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Crescent Point Energy

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FY2016 Annual Report · Crescent Point Energy
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ANNUAL REPORT
2016

 
 
 
 
 
WE ARE  
COMPASS

We provide great food and support 
services to millions of people around  
the world every day.

Our focused strategy continues to  
deliver shareholder value and we  
remain positive about the structural 
growth potential in food and support 
services globally.

STRATEGIC REPORT

1 
6 
8 
10 
12 
14 

20 
27 
30 

2016 highlights
Chairman’s statement
Our business model and strategy
Chief Executive’s review
Key performance indicators
Regional review
14  North America
16  Europe
18  Rest of World
Finance Director’s statement
Risk management
Corporate Responsibility

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

34 

Introduction to Corporate governance

Governance and Directors’ report
34  Chairman’s letter
36 
38  Our Board
42  Corporate Governance report
45  Audit Committee report
52  Corporate Responsibility Committee report
55  Nomination Committee report

58  Directors’ Remuneration report
80  Governance and Directors’ report
80  Other statutory disclosures

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

86  Directors’ responsibilities
87 
90 
96 
102  Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Independent auditor’s report
Consolidated financial statements
Accounting policies

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

153  Parent Company financial statements
155  Parent Company accounting policies
 Notes to the Parent Company  
157 
financial statements

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

160  Shareholder information
163  Notice of Annual General Meeting

GLOSSARY

172  Glossary of terms

Visit our website for related information 
www.compass-group.com

2016 HIGHLIGHTS
WE CONTINUE TO MAKE PROGRESS  
AGAINST OUR TARGETS

UNDERLYING  
REVENUE

UNDERLYING OPERATING 
PROFIT

UNDERLYING OPERATING 
MARGIN

UNDERLYING BASIC 
EARNINGS PER SHARE

£19,871m

£1,445m

7.2%

61.1p

19,871

1,445

1,265

1,245

1,296

7.1

7.2

7.2

7.2

17,557

17,058

17,843

61.1

53.7

47.7

48.7

2013

2014

2015

2016

2013

2014

2015

2016

2013

2014

2015

2016

2013

2014

2015

2016

Throughout the Strategic Report, and consistent with prior years, underlying measures are used to describe the Group’s performance. These are not recognised 
under IFRS or other generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Executive Board of the Group manages and assesses the performance of the business 
on these measures and believes they are more representative of ongoing trading, facilitate meaningful year on year comparisons and hence provide more useful 
information to shareholders. All underlying measures are defined in the glossary of terms on page 172. A summary of the adjustments from statutory to 
underlying results is shown on page 21 and further detailed in the consolidated income statement (page 90), reconciliation of free cash flow (page 95),  
note 1, segmental reporting (pages 102 to 105) and note 5, tax (pages 109 and 110).

STATUTORY  
REVENUE

STATUTORY OPERATING 
PROFIT

£19,605m

£1,409m

DIVIDEND  
PER SHARE

31.7p

STATUTORY BASIC 
EARNINGS PER SHARE

60.4p

19,605

1,409

31.7

29.4

17,557*

17,590

16,854

1,238*

1,214

1,261

26.5

24.0

60.4

52.3

49.0

23.5

2013

2014

2015

2016

2013

2014

2015

2016

2013

2014

2015

2016

2013

2014

2015

2016

*  Results are stated prior to the restatement due to the change in the accounting treatment of joint ventures in accordance with IFRS 11.

