts varies from country to country as different countries and markets have different payment practices, but various factors are 
considered, including how overdue the debt is, the type of receivable and its past history, and current market and trading conditions. Full 
provision is made for debts that are not considered to be recoverable.

There is limited concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables due to the diverse and unrelated nature of the Group’s client 
base. Accordingly, the directors believe that there is no further credit provision required in excess of the provision for the impairment of 
receivables. The book value of trade and other receivables represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk.

Trade receivable days for the continuing business at 30 September 2015 were 41 days (2014: 41 days). 

The ageing of gross trade receivables and of the provision for impairment is as follows: 

TRADE RECEIVABLES

Gross trade receivables
Less: Provision for impairment of trade receivables
Net trade receivables

110  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Not yet
due
£m

1,294
(2)
1,292

0-3 
months
overdue
£m

260
(9)
251

2015

3-6
months
overdue
£m

29
(9)
20

6-12
months
overdue
£m

12
(10)
2

Over 12
months
overdue
£m

32
(27)
5

Total 
£m

1,627
(57)
1,570

Consolidated financial statements 14  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES CONTINUED

TRADE RECEIVABLES

Gross trade receivables
Less: Provision for impairment of trade receivables
Net trade receivables

Not yet 
due 
£m

1,415
(4)
1,411

0-3 
months 
overdue 
£m

266
(15)
251

2014 Restated1

3-6 
months 
overdue 
£m

33
(18)
15

6-12 
months 
overdue 
£m

15
(10)
5

Movements in the provision for impairment of trade and other receivables are as follows:

PROVISION FOR IMPAIRMENT OF TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

At 1 October
Charged to income statement
Credited to income statement
Utilised
Reclassified
Currency adjustment
At 30 September

Trade 
£m

75
18
(13)
(21)
–
(2)
57

2015

Other 
£m

27
6
–
(2)
–
(7)
24

Total 
£m

102
24
(13)
(23)
–
(9)
81

Trade
£m

101
20
(27)
(14)
(2)
(3)
75

Over 12 
months 
overdue 
£m

33
(28)
5

2014

Other 
£m

11
1
(5)
–
21
(1)
27

Total 
£m

1,762
(75)
1,687

Total 
£m

112
21
(32)
(14)
19
(4)
102

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.

At 30 September 2015, trade receivables of £278 million (2014: £276 million) were past due but not impaired. The Group has made  
a provision based on a number of factors, including past history of the debtor, and all amounts not provided for are considered to be 
recoverable.

15  IFRS 11 RESTATEMENT
Comparative financial information for the year ended 30 September 2014 has been restated for the effects of IFRS 11. The following 
principal joint arrangements, previously accounted for as jointly controlled entities under IAS 31 are now classified as joint ventures and  
are equity accounted under the requirements of the revised IAS 28:

– Quadrant Catering Limited 

– ADNH-Compass Middle East LLC

– Express Support Services Limitada

The impact of the restatements on the Group’s consolidated income statement, statement of comprehensive income, balance sheet and cash 
flow statement is as shown below: 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Revenue
Operating costs before goodwill impairment
Operating profit
Share of profit of joint ventures
Share of profit of associates
Total operating profit
Profit on disposal of US businesses
Profit on disposal of interest in associates
Finance income
Finance costs
Change in the fair value of investments 
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year from continuing operations

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Profit for the year from discontinued operations

CONTINUING AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Profit for the year

For the year ended 30 September 2014

As published
£m

IFRS 11 
£m

Restated 
£m

17,058
(15,850)
1,208
–
9
1,217
1
13
5
(91)
2
1,147
(279)
868

3

871

(204)
180
(24)
21
–
(3)
–
–
–
–
–
(3)
3
–

–

–

16,854
(15,670)
1,184
21
9
1,214
1
13
5
(91)
2
1,144
(276)
868

3

871

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  111

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

15  IFRS 11 RESTATEMENT CONTINUED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Interests in joint ventures and associates
Other investments
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax assets*
Derivative financial instruments**
Non-current assets

CURRENT ASSETS
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Tax recoverable*
Cash and cash equivalents**
Derivative financial instruments**
Current assets

Total assets

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short term borrowings1**
Derivative financial instruments**
Provisions
Current tax liabilities*
Trade and other payables1
Current liabilities

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long term borrowings**
Derivative financial instruments**
Post-employment benefit obligations
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities*
Trade and other payables
Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY
Share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Less: Own shares
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity shareholders’ funds

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

1  2014 has been restated to reflect a reclassification between other payables and short term borrowings.

*  Component of current and deferred taxes. **   Component of net debt.

112  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

As at 30 September 2014

As published1
£m

IFRS 11 
£m

Restated 
£m

3,565
1,010
729
114
36
67
246
50
5,817

270
2,128
32
431
16
2,877

8,694

(315)
(4)
(161)
(148)
(3,121)
(3,749)

(2,526)
(1)
(176)
(277)
(39)
(78)
(3,097)

(6,846)

1,848

178
174
293
(1)
4,277
(3,082)
1,839

9

1,848

(37)
–
(5)
75
–
3
–
–
36

(5)
(59)
–
(23)
–
(87)

(51)

–
–
–
–
44
44

1
–
6
–
–
–
7

51

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

3,528
1,010
724
189
36
70
246
50
5,853

265
2,069
32
408
16
2,790

8,643

(315)
(4)
(161)
(148)
(3,077)
(3,705)

(2,525)
(1)
(170)
(277)
(39)
(78)
(3,090)

(6,795)

1,848

178
174
293
(1)
4,277
(3,082)
1,839

9

1,848

Consolidated financial statements 15  IFRS 11 RESTATEMENT CONTINUED

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash generated from operations
Interest paid
Tax received
Tax paid
Net cash from operating activities

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of subsidiary companies and investments in associates1
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary companies and associates – discontinued activities1
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary companies and associates – continuing activities1
Tax on profits from sale of subsidiary companies and associates
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment2
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment/intangible assets
Purchase of other investments
Proceeds from sale of other investments
Dividends received from associates
Dividends received from joint ventures
Interest received
Net cash used in investing activities

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital
Purchase of own shares3
Net increase in borrowings
Repayment of obligations under finance leases
Return of Cash to Compass shareholders
Equity dividends paid
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Net cash used in financing activities

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Currency translation losses on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

1  Net of cash acquired or disposed and payments received or made under warranties and indemnities.
2  Includes property, plant and equipment purchased under client commitments.
3  Includes stamp duty and brokers’ commission.

For the year ended 30 September 2014

As published
£m

IFRS 11 
£m

Restated 
£m

1,442
(77)
24
(268)
1,121

(176)
(1)
66
(4)
(206)
(263)
22
(2)
3
7
–
6
(548)

5
(280)
597
(5)
(1,000)
(444)
(5)
(1,132)

(559)
1,006
(16)
431

(25)
–
–
2
(23)

–
–
–
–
–
2
–
–
–
–
15
–
17

–
–
–
–
–
–
2
2

(4)
(19)
–
(23)

1,417
(77)
24
(266)
1,098

(176)
(1)
66
(4)
(206)
(261)
22
(2)
3
7
15
6
(531)

5
(280)
597
(5)
(1,000)
(444)
(3)
(1,130)

(563)
987
(16)
408

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  113

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

16  INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES

NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Business acquisitions
Net movement
Currency adjustment
At 30 September

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15. 

17  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and in hand
Short term bank deposits
Cash and cash equivalents2

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.
2  Categorised as ‘loans and receivables’ financial assets (IAS 39).   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BY CURRENCY

Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Japanese Yen
Other
Cash and cash equivalents

2015 
£m 

265
3
17
(3)
282

2015 
£m 

224
59
283

2015 
£m

72
33
44
14
120
283

2014 
Restated1
 £m

250
–
25
(10)
265

2014 
Restated1
 £m

252
156
408

2014 
Restated1
 £m

132
76
39
12
149
408

The Group’s policy to manage the credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents is set out in note 19. The book value of cash and 
cash equivalents represents the maximum credit exposure.

MASTER NETTING OR SIMILAR AGREEMENTS
The Group has master netting agreements for its cash and bank overdrafts and the following balances are offset within the consolidated 
balance sheet:

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15. 

Gross
£m

328
(104)

2015

Offset
£m

(45)
45

2014 Restated1

Gross
£m

579
(208)

Offset
£m

(171)
171

Net
£m

283
(59)

Net
£m

408
(37)

114  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements  
 
 
 
 
 
18  SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM BORROWINGS 

SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM BORROWINGS

Bank overdrafts
Bank loans
Loan notes
Bonds
Borrowings (excluding finance leases)
Finance leases
Borrowings (including finance leases)3

2015

2014 Restated1,2

Current 
£m

 Non-current 
£m 

Total 
£m

Current 
£m

 Non-current 
£m 

59
78
107
–
244
3
247

–
251
1,330
1,093
2,674
10
2,684

59
329
1,437
1,093
2,918
13
2,931

37
22
–
251
310
5
315

–
301
1,076
1,136
2,513
12
2,525

Total 
£m

37
323
1,076
1,387
2,823
17
2,840

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.
2  2014 has been restated to reflect a reclassification between other payables and short term borrowings.
3  Categorised as ‘other financial liabilities’ (IAS 39). 

Bank overdrafts principally arise as a result of uncleared transactions. Interest on bank overdrafts is at the relevant money market rates. 

All amounts due under bonds, loan notes and bank facilities are shown net of unamortised issue costs. Additionally, the Group adjusts the 
carrying values of the bonds and loan notes that are designated in effective fair value hedge relationships, for fair value gains and losses 
(based on observable market inputs) attributable to the risk being hedged. 

The Group has fixed term, fixed interest private placements denominated in US dollar and sterling. The $100 million 2024 and $300 million 
2026 US dollar private placements were issued during the year.

LOAN NOTES

US$ private placement
Sterling private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement

BONDS

Sterling Eurobond
Euro Eurobond
Euro Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond

Nominal value

Redeemable

Interest

$162m
£35m
$250m
$200m
$398m
$352m
$100m
$300m
$300m

Oct 2015
Oct 2016
Oct 2018
Sep 2020
Oct 2021
Oct 2023
Dec 2024
Sep 2025
Dec 2026

6.72%
7.55%
3.31%
3.09%
3.98%
4.12%
3.54%
3.81%
3.64%

Nominal value

Redeemable

£250m
€600m
€500m
£250m

Dec 2014
Feb 2019
Jan 2023
Jun 2026

Interest

7.00%
3.13%
1.88%
3.85%

The maturity profile of borrowings (excluding finance leases) is as follows:

MATURITY PROFILE OF BORROWINGS (EXCLUDING FINANCE LEASES)

Within 1 year, or on demand
Between 1 and 2 years
Between 2 and 3 years
Between 3 and 4 years
Between 4 and 5 years
In more than 5 years 
Borrowings (excluding finance leases)

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.

2015
Carrying 
value
£m

2014
Carrying 
value
£m

107
36
170
132
262
250
66
216
198
1,437

2015
Carrying
 value
£m

–
458
386
249
1,093

2015
 £m

244
287
–
628
132
1,627
2,918

102
36
157
123
245
223
–
190
–
1,076

2014
Carrying
 value
£m

251
485
402
249
1,387

2014
Restated1
£m

310
153
286
–
642
1,432
2,823

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  115

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

18  SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM BORROWINGS CONTINUED
The fair value of the Group’s borrowings is calculated by discounting future cash flows to net present values at current market rates for similar 
financial instruments. The fair values have been determined by reference to Level 2 inputs as defined by the fair value hierarchy of IFRS 13 
‘Fair value measurements’. The table below shows the fair value of borrowings excluding accrued interest:

CARRYING VALUE AND FAIR VALUE OF BORROWINGS (EXCLUDING FINANCE LEASES)

Bank overdrafts

Bank loans

Loan notes

£250m Eurobond Dec 2014
€600m Eurobond Feb 2019
€500m Eurobond Jan 2023
£250m Eurobond Jun 2026
Bonds
Borrowings (excluding finance leases)

2015

2014 Restated1 

Carrying
value
£m

59

329

1,437

–
458
386
249
1,093
2,918

Fair
value
£m 

59

329

1,456

–
478
379
269
1,126
2,970

Carrying
value
£m

37

323

1,076

251
485
402
249
1,387
2,823

Fair
value
£m

37

323

1,095

253
517
403
259
1,432
2,887

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.

GROSS AND PRESENT VALUE OF FINANCE LEASE LIABILITIES

Finance lease payments falling due:
Within 1 year
In 2 to 5 years
In more than 5 years

Less: Future finance charges
Gross and present value of finance lease liabilities

BORROWINGS BY CURRENCY

Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Other
Total

2015

2014 

Gross
£m

Present 
value 
£m

Gross
£m

Present 
value
 £m

4
7
3
14
(1)
13

3
7
3
13
–
13

5
9
5
19
(2)
17

2015

Finance 
leases 
£m

2014 Restated1

Total 
£m

Borrowings 
£m

Finance 
leases 
£m

–
–
11
2
13

584
1,441
864
42
2,931

835
1,040
904
44
2,823

–
1
13
3
17

Borrowings 
£m

584
1,441
853
40
2,918

5
8
4
17
–
17

Total 
£m

835
1,041
917
47
2,840

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.

The Group had the following undrawn committed facilities available at 30 September, in respect of which all conditions precedent had then 
been met:

UNDRAWN COMMITTED FACILITIES

Expiring between 1 and 5 years

2015 
£m

1,000

2014
 £m

1,000

116  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 19  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The Group manages its capital structure to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going concern. The capital structure of the Group 
consists of cash and cash equivalents as disclosed in note 17; debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in note 18; and equity 
attributable to equity shareholders of the Parent, comprising issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the 
consolidated statement of changes in equity. 

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The Group continues to manage its interest rate and foreign currency exposure in accordance with the policies set out below. The Group’s 
financial instruments comprise cash, borrowings, receivables and payables that are used to finance the Group’s operations. The Group also 
uses derivatives, principally interest rate swaps, forward currency contracts and cross currency swaps, to manage interest rate and currency 
risks arising from the Group’s operations. The Group does not trade in financial instruments. The Group’s treasury policies are designed to 
mitigate the impact of fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates and to manage the Group’s financial risks. The Board approves any 
changes to the policies. 

LIQUIDITY RISK
The Group finances its borrowings from a number of sources including the bank, the public and the private placement markets. The Group 
has developed long term relationships with a number of financial counterparties with the balance sheet strength and credit quality to provide 
credit facilities as required. The Group seeks to avoid a concentration of debt maturities in any one period to spread its refinancing risk. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK
The Group’s policy is to match as far as possible its principal projected cash flows by currency to actual or effective borrowings in the same 
currency. As currency cash flows are generated, they are used to service and repay debt in the same currency. Where necessary, to implement 
this policy, forward currency contracts and cross currency swaps are executed which, when applied to the actual currency liabilities, convert 
these to the required currency.

The borrowings in each currency can give rise to foreign exchange differences on translation into sterling. Where the borrowings are less than, 
or equate to, the net investment in overseas operations, these exchange rate variances are treated as movements on reserves and recorded in 
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income rather than in the income statement.

Non-sterling earnings streams are translated at the average rate of exchange for the year. Fluctuations in exchange rates have given and will 
continue to give rise to translation differences. The Group is only partially protected from the impact of such differences through the matching 
of cash flows to currency borrowings.

The Group has minimal exposure to the foreign currency risk of trade receivables and payables as operations within individual countries have 
little cross-border activity which might give rise to translation risks on trade-related balances.

The main currencies to which the Group’s reported sterling financial position is exposed are the US dollar, the euro and the Japanese yen.  
As set out above, the Group seeks to hedge its exposure to currencies by matching debt in currency against the cash flows generated by the 
Group’s foreign operations in such currencies.

The effect on profit after tax and equity of a 10% strengthening of sterling against these currencies on the Group’s financial statements is 
shown below. A 10% weakening would result in an equal and opposite impact on the profit or loss and equity of the Group. This table shows 
the impact on the financial instruments in place on 30 September and has been prepared on the basis that the 10% change in exchange 
rates occurred on the first day of the financial year and applied consistently throughout the year.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: 
IMPACT OF STERLING STRENGTHENING BY 10%

Increase/(decrease) in profit for the year (after tax)
Increase in total equity

2015

Against 
Euro
 £m 

4
20

Against 
US Dollar
 £m 

–
164

Against 
Japanese 
Yen
 £m 

–
11

Against 
US Dollar
 £m 

(2)
150

2014

Against 
Euro
 £m 

3
21

Against 
Japanese 
Yen
 £m 

–
12

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  117

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

19  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED
INTEREST RATE RISK
As set out above, the Group has effective borrowings in a number of currencies and the policy is to ensure that, in the short term, it is not 
materially exposed to fluctuations in interest rates in its principal currencies. The Group implements this policy either by borrowing fixed rate 
debt or by using interest rate swaps so that the interest rates on at least 80% of the Group’s projected debt are fixed for one year, reducing to 
60% fixed for the second year and 40% fixed for the third year.

The sensitivity analysis given below has been determined based on the derivative and non-derivative financial instruments the Group had in 
place at the year end date only.

The effect of a 1% increase in interest rates prevailing at the balance sheet date on the Group’s cash and cash equivalents and debt subject 
to variable rates of interest at the balance sheet date would be a loss of £6 million (2014: loss of £4 million) over the course of a year.  
A similar 1% decrease in interest rates would result in an equal and opposite effect over the course of a year. 

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

Increase in interest rate
Floating rate exposure – cash/(debt)
Decrease in profit for the year (after tax)

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

Increase in interest rate
Floating rate exposure – cash/(debt)
Increase/(decrease) in profit for the year (after tax)

Sterling
 £m 

US Dollar
 £m 

+1%
45
–

+1%
(681)
(5)

Sterling
 £m 

US Dollar
 £m 

+1%
211
2

+1%
(681)
(5)

2015

Euro
 £m 

+1%
(49)
–

2014

Euro
 £m 

+1%
(66)
–

Japanese
Yen
 £m 

+1%
(20)
–

Japanese
Yen
 £m 

+1%
(26)
–

Other
 £m 

+1%
(73)
(1)

Other
 £m 

+1%
(78)
(1)

Total
 £m 

n/a
(778)
(6)

Total
 £m 

n/a
(640)
(4)

These changes are the result of the exposure to interest rates from the Group’s floating rate cash and cash equivalents and debt. The 
sensitivity gains and losses given above may vary because cash flows vary throughout the year and interest rate and currency hedging may be 
implemented after the year end date in order to comply with the treasury policies outlined above. 

CREDIT RISK
The Group’s policy is to minimise its exposure to credit risk from the failure of any single financial counterparty by spreading its risk across a 
portfolio of financial counterparties and managing the aggregate exposure to each against certain pre-agreed limits. Exposure to counterparty 
credit risk arising from deposits and derivatives (including forward currency contracts and cross currency swaps) is concentrated at the Group 
centre where possible. Financial counterparty limits are derived from the long and short term credit ratings, and the balance sheet strength of 
the financial counterparty. All financial counterparties are required to have a minimum short term credit rating from Moody’s of P-1 or 
equivalent from another recognised agency.

The Group’s policy to manage the credit risk associated with trade and other receivables is set out in note 14.

HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The following section describes the derivative financial instruments the Group uses to apply the interest rate and foreign currency hedging 
strategies described above. 

FAIR VALUE HEDGES
The Group uses interest rate swaps to hedge the fair value of fixed rate borrowings. These instruments swap the fixed interest payable on the 
borrowings into floating interest rates and hedge the fair value of the borrowings against changes in interest rates. These interest rate swaps 
all qualify for fair value hedge accounting as defined by IAS 39.

118  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 19  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED
CASH FLOW HEDGES
The Group uses interest rate swaps to hedge the cash flows from floating rate borrowings. These instruments swap floating interest payable 
on these borrowings into fixed interest rates and hedge against cash flow changes caused by changing interest rates. The cash flows and 
income statement impact hedged in this manner will occur between one and three years of the balance sheet date.

These interest rate swaps do not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting as defined by IAS 39 because the Group creates synthetic floating 
rate foreign currency borrowings (see net investment hedges below) through the use of forward currency contracts and cross currency swaps 
which IAS 39 disallows as being designated as a hedged item.

These interest rate swaps are an effective economic hedge against the exposure of the Group’s floating rate borrowings to interest rate risk.

NET INVESTMENT HEDGES
The Group uses foreign currency denominated debt, forward currency contracts and cross currency swaps to partially hedge against the 
change in the sterling value of its foreign currency denominated net assets due to movements in foreign exchange rates. The fair value of debt 
in a net investment hedge was £2,613 million (2014: £2,519 million). A foreign exchange loss of £18 million (2014: £41 million gain) 
relating to the net investment hedges has been netted off within currency translation differences as presented on the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income.

DERIVATIVES NOT IN A HEDGING RELATIONSHIP
The Group has a number of derivative financial instruments that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting. These include some interest 
rate swaps and some forward currency contracts. 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
All derivative financial instruments are shown at fair value in the balance sheet. The fair values have been determined by reference to Level 2 
inputs as defined by the fair value hierarchy of IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurements’. Derivative financial instrument fair values are present 
values determined from future cash flows discounted at rates derived from market sourced data. There were no transfers between levels in 
either the year ended 30 September 2015 or 2014. The fair values of derivative financial instruments represent the maximum credit exposure.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Interest rate swaps:

Fair value hedges1
Not in a hedging relationship2

Other derivatives:
Forward currency contracts and  

cross currency swaps

Others
Total

2015

2014

Current 
assets 
£m

Non-current
 assets 
£m 

Current 
liabilities 
£m

Non-current
 liabilities 
£m 

Current
 assets 
£m

 Non-current 
assets 
£m 

Current 
liabilities 
£m

 Non-current
 liabilities 
£m 

2
–

17
–
19

58
–

–
–
58

–
(2)

(5)
–
(7)

–
(2)

(23)
–
(25)

11
–

4
1
16

34
–

16
–
50

–
(1)

(3)
–
(4)

–
–

(1)
–
(1)

1  Derivatives that are designated and effective as hedging instruments carried at fair value (IAS 39).
2  Derivatives carried at ‘fair value through profit or loss’ (IAS 39).

NOTIONAL AMOUNT OF DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CURRENCY

Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Japanese Yen
Other
Total

2015

2014 

Fair value 
swaps 
£m

Cash flow 
swaps 
£m

Fair value 
swaps 
£m

Cash flow 
swaps 
£m

20
658
700
–
–
1,378

–
390
22
73
236
721

220
615
741
–
–
1,576

–
472
27
75
248
822

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  119

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

19  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

EFFECTIVE CURRENCY DENOMINATION OF BORROWINGS 
AFTER THE EFFECT OF DERIVATIVES

Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Japanese Yen
Other
Total

2015

Forward 
currency
contracts3 

£m

(293)
406
(578)
125
389
49

2014 Restated1,2

Effective
 currency of 
borrowings 
£m

Gross 
borrowings 
£m

Forward 
currency
contracts3
£m

Effective
 currency of 
borrowings 
£m

291
1,847
286
125
431
2,980

835
1,041
917
–
47
2,840

(600)
623
(624)
128
482
9

235
1,664
293
128
529
2,849

Gross 
borrowings
£m

584
1,441
864
–
42
2,931

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.
2  2014 has been restated to reflect a reclassification between other payables and short term borrowings.
3  Includes cross currency contracts.

GROSS DEBT MATURITY ANALYSIS

FIXED INTEREST
£250m Eurobond 2026
€500m Eurobond 2023
€600m Eurobond 2019
US private placements
Total fixed interest
Cash flow swaps (fixed leg)
Fair value swaps (fixed leg)
Fixed interest liability

FLOATING INTEREST
Bank loans
Overdrafts
Total floating interest
Cash flow swaps (floating leg)
Fair value swaps (floating leg)
Floating interest (asset)/liability

OTHER
Finance lease obligations 
Fair value adjustments to borrowings1
Other liability
Gross debt excluding derivatives

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative financial instruments2
Forward currency contracts1
Gross debt

Less than
 1 year 
£m

Between 1 
and 2 years 
£m

Between 2 
and 3 years 
£m

Between 3 
and 4 years 
£m

Between 4 
and 5 years 
£m 

2015

–
–
–
107
107
505
(63)
549

78
59
137
(505)
63
(305)

3
–
3
247

(16)
4
235

–
–
–
35
35
216
(20)
231

251
–
251
(216)
20
55

3
1
4
290

1
–
291

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

1
–
1
1

–
–
1

–
–
438
164
602
–
(497)
105

–
–
–
–
497
497

1
26
27
629

(1)
–
628

–
–
–
132
132
–
–
132

–
–
–
–
–
–

2
–
2
134

–
–
134

Over 
5 years 
£m

249
367
–
955
1,571
–
(798)
773

–
–
–
–
798
798

3
56
59
1,630

(33)
–
1,597

Total 
£m

249
367
438
1,393
2,447
721
(1,378)
1,790

329
59
388
(721)
1,378
1,045

13
83
96
2,931

(49)
4
2,886

1  Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are reported via the currency translation (losses)/gains caption in note 27).
2  Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are reported via the other non-cash movements caption in note 27).

120  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 19  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

2015

Less than
 1 year 
£m

Between 1 
and 2 years 
£m

Between 2 
and 3 years 
£m

Between 3 
and 4 years 
£m

Between 4 
and 5 years 
£m 

PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST MATURITY ANALYSIS

Gross debt
Less: Overdrafts
Less: Fees and premiums capitalised on issue
Less: Other non-cash items
Repayment of principal 
Interest cash flows on debt and derivatives (settled net)
Settlement of forward currency contracts and cross 

currency swaps – payable leg

Settlement of forward currency contracts and cross 

currency swaps – receivable leg
Repayment of principal and interest 

GROSS DEBT MATURITY ANALYSIS

FIXED INTEREST
£250m Eurobond 2026
€600m Eurobond 2023
£250m Eurobond 2019
£250m Eurobond 2014
US private placements
Total fixed interest
Cash flow swaps (fixed leg)
Fair value swaps (fixed leg)
Fixed interest liability

FLOATING INTEREST
Bank loans
Overdrafts
Total floating interest
Cash flow swaps (floating leg)
Fair value swaps (floating leg)
Floating interest (asset)/liability

OTHER
Finance lease obligations 
Fair value adjustments to borrowings2
Other liability
Gross debt excluding derivatives

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative financial instruments3
Forward currency contracts2
Gross debt

235
(59)
(1)
12
187
96

(912)

931
302

291
–
(1)
(2)
288
88

–

–
376

1
–
(1)
–
–
79

–

–
79

628
–
(1)
(25)
602
81

(251)

221
653

Over 
5 years 
£m

1,597
–
(5)
(23)
1,569
237

Total 
£m

2,886
(59)
(10)
(38)
2,779
643

134
–
(1)
–
133
62

–

(399)

(1,562)

–
195

369
1,776

1,521
3,381

Less than
 1 year 
£m

Between 1 
and 2 years 
£m

Between 2 
and 3 years 
£m

Between 3 
and 4 years 
£m

Between 4 
and 5 years 
£m 

Over 
5 years 
£m

2014 Restated1

–
–
–
250
–
250
278
(200)
328

21
37
58
(278)
200
(20)

5
1
6
314

(11)
(1)
302

–
–
–
–
100
100
442
(59)
483

52
–
52
(442)
59
(331)

3
2
5
157

(19)
–
138

–
–
–
–
35
35
102
(20)
117

250
–
250
(102)
20
168

2
1
3
288

(1)
–
287

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

2
–
2
2

–
–
2

–
–
461
–
154
615
–
(505)
110

–
–
–
–
505
505

1
27
28
643

(13)
–
630

249
388
–
–
769
1,406
–
(792)
614

–
–
–
–
792
792

4
26
30
1,436

(16)
–
1,420

Total 
£m

249
388
461
250
1,058
2,406
822
(1,576)
1,652

323
37
360
(822)
1,576
1,114

17
57
74
2,840

(60)
(1)
2,779

1  2014 has been restated to reflect a reclassification between other payables and short term borrowings.
2  Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are reported via the currency translation (losses)/gains caption in note 27).
3  Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are reported via the other non-cash movements caption in note 27).

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  121

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

19  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

2014 Restated1

PRINCIPALS AND INTEREST MATURITY ANALYSIS

Gross debt
Less: Overdrafts
Less: Fees and premiums capitalised on issue
Less: Other non-cash items
Repayment of principal 
Interest cash flows on debt and derivatives (settled net)
Settlement of forward currency contracts and cross 

currency swaps – payable leg

Settlement of forward currency contracts and cross 

currency swaps – receivable leg
Repayment of principal and interest 

Less than
 1 year 
£m

Between 1 
and 2 years 
£m

Between 2 
and 3 years 
£m

Between 3 
and 4 years 
£m

Between 4 
and 5 years 
£m 

302
(37)
(1)
11
275
102

(923)

919
373

138
–
(1)
17
154
83

–

–
237

287
–
(1)
–
286
75

–

–
361

2
–
(1)
–
1
68

–

–
69

630
–
(4)
(14)
612
74

(251)

234
669

Over 
5 years 
£m

1,420
–
(3)
(10)
1,407
221

Total 
£m

2,779
(37)
(11)
4
2,735
623

–

(1,174)

–
1,628

1,153
3,337

1  2014 has been restated to reflect a reclassification between other payables and short term borrowings.

20  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Net movement
Reclassification
Currency adjustment
At 30 September

COMPRISED OF
Trade payables
Social security and other taxes
Other payables2
Deferred consideration on acquisitions3
Accruals4
Deferred income
Amounts owed to associates, joint ventures and related parties5
Trade and other payables

2015

2014 Restated1,2

Current 
£m

 Non-current 
£m 

Total 
£m

Current 
£m

 Non-current 
£m 

Total 
£m

3,077
149
1
(70)
3,157

1,400
273
155
16
1,027
286
–
3,157

78
12
(2)
(4)
84

–
–
28
28
28
–
–
84

3,155
161
(1)
(74)
3,241

1,400
273
183
44
1,055
286
–
3,241

3,010
204
(18)
(119)
3,077

1,333
279
164
13
1,025
257
6
3,077

75
6
–
(3)
78

–
–
23
21
34
–
–
78

3,085
210
(18)
(122)
3,155

1,333
279
187
34
1,059
257
6
3,155

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.
2  2014 has been restated to reflect a reclassification between other payables and short term borrowings. 
3  Categorised as ‘other financial liabilities’ (IAS 39). 
4  Of this balance £415 million (2014: £436 million) is categorised as ‘other financial liabilities’ (IAS 39). 
5  Categorised as ‘loans and receivables’ financial assets (IAS 39).

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value. The current trade and other 
payables are payable on demand.

Trade payable days for the continuing business at 30 September 2015 were 72 days (2014: 72 days).

122  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 21  PROVISIONS 

PROVISIONS

At 1 October 2013
Reclassified1
Expenditure in the year 
Charged to income statement 
Credited to income statement 
Business acquisitions
Business disposals
Unwinding of discount on provisions
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2014

At 1 October 2014
Reclassified1
Expenditure in the year 
Charged to income statement 
Credited to income statement 
Business disposals
Unwinding of discount on provisions
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2015

Provisions in
 respect of 
discontinued 
and disposed
businesses
£m

 Insurance 
£m

Onerous 
contracts
 £m

Legal and 
other claims
 £m

Re-
organisation
 £m

Other
£m

228
(3)
(2)
9
–
–
–
–
–
232

232
–
(5)
9
(12)
–
5
13
242

47
–
(1)
–
–
–
–
–
–
46

46
–
(1)
–
–
–
–
–
45

56
(12)
(19)
9
(7)
1
–
3
(2)
29

29
(1)
(11)
9
(6)
–
1
(1)
20

91
(20)
(9)
8
(2)
–
–
–
(4)
64

64
1
(15)
17
(16)
–
–
(7)
44

67
–
(34)
11
(3)
–
(3)
–
(2)
36

36
(1)
(20)
7
(4)
(2)
–
(2)
14

Total
 £m

531
(21)
(89)
39
(14)
2
(3)
3
(10)
438

438
(1)
(58)
44
(42)
(2)
6
2
387

2014 
£m

161
277
438

42
14
(24)
2
(2)
1
–
–
(2)
31

31
–
(6)
2
(4)
–
–
(1)
22

2015
£m 

136
251
387

1  Including items reclassified between accrued liabilities and other balance sheet captions.

PROVISIONS

Current
Non-current
Total provisions

The provision for insurance relates to the potential settlements in respect of claims under self-funded insurance schemes, primarily workers’ 
compensation schemes in the USA, and is essentially long term in nature.

Provisions in respect of discontinued and disposed of businesses relate to estimated amounts payable in connection with onerous contracts 
and claims arising from disposals. The final amount payable remains uncertain as, at the date of approval of these financial statements,  
there remains a further period during which claims may be received. The timing of any settlement will depend upon the nature and extent  
of claims received. 

Provisions for onerous contracts represent the liabilities in respect of short and long term leases on unoccupied properties and other 
contracts lasting under five years.

Provisions for legal and other claims relate principally to provisions for the estimated cost of litigation and other sundry claims. The timing  
of the settlement of these claims is uncertain.

Provisions for reorganisation include provision for redundancy costs and these are expected to be utilised over the next year. 

Other provisions include environmental provisions. These are in respect of potential liabilities relating to the Group’s responsibility for 
maintaining its operating sites in accordance with statutory requirements and the Group’s aim to have a low impact on the environment. 
These provisions are expected to be utilised as operating sites are disposed of or as environmental matters are resolved. 

Provisions are discounted to present value where the effect is material using the Group’s weighted average cost of capital.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  123

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

22  POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
PENSION SCHEMES OPERATED
The Group operates a number of pension arrangements throughout the world which have been developed in accordance with statutory 
requirements and local customs and practices. The majority of schemes are self-administered and the schemes’ assets are held independently 
of the Group’s assets. Pension costs are assessed in accordance with the advice of independent, professionally qualified actuaries. The Group 
makes employer contributions to the various schemes in existence within the range of 1% to 39% of pensionable salaries.

The contributions payable for defined contribution schemes of £84 million (2014: £85 million) have been fully expensed against profits  
in the current year.

UK SCHEMES
Within the UK there are now three main arrangements. The Compass Retirement Income Savings Plan (CRISP), the Compass Group Pension 
Plan (the Plan) and the Company’s stakeholder pension arrangement.

CRISP was launched on 1 February 2003. This has been the main vehicle for pension provision for new joiners in the UK since that date but 
existing members of the Plan had continued to accrue benefits under those arrangements up until 5 April 2010. CRISP is a contracted-in 
money purchase arrangement whereby the Group will match employee contributions up to 6% of pay (minimum 3%). Within CRISP a new 
defined contribution section was established from April 2006 known as the Compass Higher Income Plan (CHIP). Senior employees who 
contribute to CRISP will receive an additional employer-only contribution into CHIP. The amount of contribution and eligibility for CHIP are 
decided annually at the Company’s discretion. The payment towards CHIP may be taken in part, or in whole, as a cash supplement instead  
of a pension contribution.

CRISP has a corporate trustee. The Chairman, Nigel Palmer, is a current employee of the Group. The other four trustee directors are UK-
based employees of the Group, two of whom have been nominated by CRISP members. 

The Plan is a defined benefit arrangement. Those UK employees who transfer from the public sector under the Transfer of Undertakings 
(Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 are eligible to join the Plan, which has otherwise been closed to new entrants since 2003. 
Such transferees enter into the GAD sections of the Plan and are known as ‘GAD members’. The Plan closed to future accrual for all existing 
members, other than GAD members, on 5 April 2010. The affected members were offered membership of CRISP from 6 April 2010.

The Plan is operated on a pre-funded basis. The funding policy is to contribute such variable amounts, on the advice of the actuary, as 
achieves a 100% funding level on a projected salary basis. The actuarial assessments covering expense and contributions are carried out  
by independent qualified actuaries. A formal actuarial valuation of the Plan is carried out every three years. The most recent valuation of the 
Plan took place as at 5 April 2013. At the valuation date the total market value of the assets of the Plan was £1,808 million which 
represented 92% of the benefits that had accrued to members after allowing for expected future increases in earnings. 

By agreement with the trustees, the Company has agreed to eliminate the 5 April 2013 deficit over a period of six years and three months  
to 31 December 2019 through monthly payments totalling £26 million per annum. The next triennial valuation is due to be completed as  
at 5 April 2016. The Plan is reappraised annually by independent actuaries in accordance with IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ requirements.

The Plan has a corporate trustee. The Chairman, Phillip Whittome, and one other trustee director are independent. There are a further five 
trustee directors who are either UK-based employees or former employees of the Group, three of whom have been nominated by Plan members. 

The Company became subject to the Pensions Automatic Enrolment Regulations for its workforce in the UK on 1 November 2012, but in 
accordance with the Regulations, deferred its staging date for automatic enrolment of eligible employees until 2 January 2013. Both the Plan 
and CRISP are compliant arrangements under these Regulations and have been registered as such.

Employees who are not already in one of these registered compliant arrangements have been automatically enrolled into the National 
Employment Savings Trust (NEST). The Company considers that NEST provides the right type of service, communication material and 
investment choice for our employees and that it has the capabilities to support a company as large and diverse as Compass.

OVERSEAS SCHEMES
In the USA, the main plan is a defined benefit plan. The funding policy, in accordance with government guidelines, is to contribute such 
variable amounts, on the advice of the actuary, as achieves a 100% funding level on a projected salary basis. In Canada, Norway and 
Switzerland, the Group also participates in funded defined benefit arrangements.

In other countries, Group employees participate primarily in state arrangements to which the Group makes the appropriate contributions.

Other than where required by local regulation or statute, the defined benefit schemes are closed to new entrants. For these schemes the 
current service cost will increase under the projected unit credit method as the members of the schemes approach retirement.

In addition, the Group contributes to a number of multi-employer union sponsored pension plans, primarily in the USA. These plans are 
accounted for as defined contribution plans, as the information provided by the plan administrators is insufficient for them to be accounted 
for as defined benefit plans. The Group made total contributions of £11 million in the year (2014: £10 million) to these arrangements.

124  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 22  POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED
ALL DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES
The Group’s obligations in respect of defined benefit pension schemes are calculated separately for each scheme by estimating the amount  
of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior years. That benefit is discounted to determine 
its present value and the fair value of scheme assets is then deducted. The discount rate used is the yield at the valuation date on high 
quality corporate bonds, whose term is consistent with the timing of the expected benefit payments over future years.

The Group takes advice from independent actuaries relating to the appropriateness of the assumptions which include life expectancy of 
members, expected salary and pension increases, and inflation. It is important to note that comparatively small changes in the assumptions 
used may have a significant effect on the consolidated income statement and balance sheet.

The liabilities of the defined benefit schemes are measured by discounting the best estimate of future cash flows to be paid using the 
projected unit method. This method is an accrued benefits valuation method that makes allowances for projected earnings. These 
calculations are performed by a qualified actuary.

Disclosures showing the assets and liabilities of the schemes are set out below. These have been calculated on the following assumptions:

Discount rate 
Inflation
CPI inflation
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase for pensions in payment
Rate of increase for deferred pensions*

*  This assumption is now presented as a weighted average.

UK schemes

USA schemes

Other schemes

2015

3.8%
3.1%
2.35%
3.1%
3.0%
2.7%

2014

4.0%
3.2%
2.45%
3.2%
3.1%
2.8%

2015

3.9%
2.1%
n/a
3.0%
2.1%
0.0%

2014

3.9%
2.3%
n/a
3.0%
2.3%
0.0%

2015

2.2%
1.4%
n/a
1.7%
0.2%
0.0%

2014

2.5%
1.7%
n/a
1.7%
0.3%
0.0%

The mortality assumptions used to value the UK pension schemes are derived from the S1NA generational mortality tables with improvements 
in line with the projection model prepared by the Continuous Mortality Investigation of the UK actuarial profession, with no rating for males 
and +0.6 year age adjustment for females, with a long term underpin of 1.25%. These mortality assumptions take account of experience to 
date, and assumptions for further improvements in the life expectancy of scheme members. The Group estimates the average duration of the 
UK Plan’s liabilities to be 18 years (2014: 18 years).

Examples of the resulting life expectancies are as follows: 

LIFE EXPECTANCY AT AGE 65 

Member aged 65 in 2015 (2014)
Member aged 65 in 2040 (2039)

2015

2014

Male

22.6
24.8

Female

24.5
27.0

Male

22.5
24.8

Female

24.4
26.9

The other demographic assumptions have been set having regard to the latest trends in scheme experience and other relevant data. The 
assumptions are reviewed and updated as necessary as part of the periodic actuarial valuation of pension schemes.

For the overseas schemes, regionally appropriate assumptions have been used where recommended by local actuaries. The mortality 
assumptions used to value USA schemes are derived from the RP2014 combined healthy table, generational MP2014 scale. Examples of the 
resulting life expectancies are as follows:

LIFE EXPECTANCY AT AGE 65 

Member aged 65 in 2015 (2014)
Member aged 65 in 2040 (2039)

2015

2014

Male

21.7
23.8

Female

23.9
26.0

Male

20.9
22.9

Female

23.3
25.5

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  125

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

22  POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED
SENSITIVITIES OF PRINCIPAL ASSUMPTIONS
Measurement of the Group’s defined benefit obligations is particularly sensitive to changes in key assumptions, including discount rate, life 
expectancy and inflation. The sensitivities of the principal assumptions used to measure the defined benefit obligations of the schemes are 
set out below:

Change in assumption

Impact on scheme deficit 2015

Impact on scheme deficit 2014

ASSUMPTION

UK
Discount rate

Inflation

CPI Inflation

Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%

Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%

Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%

Decrease by £168 million
Increase by £179 million

Decrease by £170 million
Increase by £181 million

Increase by £120 million
Decrease by £98 million

Increase by £33 million
Decrease by £28 million

Increase by £61 million
Increase by £27 million

Increase by £104 million
Decrease by £99 million

Increase by £29 million
Decrease by £29 million

Increase by £55 million
Increase by £26 million

Life expectations from age 65
Life expectations – annual improvement rate 

Increase by 1 year
Increase by 0.25% per annum

USA AND OTHERS
Discount rate

Inflation

Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%

Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%

Decrease by £20 million
Increase by £17 million

Increase by £5 million
Decrease by £3 million

Decrease by £18 million
Increase by £19 million

Increase by £4 million
Decrease by £4 million

Life expectations from age 65

Increase by 1 year

Increase by £6 million

Increase by £8 million

The sensitivities above consider the impact of the single change shown, with the other assumptions assumed to be unchanged. The sensitivity 
analyses have been determined based on a method that extrapolates the impact on the defined benefit obligations as a result of reasonable 
changes in key assumptions occurring at the end of the reporting period. In practice, changes in one assumption may be accompanied by 
offsetting changes in another assumption (although this is not always the case). The impact of a change in the UK inflation rate shown above 
includes the impact of a change in both the RPI and CPI inflation rates.