‘A SAFE PLACE TO WORK’ 
YOUR VOICE  
SURVEY 2016 

CARBON DISCLOSURE 
PROJECT 
SCORE 2016 

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT 
APPROVED SUPPLIER 
SIGNATORIES CONTRACTED 
DURING 2016

WOMEN  
IN GLOBAL 
LEADERSHIP TEAM 

91%

(of participants)

Leadership A-

(2015: 97B)

100%

(2015: 100%)

26%

(2015: 23%)

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  1

STRATEGIC REPORT 
WE ARE COMPASS
WE ARE FOCUSED ON FOOD

Food is our core competence and we pride ourselves on our ability to provide  
clients with a wide range of innovative dining solutions

WE OPERATE IN OVER

WE WORK IN OVER

WE EMPLOY OVER

WE SERVE OVER

50

COUNTRIES

50,000

CLIENT LOCATIONS

500,000

GREAT PEOPLE

5 BILLION

MEALS A YEAR

WE HAVE GLOBAL REACH

NORTH AMERICA
UNDERLYING REVENUE
£11,198m
(2015: £9,361m)
56%
of Group total

EUROPE
UNDERLYING REVENUE
£5,458m
(2015: £5,192m)
28%
of Group total

REST OF WORLD
UNDERLYING REVENUE
£3,215m
(2015: £3,290m)
16%
of Group total

2  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

WE ARE COMPASS
WE HAVE A SECTORISED APPROACH

We differentiate ourselves by sectorising and sub-sectorising our business. This enables us to get closer to 
our clients and consumers to create innovative, bespoke offers that best meet their needs and requirements

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
38% of Group underlying 
revenue

HEALTHCARE & SENIORS
23% of Group underlying 
revenue

EDUCATION
18% of Group underlying 
revenue

SPORTS & LEISURE
12% of Group underlying 
revenue

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, and at 
the best value.

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 food and 
support services. We have 
an increasing presence  
in the growing senior 
living market.

From kindergarten  
to college, we provide  
fun, nutritious dining 
solutions that help 
support academic 
achievement at the 
highest levels. We educate 
young people on how to 
have a happy, safe and 
healthy lifestyle while 
contributing to a 
sustainable world.

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
9% of Group underlying 
revenue

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. 
For our defence sector 
clients, we are a partner 
that runs efficient 
operations outside  
areas of conflict.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  3

STRATEGIC REPORT 
WE ARE COMPASS
WE SEE A SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL 
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY…

The addressable food service market is estimated to be worth over £200 billion and,  
with 80% of the market serviced by regional players or in-house providers, we are in  
a strong position to capitalise on this structural growth opportunity

Other large players

12%

Compass

8%

FOOD SERVICE MARKET
c£200 BILLION

80%

Regional 
players
30%

Self 
operated
50%

Structural growth 
opportunity

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

4  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

WE ARE COMPASS
…ACROSS OUR SECTORS  
AND MARKETS

The market for food and support services continues 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 (comprising 
approximately £200 billion food service and £200 billion 
support services) across 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 significant opportunities for growth.

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

The Healthcare & Seniors and Education sectors also 
continue to grow, with less than half of the addressable 
global market currently outsourced. We are developing 
operational excellence in areas such as our proposition 
for hospital visitors and nutritional meal planning in 
schools 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 leveraged our cost 
base and changed our offer to meet our clients’ needs  
and have 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 fulfilling the needs of clients who require 
excellent services without compromising on quality.

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

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  5

STRATEGIC REPORT 
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

2016 has been another year  
of consistent performance for 
Compass, delivering sustainable 
organic revenue growth and 
returns for shareholders.

CONSISTENT 
PERFORMANCE

POSITION IN FTSE 100 INDEX AS  
AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2016 (2015: 25)

24

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

28%

Last 12 months

Last 24 months

Last 36 months

46%

59%

COMPASS SHARE PRICE PERFORMANCE V FTSE 100 INDEX 
(£)

16

2015

2016

15

14

13

12

11

10

9
Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb Mar

Apr May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Compass

FTSE 100 (rebased)

6  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who 
works for Compass for their hard work and dedication, 
which are fundamental to our ongoing success.

PERFORMANCE
Our commitment to generating sustainable organic 
growth by winning new contracts and retaining existing 
business remains. We have achieved excellent levels of 
organic growth in North America and we have continued 
to make good progress in Europe, following the return to 
growth last year. The economic environment in parts of 
our Rest of World region, particularly in the Offshore & 
Remote sector, is challenging but the non-commodity 
related business is performing well.