The Group’s net pension deficit is the difference between the schemes’ liabilities and the schemes’ assets. Changes in the assumptions may 
occur at the same time as changes in the market value of scheme assets. These may or may not offset the changes in assumptions. For 
example, a fall in interest rates will increase the schemes’ liabilities but may also trigger an offsetting increase in the market value of certain 
assets so there is no effect on the Group’s liability.

ANALYSIS OF THE FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS
At 30 September 2015, the assets of the various schemes were invested in a diversified portfolio that consisted primarily of equities and debt 
securities. The fair value of these assets is shown below by major category: 

2015

2014

FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS BY MAJOR CATEGORY

EQUITY TYPE ASSET
Global equities quoted
Global equities unquoted

GOVERNMENT BONDS
UK fixed interest quoted
UK index linked quoted
Overseas quoted
Overseas unquoted

CORPORATE BONDS
Corporate bonds quoted
Corporate bonds unquoted
Diversified securities quoted

OTHER ASSETS
Property funds quoted
Property funds unquoted
Insurance policies unquoted
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
At 30 September

126  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

UK
£m

238
–

538
818
–
–

387
–
–

152
–
–
–
4
2,137

USA
£m

151
–

–
–
8
–

107
–
7

–
–
–
–
27
300

Other
£m

11
12

–
–
–
27

–
2
–

1
12
9
9
2
85

Total
£m

400
12

538
818
8
27

494
2
7

153
12
9
9
33
2,522

UK
£m

541
–

352
625
–
–

278
–
–

145
–
–
–
3
1,944

USA
£m

165
–

–
–
14
–

68
–
9

–
–
–
–
23
279

Other 
£m

11
12

–
–
6
20

–
2
–

1
13
11
5
3
84

Total
£m

717
12

352
625
20
20

346
2
9

146
13
11
5
29
2,307

Consolidated financial statements 22  POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED
The UK Plan has substantial holdings of diversified global equity type investments, mainly shares in listed companies. The return on these 
investments is variable, and they are generally considered to be ‘riskier’ investments. However, it is generally accepted that the yield on these 
investments will contain a premium to compensate investors for this additional risk. There is significant uncertainty about the likely size of 
this risk premium. In respect of investments held in global equities there is also a risk of unfavourable currency movements. The trustee 
manages these risks by holding approximately 50% of those investments in funds which are hedged against currency movements.

The trustee also holds corporate bonds and other fixed interest securities. The risk of default on these is assessed by various rating agencies. 
Some of these bond investments are issued by HM Government. The risk of default on these is lower compared to the risk on corporate bond 
investments, although some risk may remain. The expected yield on bond investments with fixed interest rates can be derived exactly from 
their market value.

2015

2014 

MOVEMENTS IN THE FAIR VALUE  
OF PLAN ASSETS 

At 1 October
Currency adjustment
Interest income on plan assets
Return on plan assets, excluding interest 

income

Employee contributions
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Administration expenses paid from plan assets
Disposals and plan settlements
At 30 September

MOVEMENT IN THE PRESENT VALUE OF DEFINED 
BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS 

At 1 October
Currency adjustment
Current service cost
Past service cost
Interest expense on benefit obligations
Remeasurements – demographic assumptions
Remeasurements – financial assumptions
Remeasurements – experience
Employee contributions
Benefits paid
Disposals and plan settlements
Acquisitions
At 30 September

PRESENT VALUE OF DEFINED 
BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

Funded obligations
Unfunded obligations
Total obligations

UK 
£m

1,944
–
76

155
–
30
(68)
–
–
2,137

UK 
£m

1,920
(1)
2
–
75
–
38
–
–
(68)
–
–
1,966

UK 
£m

1,924
42
1,966

USA 
£m

279
20
11

(14)
18
32
(29)
(2)
(15)
300

2015

USA 
£m

390
27
8
–
15
3
(11)
–
18
(29)
(17)
–
404

2015

USA 
£m

310
94
404

Other 
£m

84
(1)
2

4
2
12
(11)
–
(7)
85

Other 
£m

167
(6)
6
–
4
2
3
2
2
(11)
(8)
–
161

Other 
£m

105
56
161

POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS RECOGNISED IN THE BALANCE SHEET

Present value of defined benefit obligations1
Fair value of plan assets
Post-employment benefit obligations recognised in the balance sheet

Total 
£m

2,307
19
89

145
20
74
(108)
(2)
(22)
2,522

Total 
£m

2,477
20
16
–
94
5
30
2
20
(108)
(25)
–
2,531

Total 
£m

2,339
192
2,531

UK 
£m

1,772
–
78

122
–
30
(58)
–
–
1,944

UK 
£m

1,790
–
2
–
78
12
96
–
–
(58)
–
–
1,920

UK 
£m

1,878
42
1,920

UK
£m

1,920
(1,944)
(24)

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15. 

POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS RECOGNISED IN THE BALANCE SHEET

Present value of defined benefit obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Post-employment benefit obligations recognised in the balance sheet

UK
£m

1,966
(2,137)
(171)

USA 
£m

250
–
10

14
15
15
(24)
(1)
–
279

Other 
£m

127
(6)
3

1
2
15
(14)
–
(44)
84

2014 Restated1

USA 
£m

352
–
7
1
14
9
15
1
15
(24)
–
–
390

Other 
£m

210
(14)
7
(5)
6
2
10
1
2
(13)
(40)
1
167

Total 
£m

2,149
(6)
91

137
17
60
(96)
(1)
(44)
2,307

Total 
£m

2,352
(14)
16
(4)
98
23
121
2
17
(95)
(40)
1
2,477

2014 Restated1

USA 
£m

301
89
390

Other 
£m

107
60
167

Total 
£m

 2,286 
191
2,477

2014 Restated1

USA
£m

390
(279)
111

2015

USA
£m

404
(300)
104

Other
£m

167
(84)
83

Other
£m

161
(85)
76

Total 
£m

2,477
(2,307)
170

Total 
£m

2,531
(2,522)
9

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  127

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

22  POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED
Certain Group companies have taken out life insurance policies and invested in mutual funds which will be used to meet unfunded pension 
obligations. The current value of these policies and other assets, £29 million (2014: £27 million), may not be offset against pension 
obligations under IAS 19 and is reported within note 13. 

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED THROUGH THE CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
The amounts recognised through the consolidated income statement within the various captions are as follows:

Current service cost
Past service cost
Charged to operating expenses

Interest expense on benefit obligations
Interest income on plan assets
Charged to finance costs

Total charged in the consolidated income 

statement

UK 
£m

2
–
2

75
(76)
(1)

1

2015

USA 
£m

Other 
£m

8
–
8

15
(11)
4

12

6
–
6

4
(2)
2

8

Total 
£m

16
–
16

94
(89)
5

21

UK 
£m

2
–
2

78
(78)
–

2

2014 Restated1

USA 
£m

7
1
8

14
(10)
4

12

Other 
£m

Total 
£m

7
(5)
2

6
(3)
3

5

16
(4)
12

98
(91)
7

19

The Group made total contributions to defined benefit schemes of £74 million in the year (2014: £60 million), including exceptional advance 
payments of £nil (2014: £nil) and expects to make total contributions, including UK deficit contributions, to these schemes of £55 million  
in 2016.

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED THROUGH THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The amounts recognised through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are as follows:

Remeasurement of post-employment benefit obligations
  Effect of changes in demographic assumptions
  Effect of changes in financial assumptions
  Effect of experience adjustments
Remeasurement of post-employment benefit obligations – loss
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income – gain
Total recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11. 

23  SHARE CAPITAL 
During the year, no options were granted under The Compass Group Share Option Plan 2010. 

2015 
£m 

(5)
(30)
(2)
(37)
145
108

2014 
Restated1
£m

(23)
(121)
(2)
(146)
137
(9)

During the year, the Company purchased 30,086,546 equity ordinary shares in accordance with its share buyback programme (2014: 
21,752,881). Of these 9,552,807 were held as Treasury shares. £225 million was paid to acquire shares that were subsequently cancelled 
and £103 million was paid to acquire shares that are held as Treasury shares. The total amount paid to acquire the shares was £328 million 
which has been deducted from shareholders’ equity (2014: £200 million). 

756,579 Treasury shares were released in 2015 (2014: nil), leaving a balance held at 30 September 2015 of 8,796,228 (2014: nil).  
Proceeds received from the reissuance of Treasury shares to exercise share options were £1 million (2014: £nil).

On 14 May 2014, Compass Group PLC announced a Return of Cash to shareholders of approximately £1 billion by way of a special dividend. 
The Return of Cash was accompanied by a consolidation of the existing ordinary shares in the ratio of 16 New Ordinary shares for every 17 
existing ordinary shares held. Following approval of the Return of Cash to shareholders on 11 June 2014, 1,366,745,487 C shares of 0.0001 
pence each and 419,413,879 B shares of 56 pence each were issued on 8 July 2014 following partial capitalisation of the share premium 
account. On 15 July 2014, a dividend of 56 pence per share was declared on the C shares at a cost of £765 million payable on 29 July 2014 
and these shares were reclassified as deferred shares. On the same day the B shares were redeemed for 56 pence per share at a cost of  
£235 million, payable on 29 July 2014. The deferred shares were redeemed on 15 July 2014. Following redemption, the B shares and  
deferred shares were cancelled. Costs in relation to the Return of Cash were £2 million.

The on market share buyback programme was resumed on 31 July 2014. During the period to 30 September 2014 a total of 8,000,000 
ordinary shares of 105⁄8 pence each were repurchased for consideration of £78 million and subsequently cancelled. The Company also 
contracted to repurchase a further 200,000 ordinary shares of 105⁄8 pence each before 30 September 2014 for consideration of £1.9 million 
which was settled in October 2014. 

128  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements  
Ordinary shares

(20,533,739)

(21,752,881)

(8,000,000)

23 SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED

ALLOTTED SHARE CAPITAL

Allotted and fully paid:
New Ordinary shares of 105⁄8p each 

At 1 October
Ordinary and New Ordinary shares allotted during the year
Repurchase of Ordinary and New Ordinary shares
At 30 September

NUMBER OF SHARES

ALLOTTED SHARE CAPITAL

At 1 October 
Ordinary and New Ordinary shares  

allotted during the year on exercise  
of share options 

Ordinary shares allotted during the year 
on release of Long Term Incentive  
Plan awards

Ordinary shares issued to Compass  

Group Employee Share Trust
Repurchase of Ordinary and New  

B and C shares issued through 

capitalisation of share premium 
account

Conversion of 17 Ordinary shares  

of 10p each to 16 New Ordinary  
shares of 105⁄8p each

Redemption and cancellation of  

B shares

Reclassification of C shares to  

deferred shares

Cancellation of deferred shares
At 30 September 

2015

2014

Number of shares

 £m

Number of shares

 £m

1,656,777,382

1,673,886,784

178

180
1
(3)
178

176

178
–
(2)
176

2014

Ordinary
 shares of 
10p each

New Ordinary
 shares of
105/8p each

B shares of
 56p each

C shares of
 0.0001p each

Deferred shares of
 0.0001p each

2015

Ordinary 
shares of
105/8p each

1,673,886,784 1,804,035,995

–

1,821,725

2,542,672

795,616

1,602,612

1,333,578

–

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

419,413,879 1,366,745,487

– (1,786,159,366) 1,681,091,168

–

–

–

–

(419,413,879)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
1,656,777,382

–
–
–
–
– 1,673,886,784

– (1,366,745,487) 1,366,745,487
– (1,366,745,487)
–
–
–
–

At 30 September 2015, employees held options over a total of 9,799,188 New Ordinary shares under the Group’s Executive and Management 
Share Option Plans as follows:

EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT 
SHARE OPTION PLANS

Exercisable

Number of shares

Option price 
per share 
pence

Date of grant:
14 December 2005
12 June 2006
30 March 2007
28 September 2007
28 March 2008
31 March 2009
30 September 2009
13 May 2010
25 November 2010
19 May 2011
25 November 2011
17 May 2012
22 November 2012
16 May 2013
29 November 2013

14 December 2008 – 13 December 2015
12 June 2009 – 11 June 2016
30 March 2010 – 29 March 2017
28 September 2010 – 27 September 2017
28 March 2011 – 27 March 2018
31 March 2012 – 30 March 2019
30 September 2012 – 29 September 2019
13 May 2013 – 12 May 2020
25 November 2013 – 24 November 2020
19 May 2014 – 18 May 2021
25 November 2014 – 24 November 2021
17 May 2015 – 16 May 2022
22 November 2015 – 21 November 2022
16 May 2016 – 15 May 2023
29 November 2016 – 28 November 2023

141,690
5,000
286,932
28,660
315,094
623,439
2,310
719,416
10,155
1,054,400
10,000
2,452,078
206,901
3,832,213
110,900
9,799,188

210.00
234.50
335.75
310.75
321.50
319.00
372.40
557.50
566.00
575.00
545.50
627.00
699.50
878.00
922.00

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  129

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

23  SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED
Options granted after 3 February 2011 under the terms of The Compass Group Share Option Plan 2010 may be net settled at the discretion 
of the Company on exercise by the option holders, sufficient New Ordinary shares being issued to satisfy the profit realised during the period 
of the option. 

At 30 September 2015, employees also held awards under the Compass Group PLC Long Term Incentive Plan 2010 (LTIP 2010) as follows:

Date of award:
12 February 2013
18 February 2013
29 November 2013
29 November 2013
9 July 2014
27 November 2014
6 February 2015
14 May 2015

Vesting date

Number of shares

Performance target

1 October 2015
1 October 2015
1 October 2016
1 October 2016
9 July 2017
27 November 2017
1 October 2017
14 May 2018

1,079,039
18,717
827,498
13,556
1,375,197
99,312
801,831
1,406,172
5,621,322

33% TSR/33% AFCF/33%ROCE
33% TSR/33% AFCF/33%ROCE
33% TSR/33% AFCF/33%ROCE
50% AFCF/50%ROCE
50% AFCF/50%ROCE
50% AFCF/50%ROCE
33% TSR/33% AFCF/33%ROCE
50% AFCF/50%ROCE

The performance and vesting conditions are described in more detail in note 24.

24  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
SHARE OPTIONS
Full details of The Compass Group Share Option Plan 2010 (CSOP 2010), the Compass Group Share Option Plan (CSOP 2000), the Compass 
Group Management Share Option Plan (Management Plan) (collectively the Executive and Management Share Option Plans) and the UK 
Sharesave Plan are set out in prior years’ annual reports which are available on the Company’s website.

The consolidation of Compass Group PLC shares that took place during the prior year had no impact on the number of options outstanding 
under these plans or on the other terms and conditions that apply to them other than consideration by the Remuneration Committee of the 
impact on the performance targets that relate to these awards. 

The following tables illustrate the number and weighted average exercise prices of, and movements in, share options during the year:

EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT SHARE OPTION PLANS

Outstanding at 1 October
Granted 
Exercised 
Lapsed (following net settlement)
Expired
Lapsed
Outstanding at 30 September 

Exercisable at 30 September

2015

2014 

Number of 
share 
options

15,296,670
–
(2,578,304)
(1,681,555)
(229,400)
(1,008,223)
9,799,188

Weighted 
average 
exercise
 price 
pence

 Number of 
share 
options

–

623.07 21,107,790
128,800
462.68 (3,338,288)
603.06 (1,604,825)
(381,300)
229.25
(615,507)
661.03
674.02 15,296,670

5,649,174

529.85 6,118,190

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
pence

577.50
922.00
397.11
570.53
342.91
658.71
623.07

438.93

INFORMATION RELATING TO ALL OPTION SCHEMES
The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was 1,096.06 pence (2014: 951.30 pence).

The executive and management options outstanding at the end of the year have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.2 years 
(2014: 6.7 years).

No options were granted during the year.

Fair values for the executive and management schemes were calculated using a binomial distribution option pricing model so that proper 
allowance is made for the presence of performance conditions and the possibility of early exercise. In addition, a Monte Carlo simulation 
model was used to estimate the probability of performance conditions being met. The inputs to the option pricing models are reassessed for 
each grant.

The expected volatility is calculated with reference to weekly movements in the Compass share price over the three years prior to the  
grant date.

130  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 24  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED
The following assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of options granted under the CSOP 2010:

ASSUMPTIONS – OPTIONS

Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Dividend yield
Expected life
Weighted average share price at date of grant
Weighted average option exercise price

2015 

2014 

–
–
–
–
–
–

15.3%
1.8%
2.6%
6.0 years
921.00p
922.00p

Vesting of options awarded from October 2005 onwards depends on the achievement of the Adjusted Free Cash Flow (AFCF) target.  
For options granted after 30 September 2006, 100% of the options will vest if the maximum target is met and a proportion of the awards  
will vest if the threshold target is met, as set out in the table shown below. Awards vest on a straight line basis for AFCF between these  
two points.

EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT 
SHARE OPTION PLANS

Granted on:
22 November 2012 and 16 May 2013
29 November 2013

Target

Threshold

AFCF 

Maximum

AFCF 

Performance period

£m % of award

£m % of award 

1 October 2012 – 30 September 2015
1 October 2013 – 30 September 2016

2,246
2,423

0%
0%

2,482
2,679

100%
100%

Performance targets applying to earlier grants under the Executive and Management Share Option Plans have been met in full.

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
Full details of The Compass Group PLC Long Term Incentive Plan 2010 (2010 LTIP) can be found in the Directors’ Remuneration Report  
on pages 59 to 77.

The consolidation of Compass Group PLC shares that took place during the prior year had no impact on the number of awards outstanding 
under these plans or on the other terms and conditions that apply to them other than consideration by the Remuneration Committee of the 
impact on the performance targets that relate to these awards. 

The following table shows the movement in share awards during the year:

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

Outstanding at 1 October
Awarded 
Released
Lapsed 
Outstanding at 30 September 

Available for release at 30 September

PERFORMANCE TARGETS – LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

Total Shareholder Return (TSR)
Cumulative three year Adjusted Free Cash Flow (AFCF)
Improvement in Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)
Outstanding at 30 September 

2015
Number
of shares 

5,176,571
2,352,851
(1,602,612)
(305,488)
5,621,322

2014 
Number
of shares

4,170,607
2,381,464
(1,333,578)
(41,922)
5,176,571

–

–

2015 
Number
of shares 

909,028
2,356,147
2,356,147
5,621,322

2014 
Number
of shares

1,498,295
2,247,119
1,431,157
5,176,571

Vesting of a proportion of LTIP awards is dependent on the Group’s Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance relative to a comparator 
group of non-financial companies included within the FTSE 100 Index. This performance condition is treated as a market based condition  
for valuation purposes and an assessment of the vesting probability is built into the grant date fair value calculations. This assessment was 
calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  131

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

24  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED
Vesting of a proportion of LTIP awards is dependent on the achievement of the cumulative three year AFCF target. 100% of that element of 
the award will vest if the maximum AFCF target is met, and a proportion of the award will vest if the threshold AFCF target is met, as set out 
in the table below. Awards vest on a straight line basis between these two points.

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

Performance period

Target

Threshold

AFCF 

Maximum

AFCF

£m % of award

£m % of award 

Awarded during the year commencing:
1 October 2012
1 October 2013
1 October 2014

1 October 2012 – 30 September 2015
1 October 2013 – 30 September 2016
1 October 2014 – 30 September 2017

2,246
2,423
2,231

0%
0%
0%

2,482
2,679
2,465

100%
100%
100%

Vesting of a proportion of LTIP awards is dependent on the achievement of the ROCE improvement target over the performance period. 100% 
of that element of the award will vest if the maximum ROCE improvement target is met, and a proportion of the award will vest if the 
threshold growth target is met, as set out in the table below. Awards vest on a straight line basis between these two points.

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

Performance period

Target

Threshold

ROCE 

Maximum

ROCE

%  % of award

%  % of award 

Awarded during the year commencing:
1 October 2012
1 October 2013
1 October 2014

1 October 2012 – 30 September 2015
1 October 2013 – 30 September 2016
1 October 2014 – 30 September 2017

17.9%
18.4%
19.0%

25%
0%
0%

19.6%
20.1%
20.4%

100%
100%
100%

The fair value of awards subject to AFCF and ROCE improvement performance targets was calculated using the Black-Scholes option  
pricing model. The vesting probability of each element has been assessed based on a simulation model of the AFCF and ROCE improvement 
forecasts. The AFCF performance targets relating to LTIP awards made in the years commencing 1 October 2010 and 1 October 2011 were 
met in full and the maximum number of shares available were released to the participants.

For awards made in the year commencing 1 October 2010, the Company’s TSR performance fell just outside the top quartile of the 
comparator group and as a result 96.1% of that element of the award vested. The element of awards made in the year commencing 1 October 
2011 dependent upon TSR performance targets vested in full and the maximum number of shares available were released to participants as 
the Company’s TSR performance was within the top quartile of the comparator group. The weighted average share price at the date of release 
for LTIP awards released during 2015 was 1,060.06 pence (2014: 938.50 pence).

The LTIP awards outstanding at the end of the year have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.7 years (2014: 1.5 years).

For the year ended 30 September 2015, LTIP awards were made on 27 November 2014, 6 February 2015 and 14 May 2015 for which the 
estimated fair value was 663.40 pence, 630.36 pence and 708.41 pence respectively. For the year ended 30 September 2014, LTIP awards 
were made on 29 November 2013 and 9 July 2014 for which the estimated fair value was 582.03 pence and 653.22 pence respectively. 
These awards were all made under the terms of the 2010 LTIP.

The inputs to the option pricing model are reassessed for each award. The following assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of 
LTIP awards made during the year: 

ASSUMPTIONS – LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Dividend yield
Expected life
Weighted average share price at date of grant

2015

2014

14.9%
0.7%
2.3%
2.9 years
1,130.31p

15.5%
0.7%
2.4%
2.9 years
986.23p

132  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 24  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED
RESTRICTED SHARES
The following table shows the movement in restricted share awards during the year:

RESTRICTED SHARES

Outstanding at 1 October
Awarded 
Vested and released
Lapsed
Outstanding at 30 September 

Vested and available for release at 30 September

RESTRICTED SHARES (PHANTOM AWARDS)

Outstanding at 1 October
Vested and released
Outstanding at 30 September 

Vested and available for release at 30 September

2015
Number 
of shares 

347,270
79,502
(114,566)
(25,000)
287,206

2014
Number 
of shares 

118,353
264,770
(35,853)
–
347,270

–

–

2015
Number 
of shares 

52,460
(52,460)
–

2014
Number 
of shares 

52,460
–
52,460

–

–

The phantom restricted shares were awarded on 25 November 2011 and vested on 25 November 2014. These awards were cash-settled and 
the fair value is reassessed at each balance sheet date. The carrying amount as at 30 September 2015 is £nil (2014: £0.5 million).

The fair value of restricted shares awarded in the year was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, using the following 
assumptions.

ASSUMPTIONS – RESTRICTED SHARES

Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Dividend yield
Expected life
Weighted average share price at date of grant

2015

2014

14.8%
0.5%
2.5%
1.8 years
1,064.00p

15.3%
0.7%
2.6%
2.4 years
923.08p

The weighted average share price at the date of release for restricted share awards released during 2015 was 1,093.05 pence (2014:  
997.93 pence). 

DEFERRED ANNUAL BONUS PLAN
Certain senior executives participate in the Deferred Annual Bonus Plan. Awards made before 30 September 2013 comprised two elements. 
Payment of a portion of the annual bonus awarded to these executives is deferred for three years. The amount released on expiry of the 
deferral period may be increased subject to achievement of organic revenue, profit growth and personal performance targets. Any amount 
paid in cash must be immediately reinvested in ordinary shares of the Company which must then be held for a qualifying period. 

The second element of the award reflects the growth in the Company’s share price over the deferral period assuming that the deferred 
element of the annual bonus had been invested in ordinary shares of the Company at the start of the deferral period. The fair value of the 
awards is determined by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Any sum payable at the end of the deferral period is paid in cash. The 
Group has recorded a liability of £0.8 million (2014: £2.5 million) in respect of awards made before 30 September 2013 under this plan.

The terms of the plan were revised in 2014. Payment of a portion of the annual bonus awarded to certain executives is converted into shares. 
Subject to the achievement of organic revenue growth, cumulative PBIT and personal performance targets over the three year deferral period, 
the number of deferred shares may be increased. Deferred shares are only released to the participants if minimum threshold performance 
levels are met. A total of 491,588 (2014: 285,040) deferred shares have been awarded which will vest in full if the maximum performance 
targets are met. 75% of the awards will vest if minimum threshold performance levels are met. Awards vest on a straight line basis between 
these two points.

The fair value of these awards has been calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, using the following assumptions:

ASSUMPTIONS – DEFERRED ANNUAL BONUS PLAN

Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Dividend yield
Expected life
Weighted average share price at date of grant

2015

2014

14.8%
0.6%
2.5%
3.0 years
1,060.00p

15.3%
0.7%
2.6%
3.0 years
921.00p

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  133

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

24  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED
ACCELERATED GROWTH PLAN
Contingent share awards under this plan have been awarded to the leadership team in certain countries in order to reward and encourage  
the growth of those businesses. Vesting of these awards is subject to the achievement of local organic revenue growth, cumulative PBIT and 
personal performance targets over the three year period. 50% of the awards will vest if minimum threshold performance levels are met. 
Awards vest on a straight line basis between these two points. 

The fair value of these awards has been calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

The following table illustrates the movement in the number of awards during the year:

ACCELERATED GROWTH PLAN

Outstanding at 1 October
Awarded
Lapsed
Outstanding at 30 September

2015
Number of
shares

2014
Number of
shares

563,070
108,494
(55,950)
615,614

–
605,564
(42,494)
563,070

LONG TERM BONUS PLAN
Certain executives participating in the Long Term Bonus Plan in prior years received an award of deferred Compass Group PLC shares.  
The award of bonus shares is subject to performance conditions and matching shares may be released by the Company following the 
completion of a further period of service. The terms of the Plan require that these shares are purchased in the market, rather than being  
issued by the Company. The shares are purchased and distributed by the ESOP and LTIPT.

The following table illustrates the movement in the number of awards during the year: 

LONG TERM BONUS PLAN

Outstanding at 1 October
Released
Lapsed
Outstanding at 30 September

2015
Number of
shares

2014
Number of
shares

277,466
(88,528)
(27,936)
161,002

352,953
(67,685)
(7,802)
277,466

The fair value of bonus shares awarded is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model; however, no new awards were made in 
either 2015 or 2014.

The weighted average share price at the date of release for share bonus awards released during 2015 was 1,101.00 pence. No awards were 
released during 2014. The share bonus awards have all vested, although certain executives have elected to defer taking their entitlements for  
a further period of up to 1.3 years (2014: 3.3 years), the weighted average deferral period being 1.0 years (2014: 1.3 years). 

INCOME STATEMENT EXPENSE
The Group recognised an expense of £15 million (2014: £13 million) for continuing operations in respect of equity-settled share-based 
payment transactions and £nil (2014: £2 million) in respect of cash-settled share-based payment transactions.

25  BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
The Group has completed a number of smaller infill acquisitions in several countries for a total consideration of £93 million, of which  
£76 million was paid in the year. In addition, the Group paid a further £13 million deferred consideration relating to prior years.

Acquisition transaction costs expensed in the year to 30 September 2015 were £2 million (2014: £3 million). 

In the period from acquisition to 30 September 2015, the acquisitions contributed revenue of £42 million and operating profit of £6 million 
to the Group’s results.

If the acquisitions had occurred on 1 October 2014, it is estimated that the combined sales of Group and equity accounted joint ventures for 
the period would have been £17,884 million and total Group operating profit (including associates) would have been £1,264 million.

134  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 26  RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO CASH GENERATED BY OPERATIONS

RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO CASH GENERATED BY CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Operating profit from continuing operations

Adjustments for:

Acquisition transaction costs
Amortisation of intangible assets
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment/intangible assets
Decrease in provisions
Decrease in post-employment benefit obligations
Share-based payments – charged to profits 
Operating cash flows before movement in working capital

Increase in inventories
Increase in receivables
Increase in payables

2015
£m

1,222

2
147
26
193
3
(56)
(59)
15
1,493

(17)
(128)
128

2014 
Restated1
£m

1,184

3
128
25
189
(1)
(64)
(46)
13
1,431

(17)
(152)
155

Cash generated by continuing operations

1,476

1,417

1  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment for joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15. 

27  RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT
This table is presented as additional information to show movement in net debt, defined as overdrafts, bank and other borrowings, finance 
leases and derivative financial instruments, net of cash and cash equivalents.

Cash and 
cash 
equivalents 
£m

Bank 
overdrafts 
£m

Bank and 
other 
borrowings 
£m

NET DEBT

At 1 October 2013
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash inflow from issue of bonds
Cash outflow from repayment of loan notes
Cash inflow from other changes in gross debt
Cash outflow from repayment of obligations 

under finance leases

Increase in net debt as a result of new 

finance leases taken out

Currency translation (losses)/gains
Reclassification1
Other non-cash movements
At 30 September 20141,2

At 1 October 2014
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash inflow from issue of loan notes
Cash outflow from repayment of bonds
Cash inflow from other changes in gross debt
Cash outflow from repayment of obligations 

under finance leases

Increase in net debt as a result of new 

finance leases taken out

Currency translation (losses)/gains
Other non-cash movements
At 30 September 2015

987
(563)
–
–
–

–

–
(16)
–
–
408

408
(103)
–
–
–

–

–
(22)
–
283

(20)
–
–
–
(18)

–

–
1
–
–
(37)

(37)
–
–
–
(21)

–

–
(1)
–
(59)

Gross debt

Total 
overdrafts
and 
borrowings 
£m

(2,243)
–
(646)
74
(21)

(2,223)
–
(646)
74
(3)

–

–

–
51
(18)
(21)
(2,786)

(2,786)
–
(259)
250
(15)

–
52
(18)
(21)
(2,823)

(2,823)
–
(259)
250
(36)

–

–

–
(22)
(27)
(2,859)

–
(23)
(27)
(2,918)

Finance 
leases 
£m

Derivative 
financial 
instruments 
£m

(21)
–
–
–
–

5

(2)
1
–
–
(17)

(17)
–
–
–
–

5

(2)
1
–
(13)

66
–
–
–
(4)

–

–
(24)
–
23
61

61
–
–
–
(39)

–

–
(2)
25
45

Total 
gross 
debt 
£m

(2,198)
–
(646)
74
(25)

Net 
debt 
£m

(1,211)
(563)
(646)
74
(25)

5

5

(2)
29
(18) 
2
(2,779)

(2,779)
–
(259)
250
(75)

(2)
13
(18)
2
(2,371)

(2,371)
(103)
(259)
250
(75)

5

5

(2)
(24)
(2)
(2,886)

(2)
(46)
(2)
(2,603)

1  2014 has been restated to reflect a reclassification between other payables and short term borrowings.
2  2014 has been restated for the change in the accounting treatment for joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11, as detailed in note 15.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  135

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

27  RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT CONTINUED
Other non-cash movements are comprised as follows:

OTHER NON-CASH MOVEMENTS IN NET DEBT

Amortisation of fees and discount on issuance
Amortisation of the fair value adjustment in respect of the £250 million sterling Eurobond redeemable in 2014 
Changes in the fair value of bank and other borrowings in a designated fair value hedge
Bank and other borrowings

Changes in the value of derivative financial instruments including accrued income

Other non-cash movements

28  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 
PERFORMANCE BONDS, GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES

Performance bonds, guarantees and indemnities (including those of associated undertakings)1

2015 
£m

(1)
–
(26)
(27)

25

(2)

2015
£m

349

2014
£m

(2)
4
(23)
(21)

23

2

2014
£m

392

1   Excludes bonds, guarantees and indemnities in respect of self-insurance liabilities, post-employment obligations and borrowings (including finance and operating leases) 

recorded on the balance sheet or disclosed in note 30.

PERFORMANCE BONDS, GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES
The Company and certain subsidiary undertakings have, in the normal course of business, given guarantees and entered into counter-
indemnities in respect of such guarantees relating to the Group’s own contracts and/or the Group’s share of certain contractual obligations of 
joint arrangements and associates. Where the Group enters into such arrangements, it does so in order to provide assurance to the beneficiary 
that it will fulfil its existing contractual obligations. The issue of such guarantees and indemnities does not, therefore, increase the Group’s 
overall exposure and the disclosure of such performance bonds, guarantees and indemnities is given for information purposes only.

EUREST SUPPORT SERVICES
On 21 October 2005, the Company announced that it had instructed Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer to conduct an investigation into  
the relationships between Eurest Support Services (ESS) (a member of the Group), IHC Services Inc. (IHC) and the United Nations (UN).  
Ernst & Young assisted Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in this investigation. On 1 February 2006, it was announced that the investigation  
had concluded.

The investigation established serious irregularities in connection with contracts awarded to ESS by the UN. The work undertaken by Freshfields 
Bruckhaus Deringer and Ernst & Young gave no reason to believe that these issues extended beyond a few individuals within ESS to other parts 
of ESS or the wider Compass Group of companies.

The Group settled all outstanding civil litigation against it in relation to this matter in October 2006, but litigation continues between 
competitors of ESS, IHC and other parties involved in UN procurement.

IHC’s relationship with the UN and ESS was part of a wider investigation into UN procurement activity being conducted by the United States 
Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and with which the Group co-operated fully. The current status of that investigation  
is uncertain and a matter for the US authorities. Those investigators could have had access to sources unavailable to the Group, Freshfields 
Bruckhaus Deringer or Ernst & Young, and further information may yet emerge which is inconsistent with, or additional to, the findings of the 
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer investigation, which could have an adverse impact on the Group. The Group has, however, not been contacted 
by, or received further requests for information from, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York in connection 
with these matters since January 2006. The Group has co-operated fully with the UN throughout. 

OTHER LITIGATION AND CLAIMS
The Group is also involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to the nature of its business and maintains insurance cover to  
reduce financial risk associated with claims related to these proceedings. Where appropriate, provisions are made to cover any potential 
uninsured losses.

In addition, the Group is subject to periodic tax audits and challenges with/by various fiscal authorities covering corporate, employee and  
sales taxes in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. None of these are currently expected to have a material impact on the Group’s 
financial position. 

OUTCOME
Although it is not possible to predict the outcome or quantify the financial effect of these proceedings, or any claim against the Group related 
thereto, in the opinion of the directors, any uninsured losses resulting from the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material 
effect on the financial position of the Group. The timing of the settlement of these proceedings or claims is uncertain.  

136  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 29  CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

Contracted for but not provided for 

The majority of capital commitments are for intangible assets.

2015
£m

230

2014
£m

187

30  OPERATING LEASE AND CONCESSIONS COMMITMENTS
The Group leases offices and other premises under non-cancellable operating leases. The leases have varying terms, purchase options, 
escalation clauses and renewal rights. The Group has some leases that include revenue-related rental payments that are contingent on future 
levels of revenue.

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases and concessions agreements are as follows:

OPERATING LEASE AND CONCESSIONS COMMITMENTS

Falling due within 1 year 
Falling due between 2 and 5 years 
Falling due in more than 5 years 
Total

2015

Operating leases

Land and 
buildings 
£m

51
136
72
259

Other 
assets
 £m

52
75
9
136

Other 
occupancy
rentals
 £m

51
84
55
190

2014

Operating leases

Land and 
buildings
 £m

53
141
76
270

Other 
assets
 £m 

46
63
6
115

Other 
occupancy
rentals 
£m

55
74
53
182

31  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following transactions were carried out with related parties of Compass Group PLC:

SUBSIDIARIES
Transactions between the ultimate Parent Company and its subsidiaries, and between subsidiaries, have been eliminated on consolidation.

JOINT VENTURES
There were no significant transactions between joint ventures or joint venture partners and the rest of the Group during the year.

ASSOCIATES
The balances with associated undertakings are shown in notes 14 and 20. There were no significant transactions with associated 
undertakings during the year.

KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
The remuneration of directors and key management personnel is set out in note 3. During the year, there were no other material transactions 
or balances between the Group and its key management personnel or members of their close families.

32  POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
There are no material post balance sheet events.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  137

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

33  EXCHANGE RATES

AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE FOR THE YEAR1
Australian Dollar
Brazilian Real
Canadian Dollar
Euro
Japanese Yen
Norwegian Krone
South African Rand
Swedish Krona
Swiss Franc
Turkish Lira
UAE Dirham
US Dollar

CLOSING EXCHANGE RATE AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER1
Australian Dollar
Brazilian Real
Canadian Dollar
Euro
Japanese Yen
Norwegian Krone
South African Rand
Swedish Krona
Swiss Franc
Turkish Lira
UAE Dirham
US Dollar

2015

2014

1.98
4.66
1.90
1.35
184.31
11.82
18.60
12.58
1.48
3.96
5.69
1.55

2.16
6.03
2.03
1.36
181.42
12.92
20.94
12.70
1.48
4.59
5.56
1.51

1.81
3.80
1.79
1.23
169.92
10.12
17.54
11.00
1.49
3.53
6.09
1.66

1.85
3.97
1.81
1.28
177.83
10.41
18.32
11.69
1.55
3.70
5.95
1.62

1   Average rates are used to translate the income statement and cash flow statement. Closing rates are used to translate the balance sheet. Only the most significant currencies are 

shown.

138  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Consolidated financial statements 34  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC 

All companies listed below are owned by the Group and all interests are in the ordinary share capital, except where otherwise indicated.  
All subsidiaries have been consolidated. All companies operate principally in their country of incorporation.

PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES
Compass Group (Australia) Pty Limited
GRSA Servicos e Alimentacao Ltda
Compass Group Canada Ltd
Compass Group France Holdings SAS
Compass Group France SAS
Compass Group Deutschland GmbH
Medirest GmbH & Co OHG
Eurest Deutschland GmbH
Eurest Services GmbH
Food Affairs GmbH
Compass Group Italia S.P.A.
Seiyo Food-Compass Group, Inc.
Compass Group International BV
Compass Group Nederland BV
Compass Group Nederland Holding BV
Eurest Services BV
Compass Group Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd (iii) (viii)
Supercare Services Group (Proprietary) Limited
Sofra Yemek ˝Uretim Ve Hizmet A.S. (iii)
Compass Contract Services (U.K.) Limited
Compass Group Holdings PLC (i) (iii)
Compass Group, UK & Ireland Limited
Compass Group Procurement Limited
Compass Purchasing Limited
Compass Services (U.K.) Limited
Hospitality Holdings Limited (i)
Letheby & Christopher Limited
Scolarest Limited
VSG Group Limited
Bon Appétit Management Co.(viii)
Compass Group USA Investments Inc.
Compass Group USA, Inc. (viii)
Crothall Services Group
Flik International Corp.
Foodbuy, LLC
Levy Restuarants LP
Morrison Management Specialists, Inc.
Restaurant Associates Corp.
Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events, LLC
Compass Group Holdings Spain, S.L.
Eurest Colectividades S.L. 
Compass Group (Schweiz) AG
Restorama AG

Country of 
incorporation
Australia
Brazil
Canada
France
France
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Italy
Japan
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
South Africa
South Africa
Turkey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
Spain
Spain
Switzerland
Switzerland

% Holding
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
75
75
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
90
100
100
100
100

Principal activities
Food and support services
Food and support services
Food and support services
Holding company
Food and support services
Holding company
Food service to the healthcare and senior living market
Food service to business and industry
Support services to business and industry
Food service for the events market
Food service, support services and prepaid meal vouchers
Food and support services
Holding company
Food and support services
Holding company
Food and support services
Food and support services
Support services 
Food and support services
Food and support services
Holding company and corporate activities
Holding company
Purchasing services throughout the world
Purchasing services in the UK and Ireland
Food and support services
Intermediate holding company
Food service for the UK sports and events market
Food service for the UK education market
Security and support services
Food service
Holding company
Food and support services
Support services to the healthcare market
Fine dining facilities
Purchasing services in North America
Fine dining and food service at sports and entertainment facilities
Food service to the healthcare and senior living market
Fine dining facilities
Fine dining facilities
Holding company
Food and support services
Food and support services
Food service

Country of 
OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES
incorporation
Algeria
Eurest Algerie SPA
Argentina
Servicios Compass de Argentina SA
Australia
Compass Australia PTY Ltd
Australia
Compass Group B&I Hospitality Services PTY Ltd
Compass Group Defence Hospitality Services PTY Ltd
Australia
Compass Group Education Hospitality Services PTY Ltd Australia
Compass Group Healthcare Hospitality Services PTY Ltd Australia
Australia
Compass Group Management Services PTY Ltd
Australia
Compass Group Relief Hospitality Services PTY Ltd
Australia
Compass Group Remote Hospitality Services PTY Ltd
Australia
Compass Retail Services Pty Ltd
Australia
Delta Facilities Management PTY Ltd
Australia
Delta FM Australia PTY Ltd
Eurest (Australia) Food Services – NSW PTY Ltd
Australia
Eurest (Australia) Food Services – Wollongong PTY Ltd Australia
Australia
Eurest (Australia) Food Services PTY Ltd
Australia
Eurest (Australia) Licence Holdings PTY Ltd
Australia
Eurest (Australia) PTY Ltd
Australia
Eurest (Australia) Victoria PTY Ltd
Australia
Heritage Catering & Services PTY Ltd
Australia
LAPG Education PTY Ltd
Australia
LAPG PTY Ltd
Australia
Life’s A Party Group PTY Ltd
Australia
Life’s A Party PTY Ltd
Australia
Omega Security Services PTY Ltd
Australia
Restaurant Associates (Australia) PTY Ltd
Australia
Sargem PTY Ltd
Austria
Compass Group Austria Holdings One GmbH
Austria
Compass Group Austria Holdings Two GmbH

% Holding
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES
Eurest Restaurationbetriebs GmbH
Kunz Gebäudereinigung GmbH
Select Service Partner Gastronomiebetrieb GmbH (ii)
C.A.P.S. (Bangladesh) Limited (ii)
Compass Group Belgilux SA
Compass Group Service Solutions SA
Compass Group Support Belgium SA
FLR Holding SA
Clean Mall Servicos Ltda
GRSA Servicos Ltda
Compass Group Holdings (BVI) Limited
Compass Group (Cambodia) Co Ltd (ii)
Eurest Cameroun SARL (ii)
Eurest Camp Logistics Cameroun SARL (ii)
Canteen of Canada Ltd
Compass Canada Support Services Ltd
Compass Group Ontario Ltd
Crothall Services Canada Inc (iii)
East Coast Catering (NS) Limited
East Coast Catering Limited
Great West Catering Ltd
Groupe Compass (Quebec) Ltd (iii)
Long Harbour Catering LP
Long Harbour Catering Ltd
Tamarack Catering Ltd
Town Square Food Services Ltd
Heriot Limited (ii)
Cadelsur SA
Compass Catering SA