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 maintain the underlying 
margin in line with last year.

Richard talks more about the drivers of our performance 
on pages 10 and 11 of this Report.

SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
As a result of this strong performance, I’m pleased  
to announce that the Board has recommended a final 
dividend of 21.1 pence per share, which brings the total 
dividend for the year to 31.7 pence per share, an increase 
of 7.8% over the prior year. The final dividend will be paid 
to shareholders on 20 February 2017. During the year,  

we have also bought back 8.7 million shares for a total of 
£100 million.

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, grow the 
dividend in line with constant currency earnings  
per share and pursue small to medium sized infill 
acquisitions. We remain committed to maintaining 
strong investment grade credit ratings and will therefore 
continue to 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. This year, we have refreshed our  
CR strategy to ensure that we are continuing to address 
the issues that are important to our stakeholders. In 
September 2015, the United Nations introduced their 
Sustainable Development Goals and we have identified 
six where we believe we can make the most positive 
social impact.

Our teams around the world continue to enhance the 
contributions we make. 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. This year, we were 
delighted to be included in Fortune Magazine’s list of  
50 Companies that Change the World, which recognises 
companies that make a positive social impact through 
their core business strategy. Our recent commitment  
to source 100% cage free eggs globally by 2025 is a good 
example of this in practice.

There is more information on our CR performance 
during the year in the CR section of this Report, which 
starts on page 30.

OUR VALUES
•  OPENNESS, TRUST AND INTEGRITY
•  PASSION FOR QUALITY
•  WIN THROUGH TEAMWORK
•  RESPONSIBILITY
•  CAN DO SAFELY

LEADERSHIP AND BOARD CHANGES
As I wrote in my letter last year, Andy Martin stood  
down from the Board on 1 December 2015 after 11 years 
with the Group, initially as Group Finance Director and 
then as Group Chief Operating Officer, Europe & Japan. 
As a result of Andy’s departure, Dominic Blakemore 
moved from his role as Group Finance Director to 
become Group Chief Operating Officer, Europe from 
1 December 2015. Johnny Thomson succeeded Dominic 
as Group Finance Director from his position as Regional 
Managing Director of our business in Latin America and 
joined the Board on 1 December 2015.

After nine years’ service, Sir Ian Robinson retired  
from the Board at the conclusion of the Annual General 
Meeting on 4 February 2016 and was succeeded by Don 
Robert as Senior Independent Director. On 5 May 2016, 
Stefan Bomhard was appointed as a non-executive director.

Susan Murray will step down from the Board at the 
conclusion of the Company’s AGM on 2 February 2017, 
having served on the Board for just over nine years. 
Nelson Silva will succeed Susan as Chairman of the 
Corporate Responsibility Committee on the same day.

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

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK
Compass has had another strong year. Performance  
in North America continues to be excellent, and we  
are pleased with our progress in Europe. In the Rest  
of World, the performance is mixed, with the impact  
of the cyclical downturn in our commodity related 
business offsetting reasonable progress elsewhere.

Our expectations for 2017 are positive, with growth 
weighted to the second half of the year. The pipeline of 
new contracts is good and our focus on organic growth, 
efficiencies and cash gives us confidence in another year 
of delivery.

In the longer term, we remain excited about the 
significant structural growth opportunities globally  
and the potential for further revenue growth, margin 
improvement, and continued returns.

Paul Walsh
Chairman 
22 November 2016

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  7

STRATEGIC REPORT 
OUR BUSINESS MODEL AND STRATEGY

OUR STRATEGY

A DISCIPLINED APPROACH TO GROWTH

1.  FOCUS ON FOOD
2.  INCREMENTAL APPROACH TO 

SUPPORT SERVICES

3.  PRIORITISE ORGANIC GROWTH
4.  BOLT-ON ACQUISITIONS
5.  BEST-IN-CLASS EXECUTION

Food is our focus and our core competence. We take a 
pragmatic and incremental approach to support services, 
with strategies developed on a country by country basis.