Country of 
% Holding
incorporation
100
Austria
100
Austria
100
Austria
100
Bangladesh
100
Belgium
100
Belgium
100
Belgium
100
Belgium
100
Brazil
100
Brazil
British Virgin Islands 100
100
Cambodia
100
Cameroon
100
Cameroon
100
Canada
100
Canada
100
Canada
100
Canada
100
Canada
100
Canada
100
Canada
100
Canada
100
Canada
100
Canada
100
Canada
100
Canada
100
Cayman Islands
100
Chile
100
Chile

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  139

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

34  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC CONTINUED

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES
Compass Catering y Servicios Chile Limitada
Compass Servicios SA
Scolarest SA
Compass (China) Management Service Company Ltd
Shanghai Eurest Food Technology Services Co Ltd
Compass Group Services Colombia SA
Eurest Services Congo SARL (ii)
ESS Design & Build Ltd (ii)
Eurest (Cyprus) Ltd (ii)
Eurest Support Services (Cyprus) International Ltd (ii)
Eurest spol. s.r.o 
Scolarest Za ˇrízení Školního Stravování spol. s.r.o
Compass Group Danmark A/S
Compass Group Finland OY
Academie Formation Groupe Compass
Caterine Restauration (ii)
Compass Food Trucks France
CRM
Eurest International SNC (ii)
Eurest Sports & Loisirs
Evhrest
Levy Restaurants France 
Mediance SAS
Memonett SAS
Occitanie Restauration
Oceane de Restauration
Servirest SAS
Set Meal
SHRM Angola SA
Societe Culinaire Des Pays de L’Adour
Societe De Prestations En Gestion Immobiliere SAS
Societe International D’Assistance
Societe Nouvelle Lecocq SAS
Sogecom SARL
Sogirest SAS
S ˝ud Est Traiteur SAS
Eurest Support Services Gabon SA
Eurest Bremen GmbH
Eurest S ˝ud GmbH
Eurest West GmbH & Co KG
Facility Support Services GmbH
LPS Event Gastronomie GmbH
Menke Menue GmbH
M.S.G. Frucht GmbH
Orgamed Betriebsgesellschaft f ˝ur  
Zentralsterilisationen GmbH
Plural Gebäudemanagement GmbH
Plural Personalservice GmbH
Plural Servicepool GmbH
SB Fresh Cut GmbH & Co KG
SB Verwaltungs GmbH (ii)
Compass Group Finance Ltd
Compass Group Hong Kong Ltd
Encore Catering Ltd
Shin Hin Catering Group Ltd
Compass Group (India) Support Services Pvt Ltd
Compass India Support Services Private Limited
Amstel Limited (ii)
Catering Management Ireland Ltd (ii)
Cheyenne Ltd (ii)
Compass Catering Services Ireland Ltd
Drumburgh Ltd (ii)
Management Catering Services Ltd
National Catering Ltd (ii)
Rushmore Investment Company Ltd (ii) (viii)
Sutcliffe Ireland Ltd
Zadca Ltd (ii)
Consolidated Services Ltd
Queens Wharf Insurance Services Ltd (viii)
Compass (Kyushu) Co Inc
Eishoku Medix Inc
Eurest Japan Inc
Fuyo Inc
Marunouchi Polestar Co Ltd
MFS Inc
Nihon Kyushoku Service Inc
Sun Food Inc.
Sun Food Tokai Inc.
Malakand Unlimited
Too ESS Support Services LLP
Too Eurest Support Services Kazakhstan LLP
Kenya Oilfield Services Ltd (ii)

140  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Country of 
incorporation
Chile
Chile
Chile
China
China
Colombia
Congo
Cyprus
Cyprus
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
Gabon
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany

Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Guernsey
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
India
India
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Isle of Man
Isle of Man
Japan
Japan
Japan
Japan
Japan
Japan
Japan
Japan
Japan
Jersey
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Kenya

% Holding
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES
Automat Services SARL
Eurest Luxembourg SA
IMMO Capellen SA
Innoclean SA
Novelia Senior Services SA
Compass Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Em-ssis Services Sdn Bhd (ii)
Restomas Sdn Bhd (ii)
Urusan Bakti Sdn Bhd (ii)
Compass Group Mauritius Ltd
Eurest Proper Meals de Mexico SA De CV (iii) (iv)
Eurest SA de CV (iii) (iv)
Food Works of Mexico, S de RL (ii) (iii) (iv)
Food Works Services of Mexico, S de RL (ii) (iii) (iv)
Servicios Corporativos Eurest-Proper Meals de Mexico  

SA De CV (iii) (iv)
Eurest Monaco SA
Compass Eurest LLC (ii)
Aurora Holdco BV
CGI Holdings (2) BV
Compass 2 BV
Compass 3 BV
Compass Group Holding BV (ii)
Compass Group International 10 BV (ii)
Compass Group International 2 BV
Compass Group International 3 BV
Compass Group International 4 BV
Compass Group International 5 BV
Compass Group International 6 BV (ii)
Compass Group International 9 BV
Compass Group International ESS Shanghai BV
Compass Group International Finance 1 BV
Compass Group International Finance 2 BV
Compass Group Shanghai Eurest BV (ii)
Compass Group Vending Holding BV
Compass Hotels Chertsey BV
Eurest Support Services (ESS) BV
Eurest Support Services Sakhalin BV (ii)
Eurest Caledonie SARL (ii)
Compass Group New Zealand Ltd
Crothall Services Group Ltd (ii) 
Eurest New Zealand Ltd (ii)
Compass Holding Norge AS
ESS Mobile Offshore Units AS
ESS Support Services AS
Eurest AS
Medirest Norge AS
Eurest (PNG) Catering & Services Ltd
Compass Group Philippines Inc (ii)
Eurest Poland Sp. z.o.o.
Eurest (Portugal) Sociedade Europeia  

de Restaurantes Lda

Eurest Catering & Services Group Portugal, Lda
Eurest Holding, SGPS, Unipessoal Lda
Eurest ROM SRL
Aurora Rusco OOO
Compass Group Rus OOO
Eurest Service Company OOO
Compass Group (Singapore) PTE Ltd
Compass Group Asia Pacific PTE Ltd
Consolidated Service (SE Asia) PTE Ltd
SHRM Far East Pte Ltd
Eurest spol. s.r.o 
Firhold (Proprietary) Ltd (ii)
Makhugiso Investments (Proprietary) Ltd (viii)
Asistientes Escolares SL
Eurest Catalunya SL
Eurest Club de Campo, S.L.
Eurest Collectivitats Catalunya S.L.U.
Eurest Euskadi SLU
Eurest Servicios Feriales, S.L.
Levy-Compass Group Holdings SL
Medirest Social Residencias SLU
Compass Group AB 
Compass Group Sweden AB
Creative New Food Dream Steam GmbH
Eurest Services (Switzerland) AG
Sevita AG
Sevita Group AG
Compass Group Services Company Ltd (viii)
Eurasia Holdings Co Ltd
Eurasia Services Co Ltd
Eurasia Management (Thailand) Co., Ltd

Country of 
incorporation
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia
Mauritius
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico

Mexico
Monaco
Mongolia
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
Norway
Norway
Norway
Norway
Norway
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Poland

Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Russia
Russia
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
South Africa
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Sweden
Sweden
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand

% Holding
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

Consolidated financial statements 34  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC CONTINUED

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES
Euroserve G ˝uvenlik A.¸S.
Euroserve Hizmet ve i ¸sletmecilik A.¸S.
Compass Camea FZE
14 Forty Limited (ii)
3 Gates Services Limited (ii)
A.C.M.S. Limited (x)
Audrey (London) Limited (ii)
Audrey Investments Limited (ii)
Bateman Catering Limited (ii) (vii)
Bateman Healthcare Services Limited (ii)
Bateman Services Limited (ii)
Baxter and Platts Limited (iii) (iv) (v) (x)
Bromwich Catering Limited (ii)
Business Clean Limited (ii)
Capitol Catering Management Services Limited (x)
Carlton Catering Partnership Limited (iii) (x)
Castle Independent Limited (x)
Cataforce Limited (ii)
Caterexchange Limited (ii)
Caterskill Group Limited (ii)
Caterskill Management Limited (ii)
CCG (UK) Ltd (x)
Chalk Catering Ltd (ii)
Chartwells Limited (ii)
Circadia Limited (ii)
Cleaning Support Services Limited (ii)
Coffee Partners Limited (x)
Compass Accounting Services Limited (ii)
Compass Catering Services Limited (ii)
Compass Cleaning Services Limited (ii) (viii)
Compass Contract Services Limited (ii)
Compass Contracts UK Limited (ii) (viii)
Compass Experience Limited (ii) (vii)
Compass Food Services Limited (ii)
Compass Group Capital 1 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 2 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 3 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 4 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 5 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 6 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 7 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 8 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 9 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 10 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 11 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 12 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 13 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 14 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 15 (ii)
Compass Group Capital 16 (ii)
Compass Group Finance No.2 Limited
Compass Group Finance No.4 Limited (iii) (iv) (viii)
Compass Group Finance No.5 Limited (xii)
Compass Group Medical Benefits Limited (ii)
Compass Group North America Investments No.2
Compass Group North America Investments Limited
Compass Group Pension Trustee Company Limited (ii)
Compass Group Trustees Limited (ii)
Compass Healthcare Group Limited (ii) (viii)
Compass Hospitality Group Holdings Limited (ii)
Compass Hospitality Group Limited (ii)
Compass Hotels Chertsey (iii)
Compass Mobile Catering Limited (ii)
Compass Nominee Company Number  

Fourteen Limited (ii)

Compass Office Cleaning Services Limited (ii)
Compass Offshore Catering Limited (ii) (viii)
Compass Overseas Holdings Limited
Compass Overseas Holdings No.2 Limited
Compass Overseas Services Limited (ii)
Compass Payroll Services Limited (ii)
Compass Pension Trustees Limited (ii)
Compass Planning and Design Limited (ii)
Compass Quest Limited (ii)
Compass Restaurant Properties Limited (ii) (vii)
Compass Road Services Limited (ii)
Compass Scottish Site Services Limited (ii)
Compass Secretaries Limited (ii)
Compass Security Limited (ii) (vii)
Compass Services (Midlands) Limited (ii)
Compass Services for Hospitals Limited (ii) (viii)
Compass Services Group Limited (ii)

Country of 
incorporation
Turkey
Turkey
UAE
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

% Holding
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES
Compass Services Limited (ii)
Compass Services Trading Limited (ii)
Compass Services, UK and Ireland Limited (x)
Compass Site Services Limited (ii) (vii)
Compass Staff Services Limited (ii)
Compass UK Pension Trustee Co Limited (ii)
Cookie Jar Limited (ii)
CRBS Resourcing Limited
Crisp Trustees Limited (ii)
CRN 1990 (Four) Limited (ii)
Customised Contract Catering Limited (x)
Cygnet Food Holdings Limited
Cygnet Foods Limited
DRE Developments Limited (ii)
Eaton Catering Limited (ii)
Eaton Wine Bars Limited (ii)
Eurest Airport Services Limited (ii)
Eurest Defence Support Services Limited (ii)
Eurest Offshore Support Services Limited (ii) (viii)
Eurest Prison Support Services Limited (ii)
Eurest UK Limited (ii)
Everson Hewett Limited (iii) (iv) (x)
Facilities Management Catering Limited
FADS Catering Limited (ii)
Fairfield Catering Company Limited (ii)
Fingerprint Managed Services Limited (ii)
Funpark Caterers Limited
Gogmore 
Goodfellows Catering Management Services Limited (x)
Gruppo Events Limited (x)
Hallmark Catering Management Limited (x)
Hamard Catering Management Services Limited (ii) (vii)
Hamard Group Limited (ii)
Henry Higgins Limited (ii)
Hospital Hygiene Services Limited (ii)
ICM Five Star Limited (ii)
Integrated Cleaning Management Limited
Integrated Cleaning Management Support  

Services Limited
Keith Prowse Limited (ii)
Kennedy Brookes Finance Limited (ii)
Knott Hotels Company of London (ii)
Langston Scott Limited (ii)
Leisure Support Services Limited (iii) (iv) (x)
Leith’s Limited (ii)
Lough Erne Holiday Village Limited (ii)
Meal Service Company Limited (ii)
Meritglen Limited (vii) (viii)
Milburns Catering Contracts Limited (ii)
Milburns Limited (ii)
Milburns Restaurants Limited (ii)
National Leisure Catering Limited (ii)
New Famous Foods Limited (ii)
NLC (Holdings) Limited (ii)
NLC (Wembley) Limited (ii)
P&C Morris (Catering) Ltd (ii) (vii)
P&C Morris Catering Group Limited (x)
Payne & Gunter Limited (x)
PDM Training & Compliance Services Limited
Pennine Services Limited (ii)
Peter Parfitt Leisure Overseas Tavel Limited
Peter Parfitt Sport Limited (vii) (x)
PPP Infrastructure Management Limited
Prideoak Limited (ii)
QCL Limited (x)
Quaglino’s Limited (ii)
Reliable Refreshments Limited
Rhine Four Limited (ii) (vii)
Riversdell
Roux Fine Dining Limited (ii)
Security Office Cleaners Limited (ii)
Selkirk House (CVH) Limited (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)
Selkirk House (FP) Limited (ii) (viii)
Selkirk House (GHPL) Limited (ii)
Selkirk House (GTP) Limited (ii)
Selkirk House (WBRK) Limited (ii)
Sevita (UK) Limited
Shaw Catering Company Limited (x)
Ski Class Limited
Solutions on Systems Limited
Summit Catering Limited (x)
Sunway Contract Services Limited (x)

Country of 
incorporation
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

% Holding
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  141

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

34  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC CONTINUED

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES
Sutcliffe Catering Midlands Limited (ii)
Sutcliffe Catering South East Limited (ii)
Sycamore Newco Limited (viii)
The Bateman Catering Organization Limited (ii)
The Cuisine Centre Limited (x)
The Excelsior Insurance Company Limited
THF Oil Limited (ii)
Tunco (1999) 103 Limited (ii)
Vendepac Holdings Limited (viii)
Vision Security Group Limited
Vision Security Group Systems Limited
VSG Holdings Limited
VSG Investments Limited
VSG Payroll Services Limited
VSG Staff Hire Limited
VSG Systems Direct Limited
Waseley (CVI) Limited (ii)
Waseley (CVS) Limited (ii)
Waseley Fifteen Limited (ii)
Waseley Nominees Limited (ii)
Wembley Sports Arena Limited (ii)
Wheeler’s Restaurants Limited (ii) (vii)
Woodin & Johns Limited (x)
Ace Foods, Inc.
Affiliated Purchasing Services, Inc. (ii)
Bamco Restaurants of Texas LLC
Best Vendors Consolidation Services, LLC
Best Vendors Management Company, Inc.
Best Vendors Management, Inc.
Best Vendors, LLC
Bistro Restaurant Limited Partnership
Bon Appétit Management Company Foundation
Bon Appétit Maryland, LLC
Cataforce, Inc.
CGSC Capital, Inc.
Coastal Food Service, Inc.
Coffee Distributing Corp.
Compass 2K12 Services, LLC
Compass HE Services, LLC
Compass Independent Corp.
Compass LCS, LLC
Compass LV, LLC
Compass One, LLC
Compass Paramount, LLC
Compass Two, LLC
Compass Vermont, Inc.
Convenience Foods International, Inc.
Crothall Facilities Management, Inc.
Crothall Healthcare Inc.
Crothall Laundry Services Inc.
Custom Management Corporation Of Pennsylvania (ii)
Cuyahoga Dining Services, Inc.
E15, LLC
Eliving, LLC
Eurest Services, Inc.
Facilities Holdings, LLC
Flik Lifestyles, LLC
Flik One, LLC
Food Services Management By Mgr, LLC
Gourmet Dining, LLC
Inter Pacific Management, Inc.
Levy (Events) Limited Partnership
Levy (IP) Limited Partnership (ii)
Levy (Oakland) Limited Partnerhsip
Levy Food Service Limited Partnership
Levy GP Corporation
Levy Holdings GP, Inc.
Levy Illinois Limited Partnership
Levy Oklahoma, Inc.
Levy Premium Foodservice Limited Partnership
Levy Premium Foodservice, Inc. (ii)
Levy Premium Foodservice, LLC
Levy Prom Golf, LLC
Levy R & H Limited Partnership
Levy Retail, LLC
Levy Sports & Entertainment, Inc.
Levy World Limited Partnership
Morrison Alumni Association, Inc.
Morrison Investment Company, Inc.
Morrison’s Custom Management Corporation  

of Pennsylvania (ii)

Morrison’s Health Care of Texas, Inc. (ii)

142  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Country of 
incorporation
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA

USA
USA

% Holding
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES
Newport Food Service, Inc.
PFM Kansas, Inc.
Prodine, Inc.
Professional Sports Catering, LLC
Quality Food Management, Inc.
RAC Holdings Corp.
Rainbow Vending, Inc.
RA Tennis Corp
Ranyst, Inc.
Restaurant Associates Events Corp.
Restaurant Associates LLC
Restaurant Associates, Inc.
Restaurant One Limited Partnership
Restaurant Services Inc
S.H.R.M. Catering Services, Inc.
Southeast Service Corporation
Statewide Services, Inc.
Street Eats Limited
Superior Limited Partnership
The M-Power Foundation, Inc.
Touchpoint Support Services, LLC
Trettco, LLC
University Food Services, Inc.
University Food Services, LLC
Vendlink, LLC
Visinity, LLC
Yorkmont Four, Inc.

Country of 
incorporation
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
Country of 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER  
incorporation or 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS
establishment
Angola
Express Support Services, Limitada
Australia
ESS Eastern Guruma PTY Ltd
Australia
ESS Gebie PTY Ltd
Australia
ESS Gumala PTY Ltd
ESS Kokatha PTY Ltd (ii)
Australia
Australia
ESS NYFL PTY Ltd
Australia
ESS Pantarlangu PTY Ltd
Australia
ESS Thalanyji PTY Ltd
Australia
ESS Larrakia PTY Ltd
Australia
ESS NAAD PTY Ltd
Australia
Convention Centre Management PTY Ltd
Azerbaijan
ESS-AZ LLC
Compass Botswana (PTY) Ltd (ii)
Botswana
Compass Group Sports and Entertainment (xi)
Canada
ECC – ESS Support Services (xi)
Canada
Popular Point Camp Services (xi)
Canada
Clearwater Catering Limited (ii) (iv)
Canada
Dene West Limited Partnership (xi)
Canada
ESS – DNDC Support Services (xi)
Canada
ESS – Duncan’s and Paddle Prairie Support Services (ii) (xi) Canada
ESS – East Arm Camp Services (xi)
Canada
ESS – Kaatodh Camp Services (ii) (xi)
Canada
ESS – Loon River Support Services (ii) (xi)
Canada
ESS – Na Cho Nyak Dun Camp Services (xi)
Canada
ESS – Ochapowace Support Services (xi)
Canada
ESS – Pessamit Camp Services (ii) (xi)
Canada
ESS – Wapan Manawan Services de Soutien (xi)
Canada
ESS Duncan’s Support Services (xi)
Canada
ESS Haisla Support Services (xi)
Canada
ESS HLFN Support Services (ii) (xi)
Canada
ESS KNRA Support Services (xi)
Canada
ESS Komatik Support Services (ii) (xi)
Canada
ESS Liard First Nation Support Services (xi)
Canada
ESS McKenzie Support Services (ii) (xi)
Canada
ESS Okanagan Indian Band Support Services (ii) (xi)
Canada
ESS Tataskweyak Camp Services (xi)
Canada
ESS/Bushmaster Camp Services (ii) (xi)
Canada
ESS/Fort a la Corne Support Services (ii) (xi)
Canada
ESS/McLeod Lake Indian Band Support Services (ii) (ii)
Canada
ESS/Mosakahiken Cree Nation Support Services (ii) (xi)
Canada
ESS/Nuvumiut Support Services (ii) (xi)
Canada
ESS/Takla Lake Support Services (xi)
Canada
ESS/WEDC Support Services (xi)
Canada
First North Catering (xi)
Canada
Canada
Labrador Catering Inc
Naskapi Catering Inc (xi)
Canada
Shanghai ESS Food Support Services Co Ltd (ii)
China
Denmark
Eurest Føroyar PF
Egypt
Compass Egypt for Hotel & Food Services

% Holding
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

% Holding
49
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
50
50
40
50
45
67
50
50
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
24
83
51
49.9

Consolidated financial statements 34  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC CONTINUED

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
Country of 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER  
incorporation or 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS
establishment
Egypt
Quality Foods LLC
France
Sopregim SAS
Germany
Akzente Catering Offenburg GmbH
Germany
Klinik Gastronomie Eppendorf GmbH
HEMEDI Catering GmbH (ii)
Germany
Germany
HSW Hausirtschaftsdienste S ˝ud-West GmbH
Germany
Lubinis – orgaMed Steriglut GmbH
Japan
Chiyoda Kyushoku Services Co Ltd
Japan
Seiyo General Food Co Ltd
Kazakhstan
KazMunaiGas Service – Compass LLP
Kazakhstan
Too Eurest Support Services Company B LLP 
Lesotho
Compass Lesotho (PTY) Ltd
Luxembourg
Geria SA
Malawi
Compass Group (PTY) Ltd 
Compass Malawi (Pty) Ltd (ii)
Malawi
Eurest (Malta) Ltd (ii)
Malta
Eurest Support Services (Mauritius) (Pty) Ltd (ii)
Mauritius
Eurest Support Services Mozambique Ltda (ii)
Mozambique
Compass Group International Coöperatief WA (xi)
Netherlands
Compass Group International Finance CV (xi)
Netherlands
Norway
Forplejningstjenester AS
Norway
Gress-Gruppen AS
Eurest OKAS Catering Ltd (ii)
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Eurest Lotic (PNG) JV Ltd
Qatar
Compass Catering Service (Qatar) WWL
Saudi Arabia
Compass Arabia
South Africa
Compass Game Park Services (Proprietary) Ltd
Eurest Support Services Africa (Proprietary) Ltd (ii)
South Africa
Hlanganani Fidelity Joint Venture (Proprietary) Limited (ii) South Africa
South Africa
Isikhonyane Cleaning (Proprietary) Ltd
Lwezi Cleaning (Proprietary) Limited (ii)
South Africa
Macand Enterprises 008 (Proprietary) Ltd (ii)
South Africa
South Africa
Ramiweb (Proprietary) Ltd
Siyeza Cleaning Services (Proprietary) Limited (ii)
South Africa
Siyeza Contract Cleaning Services (Proprietary) Limited (ii) South Africa
Siyeza Labour Outsourcing Services  

(Proprietary) Limited (ii)

Success Valet & Cleaning Services  

(Proprietary) Limited (ii)

Supercare Financial Services (Pty) Ltd
Supercare Hygiene (Pty) Ltd
Supercare Services (Pty) Ltd (iii) (iv)
Supercare Training Solutions (Proprietary) Limited (ii)
Supervision Food Services (Boputhatswana) Pty Ltd (ii)
Supervision Food Services (Gaznkulu) (Pty) Ltd (ii)
Gourmet Prepared Foods (Proprietary) Ltd (ii)
All Leisure Travel (Proprietary) Ltd
ESS Oil & Gas Support Service Partners  

(Proprietary) Ltd (ii)

Eurest Support Services Coega (Proprietary) Ltd (ii)
Gourmet Fresh (Pty) Ltd
Main Street 917 (Proprietary) Ltd
Comet (Pty) Limited (ii)
Maabokgoro-KSS Catering Services (Proprietary) Ltd (ii)
Women’s Sunshine (Pty) Ltd (ii)
Bafokeng Hospitality Services (Pty) Ltd (ii)
KSS Daluxolo Food Services (Proprietary) Ltd
UJU ESS Services (Pty) Ltd
Gourmet on Wheels, S.L.
Compass Swaziland (Pty) Limited (ii)
Dala Mältidsservice AB (ii)
Compass Group Tanzania Ltd (ii)
Abu Dhabi National Hotels – Compass LLC
Abu Dhabi National Hotels Compass Caterers LLC
Abu Dhabi National Hotels – Compass Emirates LLC
Abu Dhabi National Hotels Compass Middle East LLC
Compass LLC
Falcon Security Services LLC
Chartwells Hounslow (Feeding Futures) Limited (iii) (iv)
Acquire Services Limited (iii) (iv)
Eat Dot Limited (iii)
Quadrant Catering Limited (iii) (iv)
Edgbaston Experience Limited (iii) (iv)
Oval Events Holdings Limited
Oval Events Limited (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)
IEC Experience Limited (iii) (iv)
Millennium Stadium Experience Limited (iii) (iv)
Twickenham Experience Limited (iii) (iv) (v)
B & I Catering, LLC

South Africa

South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa

South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
Spain
Swaziland
Sweden
Tanzania
UAE
UAE
UAE
UAE
UAE
UAE
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
USA

% Holding
50
80
74
49
49
49
49
90
50
60
50
75
25
75
75
51
75
45
100
100
33.33
33.33
55
50
20
30
75
75
75
75
75
75
75
75
75

75

75
75
75
75
75
75
75
56
52

52
52
52
41
38
38
38
37
37
37
60
75
55
75
50
50
50
50
50
50
75
57.05
57.05
49
25
25
25
23
16.5
16
90

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER  
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS
C&B Holdings, LLC
CMCA Catering, LLC
GLV Restaurant Management Associates, LLC
H & H Catering LP
PCHI Catering, LLC
Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events of Texas, LLC
WPL, LLC
Convention Hospitality Partners
KIJIK/ESS, LLC
110 East Pearson Limited Partnership
Levy LA Concessions, LLC
Eversource LLC
Atlanta Sports Catering
Learfield Levy Foodservice, LLC
Orlando Foodservice Partners
Park Concession Management, LLC
Park Foodservice, LLC
RA Patina, LLC
RA Patina Management LLC
Restaurant Services I, LLC
Statewide/GanaAYoo JV
AEG Facilities, LLC
ChESS, LLC
Thompson Facilities Services LLC
Thompson Hospitality Services, LLC
WP Casual Catering, LLC
Chicago Resturant Partners, LLC
Kimco Facilities Holdings, LLC
Kimco Holdings, LLC
Eurest Support Services Zambia (Pty) Ltd (ii)
Kagiso Khulani Supervision Zambia Ltd (ii)

Country of 
incorporation or 
establishment
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
Zambia
Zambia

% Holding
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
80
80
69
62
51
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
49
49
49
49
45
42
20
20
75
74

NOTES
1   Unless otherwise stated, indirectly owned by Compass Group PLC, active status and 

ordinary shares issued.

2   In some of the jurisdictions in which we operate, share classes are not defined and 
in these instances, for the purposes of dislosure, we have classified these holdings 
as ‘ordinary’.

3   A number of the companies listed are legacy companies which no longer serve any 

operational purpose.

CLASSIFICATIONS KEY
(i)  Directly owned by Compass Group PLC
(ii)  Dormant/non-trading
(iii)  A Ordinary shares
(iv)  B Ordinary shares
(v)  C Ordinary shares
(vi)  D Ordinary shares
(vii)  Deferred shares
(viii)  Preference including cumulative, non-cumulative and redeemable shares
(ix)  Redeemable shares
(x)  Agent
(xi)  No share capital, share of profits
(xii)  Limited by guarantee

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  143

PARENT COMPANY 
FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
145 Parent Company balance sheet
146  Parent Company accounting policies

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS
147  Profit and loss account disclosures
147   Investments in subsidiary 

undertakings

147  Debtors
148 Creditors 
149 Provisions for liabilities and charges
149  Maturity of financial liabilities,  

other creditors and derivative 
financial instruments

149 Derivative financial instruments
149 Share capital
150 Capital and reserves
150 Contingent liabilities

144  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

COMPASS GROUP PLC

FIXED ASSETS
Investments

CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors: Amounts falling due within one year
Debtors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
Cash at bank and in hand

Current assets

CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

NET CURRENT ASSETS
Net current assets 

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
Total assets less current liabilities 

CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
Provisions for liabilities and charges

NET ASSETS
Net assets

CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Share-based payment reserve
Profit and loss reserve
Total equity 

Approved by the Board of Directors on 24 November 2015 and signed on their behalf by 

RICHARD COUSINS, Director 
DOMINIC BLAKEMORE, Director

Notes

2015
£m

2014
£m

2

3

3

4

4

5

8, 9

9

9

9

9

992

985

10,501
58
30

10,589

9,830
50
118

9,998

(6,338)

(6,492)

4,251

3,506

5,243

4,491

(2,699)
(28)

(2,513)
(28)

2,516

1,950

176
182
295
179
1,684
2,516

178
174
293
170
1,135
1,950

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  145

G  DERIVATIVES AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its 
exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. 
Derivative financial instruments utilised include interest rate swaps, 
currency swaps and forward currency contracts. The Company and 
Group policy is disclosed in the accounting policies to the 
consolidated financial statements.

H  DIVIDENDS
Dividends are recognised in the Company’s financial statements  
in the year in which they are approved in general meeting by  
the Company’s shareholders. Interim dividends are recognised  
when paid.

I  DEFERRED TAX
Deferred tax is provided at the anticipated rates on timing 
differences arising from the inclusion of items of income and 
expenditure in tax computations in periods different from those  
in which they are included in the financial statements. Deferred  
tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is regarded as more 
likely than not that they will be recovered.

J  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The Group issues equity-settled and cash-settled share-based 
payments to certain employees. Equity-settled share-based 
payments are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of 
non-market based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The fair 
value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based 
payments is expensed on a straight line basis over the vesting 
period, based on the Group’s estimate of the shares that will 
eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non-market based 
vesting conditions.

Fair value is measured using either the binomial distribution or 
Black-Scholes pricing models as is most appropriate for each 
scheme. The expected life used in the models has been adjusted, 
based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of exercise 
restrictions and behavioural considerations.

For cash-settled share-based payments, a liability equal to the 
portion of the goods or services received is recognised at the current 
fair value determined at each balance sheet date.

The issue of share incentives by the Company to employees of its 
subsidiaries represents additional capital contributions. An addition 
to the Company’s investment in Group undertakings is reported with 
a corresponding increase in shareholders’ funds. For details of the 
charge see note 24 to the consolidated financial statements.

PARENT COMPANY ACCOUNTING POLICIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

INTRODUCTION
The significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the 
separate financial statements of the Parent Company (the Company) 
are set out below:

A  ACCOUNTING CONVENTION AND BASIS OF PREPARATION
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
applicable UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP) 
and the Companies Act 2006 using the historical cost convention 
modified for the revaluation of certain financial instruments.

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern 
basis. This is discussed in the Finance Director’s statement on  
page 30.

B  EXEMPTIONS
The Company’s financial statements are included in the Compass 
Group PLC consolidated financial statements for the year ended  
30 September 2015. As permitted by section 408 of the Companies 
Act 2006, the Company has not presented its own profit and loss 
account. The Company has also taken advantage of the exemption 
from presenting a cash flow statement under the terms of FRS 1 
‘Cash Flow Statements’. The Company is also exempt under the 
terms of FRS 8 ‘Related Party Disclosures’ from disclosing 
transactions with other members of Compass Group.

The Compass Group PLC consolidated financial statements for  
the year ended 30 September 2015 contain financial instrument 
disclosures which comply with FRS 29 ‘Financial Instruments: 
Disclosures’. Consequently, the Company has taken advantage of  
the exemption in FRS 29 not to present separate financial 
instrument disclosures for the Company.

C  CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company has not applied any accounting standards for the first 
time in the year ended 30 September 2015.

FRS 100, 101 and 102 were recently issued by the Financial 
Reporting Council. FRS 101 (IFRS with reduced disclosures) outlines 
the reduced disclosure framework available for use by qualifying 
entities choosing to report under IFRS. The Company plans to apply 
FRS 101 (IFRS with reduced disclosures) for accounting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

D 
Investments are stated at cost less provision for any impairment.  
In the opinion of the directors the value of such investments are  
not less than shown at the balance sheet date. 

E  FOREIGN CURRENCY
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into  
sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the year end. Gains and 
losses arising on retranslation are included in the income statement 
for the period.

F  BORROWINGS
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction 
costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost 
unless they are part of a fair value hedge accounting relationship. 
Borrowings that are part of a fair value hedge accounting relationship 
are measured at amortised cost plus or minus the fair value 
attributable to the risk being hedged.

146  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Parent Company financial statementsNOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

1  PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT DISCLOSURES
The Company profit on ordinary activities after tax was £1,333 million (2014: £1,549 million).

The fee for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements was £0.5 million (2014: £0.5 million).

The Company had no direct employees in the course of the year (2014: none).

2  INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS
INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

COST
At 1 October
Additions
Share-based payments to employees of subsidiaries
Recharged to subsidiaries during the year
At 30 September

PROVISIONS
At 1 October
At 30 September

NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September

2015
£m

986
–
15
(8)
993

1
1

2014
£m

977
–
15
(6)
986

1
1

992

985

The principal subsidiary undertakings are listed in note 34 to the consolidated financial statements.

3  DEBTORS 

DEBTORS

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Other debtors
Derivative financial instruments (note 7)
Deferred tax
Total

MOVEMENT IN DEFERRED TAX ASSET

At 1 October
Credited to profit and loss account
At 30 September

Falling due
within
1 year
£m

10,480
1
19
1
10,501

2015

Falling due
after more
than 1 year
£m

–
–
58
–
58

Falling due
within
1 year
£m

2014

Falling due
after more
than 1 year
£m

9,813
1
16
–
9,830

–
–
50
–
50

Total
£m

10,480
1
77
1
10,559

Total
£m

9,813
1
66
–
9,880

2015
Net 
short term
temporary
differences
£m

2014
Net 
short term
temporary
differences
£m

–
1
1

–
–
–

The deferred tax asset arises on certain derivative financial instruments and will be recovered no later than the maturity dates of  
these instruments.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  147

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

4  CREDITORS 

CREDITORS

Bank overdrafts
Bank loans

Bank overdrafts and loans (note 6)

Loan notes
Bonds

Loan notes and bonds (note 6)

Derivative financial instruments (note 7)
Accruals and deferred income
Current tax
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Total

Falling due
within
1 year
£m

2015

Falling due
after more
than 1 year
£m

34
50

84

107
–

107

7
49
22
6,069
6,338

–
251

251

1,330
1,093

2,423

25
–
–
–
2,699

Falling due
within
1 year
£m

2014

Falling due
after more
than 1 year
£m

172
–

172

–
251

251

4
60
3
6,002
6,492

–
300

300

1,076
1,136

2,212

1
–
–
–
2,513

Total
£m

34
301

335

1,437
1,093

2,530

32
49
22
6,069
9,037

Total
£m

172
300

472

1,076
1,387

2,463

5
60
3
6,002
9,005

The Company has fixed term, fixed interest private placements denominated in US dollar and sterling. The $100 million 2024 and  
$300 million 2026 US dollar private placements were issued during the year.

LOAN NOTES

US$ private placement
Sterling private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
Total

The Company also has sterling and euro denominated Eurobonds. 

BONDS

Sterling Eurobond
Euro Eurobond
Euro Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Total

Nominal value Redeemable

Interest

$162m Oct 2015
£35m Oct 2016
$250m Oct 2018
$200m Sep 2020
$398m Oct 2021
$352m Oct 2023
$100m Dec 2024
$300m Sep 2025
$300m Dec 2026

6.72%
7.55%
3.31%
3.09%
3.98%
4.12%
3.54%
3.81%
3.64%

Nominal value

Redeemable

Interest

£250m
€600m
€500m
£250m

Dec 2014
Feb 2019
Jan 2023
Jun 2026

7.00%
3.13%
1.88%
3.85%

2015
Carrying 
value 
£m

2014
Carrying
 value 
£m

107
36
170
132
262
250
66
216
198
1,437

2015
Carrying
 value
£m

–
458
386
249
1,093

102
36
157
123
245
223
–
190
–
1,076

2014
Carrying
 value
£m

251
485
402
249
1,387

148  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Parent Company financial statements5  PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES

PROVISIONS

At 1 October 2013
Charged to profit and loss account
At 30 September 2014

At 1 October 2014
Charged to profit and loss account
At 30 September 2015

Legal and
other claims
£m

28
–
28

28
–
28

Provisions for legal and other claims relates to provisions for the estimated cost of litigation and other sundry claims. The timing of the 
settlement of these claims is uncertain.

6  MATURITY OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES, OTHER CREDITORS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The maturity of financial liabilities, other creditors and derivative financial instruments as at 30 September is as follows:

MATURITY

Between 1 and 2 years
Between 2 and 5 years
In more than 5 years

In more than 1 year 
Within 1 year, or on demand
Total

2015

2014

Bank
overdrafts
and loans
(note 4)
£m

Loan notes
and bonds
(note 4)
£m

251
–
–

251
84
335

36
760
1,627

2,423
107
2,530

Other1
(note 7)
£m

1
–
(34)

(33)
(12)
(45)

Bank
overdrafts
and loans
(note 4)
£m

Loan notes
and bonds
(note 4)
£m

50
250
–

300
172
472

102
678
1,432

2,212
251
2,463

Total 
£m

288
760
1,593

2,641
179
2,820

Other1
(note 7)
£m

(19)
(14)
(16)

(49)
(12)
(61)

Total 
£m

133
914
1,416

2,463
411
2,874

1  Other includes the debtor and creditor amounts associated with derivative financial instruments (note 7). 

7  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

INTEREST RATE SWAPS
Fair value hedges
Not in a hedging relationship

OTHER
Forward currency contracts and cross currency swaps
Derivative financial instruments

2015

2014

Financial
assets
(note 3)
£m

Financial
liabilities
(note 4)
£m

Financial
assets
(note 3)
£m

Financial
liabilities
(note 4)
£m

60
–

17
77

–
(4)

(28)
(32)

45
–

21
66

–
(1)

(4)
(5)

8  SHARE CAPITAL
Details of the share capital, share option schemes and share-based payments of Compass Group PLC are shown in notes 23 and 24 to the 
consolidated financial statements.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  149

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

9  CAPITAL AND RESERVES

CAPITAL AND RESERVES

At 1 October 2013
Issue of shares (for cash)
Share issue expenses
Repurchase of ordinary share capital
B and C shares issued through capitalisation of share premium
Redemption and cancellation of B shares
Fair value of share-based payments
Release of LTIP award settled by issue of new shares
Return of Cash to Compass shareholders
Dividends paid to Compass shareholders
Profit for the financial year
At 30 September 2014

At 1 October 2014
Issue of shares (for cash)
Repurchase of ordinary and new ordinary share capital
Issue of treasury shares to satisfy employee share scheme  

awards exercised

Fair value of share-based payments
Release of LTIP award settled by issue of new shares
Dividends paid to Compass shareholders
Profit for the financial year
At 30 September 2015

10  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Guarantees and indemnities (including subsidiary undertakings’ overdrafts)

Share
capital
£m

Share
 premium
 account
 £m 

Capital
redemption
 reserve
£m

Share-based
payment
reserve
£m

180
1
–
(3)
235
(235)
–
–
–
–
–
178

178
–
(2)

–
–
–
–
–
176

400
6
(2)
–
(235)
–
–
5
–
–
–
174

174
2
–

–
–
6
–
–
182

55
–
–
3
–
235
–
–
–
–
–
293

293
–
2

–
–
–
–
–
295

162
–
–
–
–
–
13
(5)
–
–
–
170

170
–
–

–
15
(6)
–
–
179

Profit
and loss
reserve
£m

1,310
–
–
(280)
–
–
–
–
(1,000)
(444)
1,549
1,135

1,135
–
(328)

1
–
–
(457)
1,333
1,684

Total
 £m

2,107
7
(2)
(280)
–
–
13
–
(1,000)
(444)
1,549
1,950

1,950
2
(328)

1
15
–
(457)
1,333
2,516

2015
£m

387

2014
£m

356

Details regarding certain contingent liabilities which involve the Company are set out in note 28 to the consolidated financial statements.

150  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Parent Company financial statementsSHAREHOLDER
INFORMATION

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
152 Shareholder information
154 Notice of Annual General Meeting

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  151

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

REGISTRAR 
All matters relating to the administration of shareholdings in the 
Company should be directed to Capita Asset Services, The Registry, 
34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU; telephone within 
the UK: Freephone 0800 280 2545 and from overseas: +44 333 
300 1568; email: shareholderenquiries@capita.co.uk.

Shareholders can register online to view their Compass Group PLC 
shareholding details using the Share Portal, a service offered by 
Capita Asset Services (the registrar), at www.capitashareportal.com. 
Shareholders registering for the Share Portal will require their investor 
code which is shown on share certificates. The service enables 
shareholders to:

•  Check their shareholdings in Compass Group PLC 24 hours a day
•  Gain easy access to a range of shareholder information including 

indicative valuation and payment instruction details 

•  Appoint a proxy to attend general meetings of Compass Group PLC

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
The Company’s Annual Report and all other shareholder 
communications can be found on our website. The Company can, at 
shareholders’ request, send shareholders an email notification each 
time a new shareholder report or other shareholder communication  
is placed on our website. This enables shareholders to read and/or 
download the information at their leisure. 

The provision of a facility to communicate with shareholders 
electronically does not discriminate between registered shareholders 
of the same class. The facility is available to all registered 
shareholders on equal terms and participation is made as simple  
as possible. Please note that it is the shareholder’s responsibility to 
notify the registrar (through www.capitashareportal.com or by post)  
of any change to their email address. Before electing for electronic 
communication, shareholders should ensure that they have the 
appropriate computer capabilities. The Company takes all reasonable 
precautions to ensure no viruses are present in any communication  
it sends out, but cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage 
arising from the opening or use of any email or attachments from the 
Company and recommends that shareholders subject all messages to 
virus checking procedures prior to use. Please note that any electronic 
communication sent by a shareholder to the Company or the registrar 
containing a computer virus will not be accepted.

The Company’s obligation is satisfied when it transmits an  
electronic message. It cannot be held responsible for a failure in 
transmission beyond its control. In the event that the Company 
becomes aware that an electronic transmission is not successful,  
a paper notification will be sent to the shareholder at their registered 
address. Shareholders wishing to continue to receive shareholder 
information in the traditional paper format should confirm this via 
www.capitashareportal.com or write to Capita Asset Services.

PUBLISHED INFORMATION
If you would like to receive a hard copy of this Report or a copy in an 
alternative format such as large print, Braille or an audio version on 
CD, please contact the Group Company Secretariat at the Company’s 
registered office. A copy can also be downloaded from our website at 
www.compass-group.com/ar15.