Our priority is to capture the organic growth opportunities, 
as these yield the best returns. We will also invest in small  
to medium sized acquisitions, but only if they are attractive 
targets that have the right cultural fit and will enhance 
our portfolio.

We are committed to providing the best quality and value to 
our clients with best-in-class execution. We have increased 
our focus on innovation in our core food business to bring 
more variety and excitement to our offer as well as to 
improve our operations.

OUR BUSINESS MODEL

VEN U E  G

E
C R

I
N
A
G
R
O

O W T H

R

COST/O

P

E

R

A

T

I

N

G

E

F
F
I

C
I
E
N
C
IE
S

E

G

A

OUR PEOPLE

C

O

MPETITIVE AD V A N T

We drive organic growth by sectorising and sub-sectorising 
our business. This approach differentiates us, and allows us 
to get closer to our customers to create an innovative and 
bespoke offer that meets their needs. Organic growth is 
occasionally supplemented with small and medium sized 
acquisitions where they add capability or scale in our 
existing markets.

We focus on operational execution and generate efficiencies 
by optimising our supply chain and managing our food and 
labour costs. These efficiencies enable us to reinvest in the 
significant growth opportunities around the Group and 
improve margins.

Our organic revenue growth, the scale it creates and  
our focus on costs and efficiencies give us a competitive 
advantage. We can provide our clients and consumers the 
best value in terms of quality and cost and this, combined 
with sectorisation, helps drive organic revenue growth.

At the centre of it all are our people. They win new business, 
manage our units efficiently and effectively and bring 
innovative and high quality food and services to our clients.

8  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

 
HOW WE CREATE SHAREHOLDER VALUE

GROWTH

Our priority is organic growth and we continue to put focus and resources behind both 
MAP 1 (driving new business and retention), and MAP 2 (consumer sales).

MARGIN

We remain focused on costs and improving MAP 3 (cost of food), MAP 4 (in unit labour 
costs and overheads) and MAP 5 (above unit overheads). This generates operating 
efficiencies and enables us to improve margins.

INVESTMENT

We invest with discipline to support our organic growth. Capital expenditure tends to be  
between 2.5-3.0% of revenue. We also invest in infill acquisitions when they add capability 
or scale in an existing market and have returns that exceed the cost of capital by year two.

RETURNS TO 
SHAREHOLDERS

We create value for our shareholders by delivering a balanced package of progressive 
dividends which grow in line with constant currency earnings and returning any  
additional surplus capital to shareholders to maintain net debt/EBITDA at 1.5x.

UNDERPINNED BY OUR CULTURE

DRIVING ORGANIC TOPLINE GROWTH

GENERATING EFFICIENCIES

MAP 1: CLIENT SALES 
AND MARKETING
We invest in sales and 
retention to win new 
business and retain our 
existing clients. We are 
increasingly sectorising 
and sub-sectorising  
the business around 
the world to allow  
us to get closer to  
our customers. This 
approach allows us to 
develop bespoke offers 
that best meet our 
clients’ needs.

MAP 2: CONSUMER 
SALES AND 
MARKETING
Like for like revenue 
consists of both volume 
and price. It 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.

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 in 2006,  
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 we continue to 
grow revenue.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  9

STRATEGIC REPORT 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

Compass’ clear strategy and  
scale has led to another year  
of good growth.

DELIVERING 
GROWTH

HOW DID COMPASS PERFORM THIS YEAR?
Revenue for the Group increased by 5.0% on an organic 
basis. New business wins were 8.8% driven by strong 
MAP 1 (client sales and marketing) performance in most 
countries. Our retention rate was 94.1% as a result of  
our ongoing focus and investment. We aim to increase 
participation and spend through MAP 2 (consumer sales 
and marketing) initiatives. Like for like revenue growth 
of 2.1% reflected sensible price increases and modest 
volume improvement in North America offset by 
negative volumes in Rest of World.