CASH DIVIDENDS
The Company normally pays a dividend twice each year. We encourage 
UK resident ordinary shareholders to elect to have their dividends paid 
directly into their bank or building society account. This is a more 
secure method of payment and avoids delays or the cheques being 

152  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

lost. Most ordinary shareholders resident outside the UK can  
also have any dividends in excess of £10 paid into their bank  
account directly via Capita Asset Services’ global payments  
service. Details and terms and conditions may be viewed at  
http://international.capitaregistrars.com.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN (DRIP)
A DRIP service is provided by Capita IRG Trustees Limited. The  
DRIP allows eligible shareholders to use the whole of their cash 
dividend to buy additional shares in the Company, thereby increasing 
their shareholding. Additional information, including details of  
how to sign up, can be obtained from the Company’s website at  
www.compass-group.com and from Capita IRG Trustees Limited; 
telephone within the UK: Freephone 0800 280 2545 and from 
overseas: +44 333 300 1568; email: shares@capita.co.uk.

The latest date for receipt of new applications to participate  
in DRIP in respect of the 2015 final dividend is 28 January 2016.

SHARE PRICE INFORMATION
The price of the Company’s shares is available on the Company’s 
website at www.compass-group.com. This is supplied with a  
15 minute delay to real time. 

SHARE DEALING
The Company’s shares can be traded through most banks, building 
societies, stockbrokers or ‘share shops’. In addition, the Company’s 
registrar, Capita Asset Services, offers online and telephone dealing 
services to buy or sell Compass Group PLC shares. The service  
is only available to private shareholders aged 18 or over, resident  
in the UK, EEA, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. Full details can be 
obtained from www.capitadeal.com or by telephoning within the UK: 
Freephone 0800 280 2545. 

SHAREGIFT
ShareGift, the charity share donation scheme, is a free service  
for shareholders wishing to give shares to charitable causes. It is 
particularly useful for those shareholders who may wish to dispose  
of a small quantity of shares where the market value makes it 
uneconomic to sell on a commission basis. Further information  
can be obtained from ShareGift’s website at www.sharegift.org; 
telephone within the UK: 020 7930 3737 and from overseas:  
+44 20 7930 3737, or from the registrar.

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
BNY Mellon (BNY) maintains the Company’s American Depositary 
Receipt register. If you have any enquiries about your holding of 
Compass American Depositary Shares, you should contact BNY 
Mellon, Shareowner Services, Computershare, P.O. Box 30170, 
College Station TX 77842-3170, USA. Further information can be 
found on BNY’s website at www.adrbnymellon.com using the symbol 
CMPGY and on the Company’s website at www.compass-group.com.

UNSOLICITED MAIL
We are legally obliged to make our register of members available  
to the public, subject to a proper purpose test. As a consequence  
of this, some shareholders might receive unsolicited mail. Shareholders 
wishing to limit the amount of such mail should write to the Mailing 
Preference Service, MPS FREEPOST LON20771, London W1E 0ZT. 
Shareholders can also register online at www.mpsonline.org.uk or 
request an application form by calling from within the UK:  
0845 703 4599 or by email to mps@dma.org.uk.

Shareholder informationIDENTITY THEFT
Advice on protecting your Compass Group PLC shares:

•  Keep all Compass correspondence in a safe place, or destroy 

correspondence by shredding 

•  When changing address, inform the registrar, Capita Asset Services. 
If a letter from Capita Asset Services is received regarding a change 
of address and you have not moved, contact the registrar 
immediately 

•  Consider having your dividends paid directly into your bank or 

building society account. This will reduce the risk of the cheque 
being intercepted or lost in the post. You can complete a  
Request for Payment of Interest or Dividends form available from 
www.compass-group.com and send it to the registrar or register 
online at www.capitashareportal.com using the Share Portal  
service. Additional information can be obtained from the registrar 

•  On changing your bank or building society account, inform  
the registrar of the details of the new account and respond  
to any letters Capita Asset Services send you about this 

•  When buying or selling shares, deal only with brokers registered  

in your country of residence or the UK 

WARNING ABOUT SHARE FRAUD
Fraudsters use persuasive and high pressure tactics to lure investors 
into scams. They may offer to sell shares that turn out to be worthless 
or non-existent, or to buy shares at an inflated price in return for an 
upfront payment.

Whilst high profits are promised, if you buy or sell shares in this way, 
you will probably lose your money.

HOW TO AVOID SHARE FRAUD
•  Keep in mind that firms authorised by the Financial Conduct 

Authority (FCA) are unlikely to contact you out of the blue with  
an offer to buy or sell shares 

•  Do not get into a conversation. Note the name of the person and 

firm contacting you and then end the call 

•  Check the Financial Services Register at www.fca.org.uk to see  
if the person and firm contacting you is authorised by the FCA 

•  Beware of fraudsters claiming to be from an authorised firm, 

copying its website or giving you false contact details

•  Use the firm’s contact details listed on the Register if you want 

to call it back 

•  Call the FCA on 0800 111 6768 if the firm does not have contact 

details on the Register or if you are told they are out of date 
•  Search the list of unauthorised firms to avoid at www.fca.org.uk/

scams

•  Consider that if you buy or sell shares from an unauthorised firm 
you will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or  
the Financial Services Compensation Scheme

•  Think about getting independent financial and professional advice 

before you hand over any money 

•  Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

REPORT A SCAM
If you are approached by fraudsters, please tell the FCA using the 
share fraud reporting form at www.fca.org.uk/scams, where you can 
find out more about investment scams, or call the FCA Consumer 
Helpline on 0800 111 6768.

If you have already paid money to share fraudsters, you should contact 
Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

RETURN OF CASH AND SHARE CAPITAL CONSOLIDATION 
– BASE COST APPORTIONMENT FOR UK TAX PURPOSES
On 11 June 2014, shareholders approved a Return of Cash of 56 pence per 
Existing Ordinary Share, which resulted in approximately £1 billion being 
returned through the issue of one B or C Share to shareholders for each 
Existing Ordinary Share held at 6.00pm on 7 July 2014. The Return of Cash 
was accompanied by a consolidation of the Existing Ordinary Shares in the 
ratio of 16 New Ordinary Shares for every 17 Existing Ordinary Shares. The 
New Ordinary Shares were admitted to trading on 8 July 2014. The B and C 
shares were not admitted to trading.
The Base Cost Apportionment is in general terms based on respective 
market values on the first day after the reorganisation on which a price for 
the New Ordinary Shares was quoted on the London Stock Exchange. Based 
on the New Ordinary Share price of 1,024.50 pence and the market value of 
a B Share and of a C Share of 56 pence, and calculated using the ratio of 16 
New Ordinary Shares and 17 B or 17 C Shares for every 17 Existing Ordinary 
Shares previously held, 94.51% of the base cost of the Existing Ordinary 
Shares is apportioned to the New Ordinary Shares and 5.49% to the B and/
or C Shares.
The information provided above is only intended to provide general guidance 
to UK shareholders and is not intended to be, and should not be construed  
to be, legal or taxation advice to any particular UK shareholder. It states the 
position as of 9 July 2014. If you are in any doubt as to your tax position,  
you are recommended to seek your own tax advice from an independent 
professional adviser. This note must be read in conjunction with the Circular 
to Shareholders dated 19 May 2014, where certain terms are defined.

ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARD (FRS) 101: 
REDUCED DISCLOSURE FRAMEWORK
Following the publication of FRS 100 Application of Financial 
Reporting Requirements by the Financial Reporting Council, Compass 
Group PLC is required to change its accounting framework for its 
company financial statements, which is currently UK GAAP, for its 
financial year commencing 1 October 2015. 

The Board considers that it is in the best interests of the Group  
for Compass Group PLC to adopt FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure 
Framework. No disclosures in the current UK GAAP financial 
statements would be omitted on adoption of FRS 101. 

A shareholder or shareholders holding in aggregate 5% or more of the 
total allotted shares in Compass Group PLC may serve objections to the 
use of the disclosure exemptions on Compass Group PLC in writing, to 
its registered office, Compass House, Guildford Street, Chertsey, Surrey 
KT16 9BQ, no later than 12.00 noon on 2 February 2016. 

FINANCIAL CALENDAR
EX-DIVIDEND DATE FOR 2015 FINAL DIVIDEND
21 January 2016
RECORD DATE FOR 2015 FINAL DIVIDEND
22 January 2016
2016 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
4 February 2016
2015 FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT 
22 February 2016
HALF YEAR FINANCIAL RESULTS
11 May 2016*
EX-DIVIDEND DATE FOR 2016 INTERIM DIVIDEND
23 June 2016*
RECORD DATE FOR 2016 INTERIM DIVIDEND
24 June 2016*
2016 INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT
25 July 2016*
*  Provisional dates

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  153

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

THIS DOCUMENT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR 
IMMEDIATE ATTENTION 
If you are in any doubt as to the action you should take, you 
should immediately consult your stockbroker, bank manager, 
solicitor, accountant or other independent financial adviser 
authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act  
2000. If you have sold or otherwise transferred all your  
shares in Compass Group PLC, please send this Notice and  
the accompanying documents to the purchaser or transferee,  
or to the stockbroker, bank or other agent through whom the  
sale or transfer was effected for transmission to the purchaser  
or transferee.

Notice is hereby given that the fifteenth Annual General Meeting  
of Compass Group PLC (the Company) will be held in the  
Live Room, Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Twickenham 
Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW2 7BA  
on Thursday 4 February 2016 at 12 noon in order to transact  
the following business:

To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following Resolutions, of 
which Resolutions 19 to 21 will be proposed as special resolutions 
and all other Resolutions will be proposed as ordinary resolutions.

1.   To receive and adopt the Directors’ Annual Report and Accounts 
and the Auditor’s Report thereon for the financial year ended 
30 September 2015.

2.   To receive and adopt the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the 

financial year ended 30 September 2015.

17.  To authorise the Company and any company which is, or 

becomes, a subsidiary of the Company during the period to which 
this Resolution relates to:

17.1   make donations to political parties or independent election 

candidates; 

17.2   make donations to political organisations other than 

political parties; and
17.3  incur political expenditure,

 during the period commencing on the date of this Resolution  
and ending on the date of the Company’s next Annual General 
Meeting, provided that any such donations and expenditure  
made by the Company, or by any such subsidiary, shall not 
exceed £100,000 per company and, together with those made  
by any such subsidiary and the Company, shall not exceed in 
aggregate £100,000.

 Any terms used in this Resolution which are defined in Part 14  
of the Companies Act 2006 shall bear the same meaning for the 
purposes of this Resolution 17.

18.  18.1   To renew the power conferred on the directors by Article  
12 of the Company’s Articles of Association for a period 
expiring at the end of the next Annual General Meeting of 
the Company after the date on which this Resolution is 
passed or, if earlier, 3 May 2017; and for that period the 
section 551 amount shall be £58,244,125. 

18.2   In addition, the section 551 amount shall be increased by 
£58,244,125, for a period expiring at the end of the next 
Annual General Meeting of the Company after the date on 
which this Resolution is passed, provided that the directors’ 
power in respect of such latter amount shall only be used 
in connection with a rights issue: 

3.   To declare a final dividend of 19.6 pence per ordinary share 

              18.2.1 

in respect of the financial year ended 30 September 2015.

              18.2.2 

 to holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as 
nearly as may be practicable) to their existing 
holdings; and
 to holders of other equity securities as required 
by the rights of those securities or as the Board 
otherwise considers necessary,

 and that the directors may impose any limits or restrictions and 
make any arrangements which they consider necessary to deal 
with fractional entitlements, legal or practical problems under the 
laws of, or the requirements of, any relevant regulatory body or 
stock exchange, any territory, or any matter whatsoever.

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS
19.  To authorise the directors, subject to the passing of Resolution 
18 above, and in accordance with the power conferred on the 
directors by Article 13 of the Company’s Articles of Association, 
such authority to apply until the conclusion of the next Annual 
General Meeting of the Company after the date on which this 
Resolution is passed or, if earlier, 3 May 2017 to disapply 
pre-emption rights up to an aggregate nominal value of 
£17,472,812 (which includes the sale on a non pre-emptive basis 
of any shares held in treasury) representing approximately 10%  
of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at  
1 December 2015, being the last practicable date prior to the 
publication of this Notice and for that period the section 561 
amount is £17,472,812.

4.  To elect Nelson Silva as a director of the Company.

5.  To elect Johnny Thomson as a director of the Company.

6.  To elect Ireena Vittal as a director of the Company.

7.  To re-elect Dominic Blakemore as a director of the Company.

8.  To re-elect Richard Cousins as a director of the Company.

9.  To re-elect Gary Green as a director of the Company.

10. To re-elect Carol Arrowsmith as a director of the Company.

11. To re-elect John Bason as a director of the Company.

12. To re-elect Susan Murray as a director of the Company.

13. To re-elect Don Robert as a director of the Company.

14. To re-elect Paul Walsh as a director of the Company.

15.  To reappoint KPMG LLP as the Company’s auditor until the 

conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company.

16.  To authorise the Audit Committee to agree the auditor’s 

remuneration.

See this Report and our full Corporate Responsibility  
Report online at www.compass-group.com/ar15

154  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Shareholder information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20.  To generally and unconditionally authorise the Company, pursuant 
to and in accordance with section 701 of the Companies Act 
2006, to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 
693(4) of that Act) of ordinary shares of 105⁄8 pence each in the 
capital of the Company subject to the following conditions:

20.1   the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares hereby 

authorised to be purchased is 164,450,00;

20.2   the minimum price (excluding expenses) which may be paid 

for each ordinary share is 105⁄8 pence; 

20.3   the maximum price (excluding expenses) which may be paid 

for each ordinary share in respect of a share contracted to 
be purchased on any day, does not exceed the higher of (1) 
an amount equal to 105% of the average of the middle 
market quotations for an ordinary share as derived from the 
London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five 
business days immediately preceding the day on which the 
purchase is made and (2) the higher of the price of the last 
independent trade and the highest current independent bid 
for an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock 
Exchange Trading System; and

20.4   this authority shall expire, unless previously renewed, varied 

or revoked by the Company, at the conclusion of the next 
Annual General Meeting of the Company or 3 August 2017, 
whichever is the earlier (except in relation to the purchase of 
ordinary shares, the contract for which was concluded prior 
to the expiry of this authority and which will or may be 
executed wholly or partly after the expiry of this authority).

21.  To authorise the directors to call a general meeting of the 

Company, other than an Annual General Meeting, on not less than 
14 clear working days’ notice, provided that this authority shall 
expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the 
Company after the date of the passing of this Resolution.

Voting on all Resolutions will be by way of a poll. 

By Order of the Board

MARK WHITE
General Counsel and Company Secretary 
18 December 2015 
Registered Office: 
Compass House  
Guildford Street 
Chertsey  
Surrey KT16 9BQ

Registered in England and Wales No. 4083914

EXPLANATORY NOTES TO THE RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION 1 – ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
The directors are required to present to the Annual General Meeting 
(AGM) (the Meeting) the audited accounts and the Directors’ and 
Auditor’s Reports for the financial year ended 30 September 2015.

RESOLUTION 2 – DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
In accordance with section 439 of the Companies Act 2006  
(CA 2006), shareholders are requested to approve the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report. The Directors’ Remuneration Report is set out 
on pages 59 to 77 of the 2015 Annual Report and Accounts. The vote 
is advisory.

In accordance with section 439A of the CA 2006, a separate 
resolution on the Remuneration Policy (the Policy) part of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report must be put to the vote and approved 
by shareholders at least every three years, unless during that time it is 
to be changed. The Policy was approved by shareholders at the 2015 
AGM. The directors do not propose any changes to the Policy this year 
and as such, it is not necessary for the directors to submit a resolution 
on the Policy to shareholders for approval at the 2016 AGM. A copy of 
the Remuneration Policy in force is set out on pages 62 to 68 of the 
2015 Annual Report. To the extent that changes have been made to 
the Policy since last year, these are merely to ensure that the content 
of the Policy remains relevant to the financial year under review, in all 
other respects, the Policy remains unchanged. 

RESOLUTION 3 – FINAL DIVIDEND
The final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2015 will be paid 
on 22 February 2016 to shareholders on the register at the close of 
business on 22 January 2016, subject to shareholder approval.

RESOLUTIONS 4 TO 14 – ELECTION AND RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Biographical details of all the directors standing for election or 
re-election appear on pages 40 and 41 of the 2015 Annual Report.

In line with the provisions of the Company’s Articles of Association, 
Nelson Silva, Johnny Thomson and Ireena Vittal who were appointed 
by the Board since the date of the last AGM, will submit himself/
herself for election by shareholders. Details of their appointments  
are given on page 44.

The Company’s Articles of Association require one third of the 
directors to retire by rotation each year and no director may serve  
for more than three years without being re-elected by shareholders. 
However, in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code  
(the Code), all the directors will submit himself/herself for annual 
re-election by shareholders. 

Having conducted an evaluation during the year, it is the view of  
the Chairman that the performance of each of the directors continues 
to be effective and that each director demonstrates commitment  
to the role and has sufficient time to meet his or her commitment  
to the Company.

RESOLUTIONS 15 AND 16 – AUDITOR
The auditor is appointed at every general meeting at which accounts 
are presented to shareholders. The current appointment of KPMG LLP 
as the Company’s auditor will end at the conclusion of the AGM  
and it has advised of its willingness to stand for reappointment.  
In accordance with provisions of the Code it is recommended practice 
for the Audit Committee to be authorised to agree how much the 
auditor should be paid and Resolution 16 grants this authority to the 
Audit Committee. 

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  155

 
 
 
 
 
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING CONTINUED

RESOLUTION 17 – DONATIONS TO POLITICAL PARTIES
It is not Group policy to make donations to political parties. However,  
it is possible that certain routine activities undertaken by the Company 
and its subsidiaries might unintentionally fall within the wide definition 
of matters constituting political donations and expenditure in the  
CA 2006. Any expenditure that is regulated under the CA 2006 must  
first be approved by shareholders and will be disclosed in next year’s 
Annual Report. This Resolution, if passed, will renew the directors’ 
authority until the AGM to be held in 2017 (when the directors intend 
to renew this authority) to make donations and incur expenditure  
which might otherwise be caught by the terms of the CA 2006,  
up to an aggregate amount of £100,000 for the Company and for 
subsidiary companies. 

RESOLUTION 18 – DIRECTORS’ AUTHORITY TO ALLOT SHARES 
The purpose of Resolution 18 is to renew the directors’ power  
to allot shares. Resolution 18.1 seeks to grant the directors authority  
to allot, pursuant to Article 12 of the Company’s Articles of Association 
and section 551 of the CA 2006, relevant securities with a maximum 
nominal amount of £58,244,125. This represents 548,180,000 
ordinary shares of 105⁄8 pence each in the capital of the Company, 
which is approximately one third of the Company’s issued ordinary 
share capital (excluding treasury shares) as at 1 December 2015 
(being the last practicable date prior to the publication of this Notice). 
The Company currently holds 12,228,519 shares in treasury. The 
authority would, unless previously renewed, revoked or varied by 
shareholders, remain in force up to the conclusion of the AGM of  
the Company to be held in 2017 (2017 AGM), or 3 May 2017, 
whichever is earlier.

for cash (other than pursuant to an employee equity incentive share 
scheme) up to an aggregate nominal value of approximately 10%  
of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital without application  
of pre-emption rights pursuant to Article 13 of the Company’s 
Articles of Association and section 561 of the CA 2006. 

The proposed 10% authority reflects the new Statement of  
Principles on pre-emption rights issued earlier this year by the 
Pre-emption Group (the Principles) which are supported by the 
Investment Association and the Pensions and Lifetime Savings 
Association. In addition to the routine 5% authority previously 
permitted, the new Principles now grant the Company the ability  
to seek authority over a further 5% of the issued ordinary share 
capital on a pre-emptive basis, provided that this authority will  
only be used for the purpose of:

(i)  an acquisition; or 
(ii)   a specified capital investment in respect of which sufficient 
information regarding the effect of the investment on the 
Company, the assets that are the subject of the investment and 
(where appropriate) the profits attributable to those assets is 
made available to shareholders to enable them to reach an 
assessment of the potential return on the investment

which is announced contemporaneously with the issue or which  
has taken place in the preceding six month period and is disclosed 
in the announcement of the issue.

Other than in connection with a rights, scrip dividend, or other similar 
issue, the authority contained in this Resolution 19 would be limited 
to a maximum nominal amount of £17,472,812. 

In accordance with the Investment Association Share Capital 
Management Guidelines (the Guidelines), Resolution 18.2 seeks  
to grant the directors authority to allot approximately a further one  
third of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital (excluding  
treasury shares) in connection with a rights issue in favour of ordinary 
shareholders with a nominal value of up to £58,224,125 (representing 
548,180,000 ordinary shares of 105⁄8 pence each). Such additional 
authority will be valid until the conclusion of the 2017 AGM. 

This represents 164,450,000 ordinary shares of 105⁄8 pence each  
in the capital of the Company, which is approximately 10% of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) 
as at 1 December 2015 (being the last practicable date prior  
to the publication of this Notice). The authority would, unless 
previously renewed, revoked or varied by shareholders, expire at  
the conclusion of the AGM of the Company to be held in 2017  
or on 3 May 2017, if earlier.

If the Company uses any of the additional one third authority permitted 
by the Guidelines, the Company will ensure that all directors stand for 
re-election. The Company’s current practice is that all directors submit 
themselves for re-election each year in accordance with the Code, 
notwithstanding the provisions set out in the Guidelines. 

The total authorisation sought by Resolution 18 is equal to approximately 
two thirds of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at  
1 December 2015, being the last practicable date prior to publication 
of this Notice. 

Resolutions 1 to 18 will be proposed as ordinary resolutions and require 
that more than half of the votes cast must be in favour of a resolution 
for it to be passed. 

RESOLUTION 19 – DISAPPLICATION OF PRE-EMPTION RIGHTS 
If the Company issues new shares, or sells treasury shares, for cash 
(other than in connection with an employee share scheme), it must  
first offer them to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing 
holdings. In accordance with investor guidelines, approval is sought  
by the directors to issue a limited number of ordinary shares for cash 
without offering them to existing shareholders.