The restructuring programme announced in July 2015 to 
reduce the cost base in our Offshore & Remote business 
and in some emerging markets is now complete and 
delivering the expected savings. Restructuring costs 
totalled £51 million (£25 million and £26 million charged 
in 2016 and 2015 respectively). These costs have been 
included in underlying Group operating profit.

Underlying operating profit increased by 5.6% on a 
constant currency basis. The underlying operating 
margin was flat, as we continue to drive efficiencies 
across the business using our Management and 
Performance (MAP) framework. 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 overheads). These efficiencies 
enabled us to invest to support the exciting growth 
opportunities we see around the world.

Returns to shareholders continue to be an integral part 
of our business model. The Group returned £596 million 
to shareholders in the year, £496 million by way of 
dividends and £100 million in share buybacks. Our 
leverage policy is to maintain strong investment grade 
credit ratings, returning any surplus cash to shareholders 
to target net debt to underlying EBITDA of around 1.5x.

WHAT IS THE GROUP’S STRATEGY?
Food is our focus and our core competence. The 
addressable food service market is estimated to be  
more than £200 billion. With only around 50% of the 
market currently outsourced, there is a significant 
structural growth opportunity. We believe the benefits of 
outsourcing become increasingly apparent as economic 
conditions and regulatory changes put 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. This is a complex segment and there are 
significant differences in client buying behaviour across 
countries, sectors and sub-sectors. 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 other selected countries.

10  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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 
constant currency earnings per share; and (iv) maintain 
strong investment grade credit ratings by returning any 
surplus cash to shareholders to target net debt/EBITDA 
of around 1.5x.

HOW WOULD YOU SUMMARISE 2016?
Compass has had another strong year. Performance  
in North America continues to be excellent, and we  
are pleased with our progress in Europe. In the Rest  
of World, the performance is mixed, with the impact  
of the cyclical downturn in our commodity related 
business offsetting reasonable progress elsewhere.

WHAT IS YOUR OUTLOOK FOR 2017?
Our expectations for 2017 are positive, with growth 
weighted to the second half of the year. The pipeline of 
new contracts is good and our focus on organic growth, 
efficiencies and cash gives us confidence in another year 
of delivery.

In the longer term, we remain excited about the 
significant structural growth opportunities globally  
and the potential for further revenue growth, margin 
improvement, and continued returns.

Richard Cousins
Group Chief Executive 
22 November 2016

WHAT IS THE GROUP’S GEOGRAPHIC SPREAD?
We have a truly international business, with operations 
in over 50 countries. We manage the business in three 
geographic regions.

North America (56% of underlying Group revenue) is the 
principal growth engine for the Group. The outsourcing 
culture is vibrant and the addressable market is significant. 
We have a market leading business, which delivers high 
levels of growth by combining a sectorised client facing 
approach with the cost advantage of our scale.

The fundamentals of our businesses in Europe (28% of 
underlying Group revenue) are good and we see many 
opportunities to drive revenue growth and margin 
improvement. We have invested in MAP 1 sales and 
retention to return the region to growth. This year, we 
have created nine new business units to leverage our 
scale in procurement, lower costs and speed up the 
sharing and implementation of best practices.

Rest of World (16% of underlying Group revenue)  
offers very good long term growth potential. Our largest 
markets are Australia, Japan and Brazil, and we are 
growing in India and China. Lower commodity prices 
and weak volumes have impacted our Offshore & Remote 
business. We have restructured our business to adapt to 
the changing market environment, and remain excited 
about the attractive long term growth prospects of 
the region.

WHAT ARE THE GROUP’S MAIN  
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES?
SECTORISED APPROACH
We segment the market and create sectors and sub-
sectors to develop customised solutions that meet the 
requirements of a wide and growing range of clients and 
consumers. Our portfolio of B2B brands enables us to 
differentiate these propositions and maximise our 
market coverage.

SCALE
As we continue to grow, our increasing scale allows 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.

MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE (MAP) CULTURE
We speak one common MAP language. All our employees 
use this simple framework to drive performance across 
the business. It 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 (MAPs 4 and 5).

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  11

STRATEGIC REPORT 
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

MEASURING PROGRESS

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.

STRATEGIC FINANCIAL

FINANCIAL

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.

UNDERLYING OPERATING 
MARGIN
Underlying operating  
margin divides the underlying 
operating profit before share  
of profit of associates by the 
underlying revenue.

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.

5.0%

5.8

5.0

4.3

4.1

2013 2014 2015 2016

7.2%

7.1

7.2

7.2

7.2

2013 2014 2015 2016

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

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

NON-FINANCIAL

HEALTH AND SAFETY
LOST TIME INCIDENT 
FREQUENCY RATE 
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.

WHY WE MEASURE
A reduction in lost time incidents  
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.

19.4%

19.1 19.3 19.1 19.4

2013 2014 2015 2016

29.0%

reduction since 2013

2013 2014 2015 2016

12  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
The Group KPIs should be read in conjunction  
with the Strategy and Risk sections.

See pages 8 and 9 and 27 to 29 respectively

UNDERLYING BASIC EARNINGS  
PER SHARE
Underlying basic earnings per share 
divides the underlying attributable 
profit 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.

61.1p

61.1

53.7

47.7 48.7

£908m

908

834

737

722

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.

WHY WE MEASURE
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 supports 
our progressive dividend policy.

2013 2014 2015 2016

2013 2014 2015 2016

19.0%

reduction since 2013

FOOD SAFETY
FOOD SAFETY INCIDENT RATE 
PERFORMANCE
Cases of substantiated food safety 
incidents, including food 
borne 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.

ENVIRONMENT
GHG INTENSITY RATIO
GHG intensity ratio relating to the top 
20 countries, which represent 94% of 
total Group revenue.

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

16.0%

reduction since 2013

7.3

6.7

6.3

5.3

2013 2014 2015 2016

2013 2014 2015 2016

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  13

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
REGIONAL REVIEW

NORTH AMERICA
CORE GROWTH ENGINE

Our business in North America has  
had another strong year, with organic 
revenue growth of 8.1%, driven by new 
business wins and high retention rates.

5

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KEY HIGHLIGHTS

UNDERLYING  
REVENUE

£11,198m

(2015: £9,361m)

UNDERLYING OPERATING  
PROFIT

GROUP UNDERLYING REVENUE 
CONTRIBUTION

£908m

(2015: £760m)

56%

(2015: 52%)

ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH

UNDERLYING OPERATING MARGIN

UNDERLYING REVENUE BY SECTOR

+8.1%

(2015: +7.9%)

8.1%

(2015: 8.1%)

1

2

3

4

5

Business & Industry .....................................................30%
Healthcare & Seniors .................................................29%
Education.............................................................................................24%
Defence, Offshore & Remote .........................2%
Sports & Leisure .....................................................................15%

REGIONAL FINANCIAL SUMMARY

UNDERLYING

2016

2015
£11,198m £9,361m
£760m
8.1%
52%

£908m
8.1%
56%

Revenue
Operating profit
Operating margin
Region as a % of Group revenue

14  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

CHANGE

CONSTANT 
CURRENCY
10.5%
10.3%

ORGANIC
8.1%
9.1%

REPORTED 
RATES
19.6%
19.5%
–

Excellent organic revenue growth in the Healthcare & 
Seniors business was delivered through new contract 
wins where we are benefiting from accelerating rates of 
outsourcing and consolidation in the sector. Examples 
include Mountain States Health Alliance, where we have 
added additional business, Maricopa Integrated Health 
System and the McLaren Health Care Corporation.