Resolution 19 seeks to replace the authority conferred on the directors 
at the 2015 AGM to allot ordinary shares, or grant rights to subscribe 
for, or convert securities into, ordinary shares or sell treasury shares 

Save for issues of shares in respect of various employee share 
schemes and any share dividend alternatives, the directors have  
no current plans to utilise either of the authorities sought by 
Resolutions 18 and 19, although they consider their renewal 
appropriate in order to retain maximum flexibility to take advantage  
of business opportunities as they arise. In addition, and in line with 
best practice, the Company has not issued more than 7.5% of  
its issued share capital on a non-pro rata basis over the last three 
years. The limit also applies to shares issued from treasury.  
A renewal of this authority will be proposed at each subsequent  
AGM and the Board confirms its intention to follow best practice  
set out in the Principles which provides that usage of this authority  
in excess of 7.5% of the Company’s issued share capital in  
a rolling three year period would not take place without prior 
consultation with shareholders. 

RESOLUTION 20 – PURCHASE OF OWN SHARES 
This Resolution authorises the directors to make limited on market 
purchases of the Company’s ordinary shares. The power is limited  
to a maximum of 164,450,000 shares (just under 10% of the  
issued ordinary share capital as at 1 December 2015, being the  
last practicable date prior to the publication of this Notice) and 
details the minimum and maximum prices that can be paid, exclusive 
of expenses. The authority conferred by this Resolution will expire  
at the conclusion of the Company’s next AGM or 18 months from  
the passing of this Resolution, whichever is the earlier.

156  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Shareholder informationThe CA 2006 permits the Company to hold shares repurchased as 
treasury shares. Treasury shares may be cancelled, sold for cash or 
used for the purpose of employee equity incentive share schemes. The 
authority to be sought by this Resolution is intended to apply equally 
to shares to be held by the Company as treasury shares. No dividends 
will be paid on shares which are held as treasury shares and no voting 
rights will be attached to them. Shares held as treasury shares will be 
used to satisfy the Company’s obligations under the Company’s 
employee equity incentive schemes.

On 27 November 2013, the Company announced its intention to 
commence a £500 million share repurchase programme, to be 
executed over the 12 month period to the end of 2014. The programme 
was temporarily suspended following the announcement on 14 May 
2014 of the £1 billion Return of Cash to shareholders and associated 
Share Capital Consolidation until after completion of this transaction 
on 29 July 2014. The £500 million share repurchase programme 
recommenced on 31 July 2014 and completed on 10 August 2015.

On 30 September 2015, the Company announced its intention to 
repurchase up to a maximum of 8 million shares during the close 
period from 1 October 2015 to the date of this Report. 

As at 1 December 2015 (being the last practicable date prior to  
the publication of this Notice), there were options to subscribe for 
ordinary shares issued by the Company outstanding over approximately 
20,646,200 shares which represent 1.25% of the Company’s issued 
ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) at that date. If the 
authority to purchase the Company’s ordinary shares was exercised  
in full, these options would represent 1.38% of the Company’s issued 
ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares).

RESOLUTION 21 – NOTICE OF MEETINGS OTHER THAN ANNUAL 
GENERAL MEETINGS
The Company’s Articles of Association allow the directors to call 
general meetings, other than AGMs, on 14 working days’ notice. 
However, under the Companies (Shareholders’ Rights) Regulations 
2009 (the Regulations), all general meetings must be held on 21 
days’ notice, unless shareholders agree to a shorter notice period, and 
the Company has met the requirements for electronic voting under  
the Regulations. This Resolution seeks to renew the authority granted 
by shareholders at last year’s AGM which preserved the Company’s 
ability to call general meetings, other than AGMs, on 14 working days’ 
notice, such authority to be effective until the Company’s next AGM, 
when a similar resolution will be proposed. The directors confirm that 
the shorter notice period would not be used as a matter of routine,  
but only where flexibility is merited by the business of the meeting 
and it is thought to be to the advantage of shareholders as a whole.  
An electronic voting facility will be made available to all shareholders 
for any meeting held on such notice. 

Resolutions 19 to 21 will be proposed as special resolutions and 
require that at least three quarters of the votes cast must be in favour 
of a resolution for it to be passed.

RECOMMENDATION
The directors consider that each of the Resolutions is in the best 
interests of the Company and the shareholders as a whole and, 
accordingly, recommend that all shareholders vote in favour of  
all Resolutions, as the directors intend to do in respect of their  
own holdings.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PROXIES 
(i)   A shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the AGM may  

appoint a proxy or proxies (who need not be a shareholder of  
the Company) to exercise all or any of his or her rights to attend, 
speak and vote at the AGM. Where more than one proxy is 
appointed, each proxy must be appointed for different shares. 

Proxies may only be appointed by:

•  Completing and returning the Form of Proxy enclosed with  

this Notice to PXS1, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent  
BR3 4ZF

•  Going to www.capitashareportal.com and following the 
instructions for electronic submission provided there; or
•  Having an appropriate CREST message transmitted, if you  
are a user of the CREST system (including CREST personal 
members). Please refer to the CREST manual on the Euroclear 
website (www.euroclear.com/CREST) for further information 

 Return of the Form of Proxy will not prevent a shareholder  
from attending the Meeting and voting in person. However,  
if you do attend the Meeting, any proxy appointment will be 
treated as revoked. 

 The electronic addresses provided in this Notice are provided 
solely for the purpose of enabling shareholders to register the 
appointment of a proxy or proxies for the Meeting or to submit 
their voting directions electronically. You may not use any 
electronic address provided in the Notice of this Meeting to 
communicate with the Company for any purposes other than  
those expressly stated.

(ii)   To be effective, the Form of Proxy must be completed in 

accordance with the instructions and received by the Company’s 
registrar by 12 noon on Tuesday 2 February 2016.

 To appoint a proxy or to give an instruction to a previously 
appointed proxy via the CREST system, the CREST message  
must be received by the issuer’s agent (ID RA10) by 12 noon  
on Tuesday 2 February 2016. Please note, however, that proxy 
messages cannot be sent through CREST on weekends, public 
holidays or after 8.00pm on any other day. For the purpose of  
this deadline, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time  
(as determined by the timestamp applied to the message by the 
CREST Applications Host) from which the issuer’s agent is able  
to retrieve the message. CREST personal members or other 
CREST sponsored members and those CREST members that  
have appointed voting service provider(s) should contact their 
CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) for assistance with 
appointing proxies via CREST.

 For further information on CREST procedures, limitations  
and system timings, please refer to the CREST manual. We  
may treat as invalid a proxy appointment sent by CREST in  
the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the 
Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, as amended.

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  157

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING CONTINUED

WEBSITE PUBLICATION OF AUDIT CONCERNS
Under section 527 of the CA 2006, shareholders have a right to 
request publication of any concerns that they propose to raise at the 
AGM relating to the audit of the Company’s accounts (including the 
Auditor’s Report and the conduct of the audit) that are to be submitted 
to the Meeting or any circumstances connected to the Company’s 
auditor who ceased to hold office since the last AGM. The Company 
will publish the statement if sufficient requests have been received  
in accordance with section 527(2) of the CA 2006 which, broadly, 
requires a minimum of 100 shareholders holding an average of 941 
ordinary shares each or shareholders holding at least 5% of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital to make the request. The 
Company may not require the members requesting any such website 
publication to pay its expenses in complying with such request. Where 
a statement is published, the Company will forward the statement to 
the Company’s auditor not later than the time when it makes the 
statement available on the website. The business which may be dealt 
with at the AGM includes any statement that the Company has been 
required under section 527 of the CA 2006 to publish on its website.

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION
Copies of the service agreements of the executive directors, the letters 
of appointment of the non-executive directors, the directors’ deeds of 
indemnity and the Register of Directors’ Interests will be available for 
inspection during normal business hours from the date of dispatch of 
this Notice until the date of the AGM (Saturdays, Sundays and public 
holidays excepted) at the registered office of the Company, Compass 
House, Guildford Street, Chertsey KT16 9BQ, and will also be made 
available at the Meeting for a period of 15 minutes prior to and during 
the continuance of the Meeting.

TOTAL VOTING RIGHTS 
As at 1 December 2015 (being the last practicable date prior  
to the publication of this Notice) the Company’s issued share capital 
comprised 1,644,548,863 ordinary shares (excluding treasury shares). 
The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to attend and vote at 
general meetings of the Company. On a vote by show of hands, every 
ordinary shareholder who is present has one vote and every proxy 
present who has been duly appointed by a shareholder entitled to vote 
has one vote. On a vote by poll every ordinary shareholder who is 
present in person or by proxy has one vote for every ordinary share 
held. It is proposed that all votes on the Resolutions at the AGM will be 
taken by way of a poll.

The total voting rights in the Company as at 1 December 2015  
were 1,644,548,863 (excluding treasury shares).

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE
The following information is available on the Company’s website at 
www.compass-group.com:

(i)   the matters set out in this Notice of Meeting; 
(ii)   the total voting rights and number of shares of each class in 

respect of which shareholders are entitled to exercise voting rights 
at the AGM;

(iii)  shareholders’ rights to include business to be dealt with at the 

AGM; and

(iv)  shareholders’ statements, resolutions and matters of business 

received by the Company after 18 December 2015.

(iii)  Pursuant to Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities 

Regulations 2001 and section 360B(2) of the CA 2006, the 
Company specifies that only those shareholders registered  
in the Register of Members of the Company as at 6.00pm on 
Tuesday 2 February 2016 or, in the event that the Meeting is 
adjourned, in the Register of Members 48 hours before the time 
of any adjourned meeting, shall be entitled to attend or vote  
at the Meeting in respect of the number of shares registered  
in their name at the relevant time. Changes to entries on the 
Register of Members after 6.00pm on Tuesday 2 February 2016 
or, in the event that the Meeting is adjourned, less than 48 hours 
before the time of any adjourned meeting, shall be disregarded  
in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at  
the Meeting. 

NOMINATED PERSONS
Any person to whom a copy of this Notice is sent who is a person 
nominated under section 146 of the CA 2006 to enjoy information 
rights (Nominated Person) may, under an agreement between him or 
her and the shareholder by whom he or she was nominated, have a 
right to be appointed (or to have someone else appointed) as a proxy 
for the AGM. If a Nominated Person has no such proxy appointment 
right or does not wish to exercise it, he or she may, under any such 
agreement, have a right to give instructions to the shareholder as to 
the exercise of voting rights.

The statement of the rights of shareholders in relation to the 
appointment of proxies in note (i) above does not apply to Nominated 
Persons. The rights described in that note can only be exercised by 
shareholders of the Company.

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND AGM BUSINESS
Under sections 338 and section 338A of the CA 2006, shareholders 
meeting the threshold requirements which, broadly, requires a 
minimum of 100 shareholders holding an average of 941 ordinary 
shares each or shareholders holding at least 5% of the Company’s 
issued share capital, have the right to require the Company (i) to give 
to shareholders of the Company entitled to receive notice of the AGM, 
notice of a resolution which may properly be moved and is intended  
to be moved at the AGM and/or (ii) to include in the business to be 
dealt with at the AGM any matter (other than a proposed resolution) 
which may be properly included in the business. A resolution may 
properly be moved or a matter may properly be included in the 
business unless (a) (in the case of a resolution only) it would, if 
passed, be ineffective (whether by reason of inconsistency with  
any enactment or the Company’s constitution or otherwise), (b) it is 
defamatory, or (c) it is frivolous or vexatious. Such a request may be  
in hard copy or electronic form and must identify the resolution of 
which notice is to be given or the matter to be included in the 
business, must be authorised by the person or persons making it, 
must be received by the Company not later than Wednesday 23 
December 2015, being the date six clear weeks before the AGM, and 
(in the case of a matter to be included in the business only) must be 
accompanied by a statement setting out the grounds for the request.

RIGHT TO ASK QUESTIONS
Under section 319A of the CA 2006, shareholders have the right to 
ask questions at the AGM relating to the business of the Meeting and 
for these to be answered, unless such answer would interfere unduly 
with the business of the Meeting, involve the disclosure of confidential 
information, if the answer has already been published on the 
Company’s website or if it is not in the interests of the Company  
or the good order of the Meeting that the question be answered.

158  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

Shareholder informationTHE AGM
The doors of the Live Room at Twickenham RFU Stadium will open  
at 10.30am and the AGM will start promptly at 12 noon. Please see the 
map below for the location of Twickenham RFU Stadium. Car parking is 
available for shareholders as indicated on the map. For more information 
of how to get to the venue, go to www.twickenhamexperience.com. 

ATTENDING THE AGM
If you are coming to the AGM, please bring your attendance card with 
you. It authenticates your right to attend, speak and vote at the AGM 
and will speed your admission. You may also find it useful to bring this 
Notice of AGM and the Annual Report 2015 so that you can refer to 
them at the AGM. All joint shareholders may attend and speak at the 
AGM. However, only the first shareholder listed on the Register of 
Members is entitled to vote. At the discretion of the Company, and 
subject to sufficient seating capacity, a shareholder may enter with  
one guest, provided that the shareholder and their guest register to 
enter the AGM at the same time.

QUESTIONS
All shareholders or their proxies will have the opportunity to ask 
questions at the AGM. When invited by the Chairman, if you wish to 
ask a question, please wait for a Company representative to bring you  
a microphone. It would be helpful if you could state your name before 
you ask your question. A question may not be answered at the Meeting 
if it is not considered to be in the interests of the Company or the good 
order of the Meeting or if it would involve the disclosure of sensitive 
information. The Chairman may also nominate a representative to 
answer a specific question after the Meeting or refer the questioner  
to the Company’s website.

VOTING AT THE AGM
The Company proposes that all Resolutions to be proposed at the  
AGM will be put to the vote on a poll. This will result in a more accurate 
reflection of the views of all of the Company’s shareholders by ensuring 
that every vote is recognised, including the votes of shareholders who are 
unable to attend the Meeting but who have appointed a proxy for the 
Meeting. On a poll, each shareholder has one vote for each share held.

After each Resolution is put to the Meeting, you will be asked to cast 
your vote. All of the votes of the shareholders present will be counted, 
and added to those received by proxy, and the provisional final votes 
will be displayed at the Meeting. 

The voting results, which will include all votes cast for and against 
each Resolution at the Meeting, and all proxies lodged prior to the 
Meeting, will be announced at the Meeting and published on the 
Company’s website as soon as practicable after the Meeting. The 
Company will also disclose the number of votes withheld.

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If you have already voted by proxy, you will still be able to vote at the 
Meeting and your vote on the day will replace your previously lodged 
proxy vote. 

Whomever you appoint as a proxy can vote or abstain from voting  
as he or she decides on any other business, which may validly come 
before the AGM. This includes proxies appointed using the CREST 
service. Details of how to complete the appointment of a proxy either 
electronically or on paper are given in the notes to this Notice.

VENUE ARRANGEMENTS
For your personal safety and security, all hand baggage may be  
subject to examination. Please note that electronic devices such as 
cameras and recording equipment may not be brought into the AGM.  
A cloakroom will be available to deposit coats and bulky items.

A sign language interpreter will attend the AGM and a sound 
amplification/hearing loop will be available in the meeting room. 

There is wheelchair access. Anyone accompanying a shareholder in 
need of assistance will be admitted to the AGM. If any shareholder 
with a disability has any questions regarding attendance at the AGM, 
please contact the Group Company Secretariat at Compass Group PLC, 
Compass House, Guildford Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9BQ by  
28 January 2016.

Security staff will be on duty to assist shareholders. The Company will 
not permit behaviour that may interfere with another person’s security, 
safety or the good order of the AGM.

Please ensure that all electronic equipment is switched off throughout 
the AGM.

Tea and coffee will be available before the Meeting and light 
refreshments will be served afterwards.

SHAREHOLDER ENQUIRIES
Capita Asset Services maintain the Company’s share register. If you 
have any enquiries about the AGM or about your shareholding, you 
should contact Capita Asset Services, The Registry, 34 Beckenham 
Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU.

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPT ENQUIRIES
BNY Mellon maintains the Company’s American Depositary Receipt 
register. If you have any enquiries about your holding of Compass 
American Depositary Shares, you should contact BNY Mellon, 
Shareowner Services, Computershare, P.O. Box 30170, College Station 
TX 77842-3170, USA

DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT
Your personal data includes all data provided by you, or on your behalf, 
which relates to you as a shareholder, including your name and contact 
details, the votes you cast and your Reference Number (attributed to 
you by the Company). The Company determines the purposes for which 
and the manner in which your personal data is to be processed. The 
Company and any third party to which it discloses the data (including 
the Company’s registrar) may process your personal data for the 
purposes of compiling and updating the Company’s records, fulfilling 
its legal obligations and processing the shareholder rights you exercise.

PUBLISHED INFORMATION
If you would like to receive this Notice and/or a copy of the Annual 
Report 2015 in an appropriate alternative format, such as large print, 
Braille or an audio version on CD, please contact the Group Company 
Secretariat at Compass Group PLC, Compass House, Guildford Street, 
Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9BQ. 

Our 2015 Annual Report and this Notice are available at  
www.compass-group.com/ar15. 

 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015  159

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Constant currency
Underlying revenue
Underlying operating profit

Underlying operating margin

Underlying profit before tax
Underlying effective tax rate
Underlying basic earnings per share
Underlying free cash flow

Underlying cash tax rate
Underlying gross capex
Organic revenue growth

Specific adjusting items

Underlying net finance cost 
Underlying tax 
Organic operating profit growth

EM & OR restructuring 
Emerging Markets

Restates the prior year results to 2015's average exchange rates.
The combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures.
Includes share of profit after tax of associates and profit before tax of joint ventures but 
excludes some specific adjusting items.
Based on underlying revenue and underlying operating profit excluding share of profit after tax 
of associates.
Excludes specific adjusting items.
Based on underlying tax charge and underlying profit before tax.
Excludes specific adjusting items and the tax attributable to those items.
Adjusted for cash restructuring costs in the year relating to the 2012 and 2013 European 
exceptional programme.
Based on underlying cash tax and underlying profit before tax.
Includes Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures’ capex spend.
Calculated by adjusting for acquisitions (excluding current year acquisitions and including a full 
year in respect of prior year acquisitions), disposals (excluded from both years) and exchange 
rate movements (translating the prior year at current year exchange rates) and compares the 
current year results against the prior year.
• amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition
• acquisition transaction costs
• adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition
• tax on share of profit of joint ventures
• (loss)/profit on disposal of US businesses
• hedge accounting ineffectiveness
Excludes hedge accounting ineffectiveness.
Excludes tax attributable to specific adjusting items.
Calculated by adjusting operating profit for acquisitions (excluding current year acquisitions 
and including a full year in respect of prior year acquisitions), disposals (excluded from both 
years) and exchange rate movements (translating the prior year at current year exchange rates) 
and compares the current year results against the prior year.
Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring.
Fast Growing & Emerging region, excluding Australia.

160  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2015

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information included in this Annual Report and Accounts is 
forward looking and involves risks, assumptions and uncertainties that 
could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed  
or implied by forward looking statements. 

Forward looking statements cover all matters which are not historical 
facts and include, without limitation, projections relating to results  
of operations and financial conditions and the Company’s plans  
and objectives for future operations, including, without limitation, 
discussions of expected future revenues, financing plans, expected 
expenditures and divestments, risks associated with changes in 
economic conditions, the strength of the food and support services 
markets in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates, fluctuations 
in food and other product costs and prices and changes in exchange 
and interest rates. Forward looking statements can be identified by 
the use of forward looking terminology, including terms such as 
‘believes’, ‘estimates’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, ‘forecasts’, ‘intends’, 
‘plans’, ‘projects’, ‘goal’, ‘target’, ‘aim’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘could’  
or ‘should’ or, in each case, their negative or other variations or 
comparable terminology. Forward looking statements in this Annual 
Report and Accounts are not guarantees of future performance. All 
forward looking statements in this Annual Report and Accounts are 
based upon information known to the Company on the date of this 
Annual Report and Accounts. Accordingly, no assurance can be given 
that any particular expectation will be met and readers are cautioned 
not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements, which 
speak only at their respective dates. 

Additionally, forward looking statements regarding past trends or 
activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends  
or activities will continue in the future. Other than in accordance with 
its legal or regulatory obligations (including under the UK Listing Rules 
and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct 
Authority), the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update  
or revise any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new 
information, future events or otherwise. 

Nothing in this Annual Report and Accounts shall exclude any liability 
under applicable laws that cannot be excluded in accordance with 
such laws.

This Report is printed on a combination of Amadeus  
100 Silk and Amadeus 100 Offset. Amadeus 100 Silk  
is produced using 100% recycled waste, the pulp is 
bleached using a Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) process. 
Amadeus 100 Offset is produced using 100% 
post-consumer waste, the pulp is bleached using an 
Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) process. Both materials 
are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) certified and  
are produced at mills that hold the ISO 14001 
environmental management standard.

Printed in the UK by Pureprint Group using vegetable inks 
printing technology. Pureprint Group is ISO 9001:2000, 
ISO 14001, EMAS and FSC certified.

The images in this document are representative of the 
services provided by Compass Group PLC and its 
subsidiaries and partners.

Designed and produced by

COMPASS GROUP PLC
Compass House
Guildford Street
Chertsey
Surrey KT16 9BQ
United Kingdom

Registered in England and Wales No. 4083914

T +44 1932 573 000
F +44 1932 569 956 

Find this Report online at 
www.compass-group.com/ar15