The Education sector has seen increased levels of 
participation along with new business wins, including 
Furman University, Babson College and the DeSoto 
Independent Schools District.

We have delivered double digit organic revenue growth 
in our Sports & Leisure business with excellent retention 
and strong like for like revenues coming from additional 
playoff matches and increased spend per head. New 
business wins include the University of Notre Dame  
and Greater Columbus Convention Center and we have 
expanded our service offering at the Target Center.

Low commodity prices continue to impact our Offshore 
& Remote business. Organic revenue declines of 16% 
result from business closures and lower volumes on site. 
However, we continue to win new business including 
contracts with CH2M Hill and ExxonMobil.

Underlying operating profit of £908 million increased  
by 10.3% (£85 million) on a constant currency basis.  
We incurred high levels of mobilisation costs with the  
top line growth, above average labour inflation and the 
dilutive impact of the first year of the CulinArt acquisition. 
These headwinds were offset by overhead leverage and 
ongoing efficiency initiatives across MAPs 3 and 4, 
resulting in a flat underlying operating margin.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  15

Our business in North America has had another strong 
year, with organic revenue growth of 8.1%, driven by new 
business wins and high retention rates. We have seen 
good like for like revenue improvement across the region 
as we drive MAP 2 participation, with the exception of 
the Offshore & Remote sector where we are experiencing 
ongoing volume pressure.

In the Business & Industry sector, our sub-sectorisation 
provides high end/premium offers (for example Bon 
Appétit and Restaurant Associates), value offers (for 
example Canteen’s vending business), and our core Eurest 
business. We have seen good levels of new business and 
positive like for like volumes in some of the sub-sectors. 
New contract wins include Coach, Inc and Oracle as well 
as adding new locations and services at LinkedIn.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
REGIONAL REVIEW

EUROPE
ANOTHER GOOD YEAR

Europe grew organic revenue by 2.8%, 
the highest growth rate we have seen 
since 2008. This was driven by good 
levels of new business wins.

5

4

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UNDERLYING  
REVENUE

£5,458m

(2015: £5,192m)

UNDERLYING OPERATING  
PROFIT

GROUP UNDERLYING REVENUE 
CONTRIBUTION

£394m

(2015: £374m)

28%

(2015: 29%)

ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH

UNDERLYING OPERATING MARGIN

UNDERLYING REVENUE BY SECTOR

+2.8%

(2015: +2.2%)

7.2%

(2015: 7.2%)

1

2

3

4

5

Business & Industry ......................................................57%
Healthcare & Seniors ...................................................14%
Education...............................................................................................14%
Defence, Offshore & Remote ..........................7%
Sports & Leisure .........................................................................8%

REGIONAL FINANCIAL SUMMARY

UNDERLYING

Revenue
Operating profit
Operating margin
Region as a % of Group revenue

2016

2015
£5,458m £5,192m
£374m
7.2%
29%

£394m
7.2%
28%

CHANGE

CONSTANT 
CURRENCY
2.7%
2.6%

ORGANIC
2.8%
2.6%

REPORTED 
RATES
5.1%
5.3%
–

Prior year comparatives have been restated to reflect a change in the way the Region is managed.

16  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

Like for like volumes were impacted by the timing of a 
number of sports events in the UK in the fourth quarter 
of 2015 and by weakness in the oil and gas business, 
where we have seen revenue declines of 25% in the  
year, and France which is still challenging.

Underlying operating profit grew by 2.6% (£10 million) 
on a constant currency basis, delivering a flat underlying 
operating margin at 7.2%. Our ongoing focus on pricing 
and operational efficiencies allowed us to reinvest in the 
business to support the higher levels of growth, absorb 
the impact of lower like for like volumes in the oil and  
gas business, offset minimum wage pressures across the 
region and cover the cost of creating nine sub-regional 
business units. This new structure will allow us to 
maximise our scale in procurement, leverage our 
overheads and speed up the sharing and implementation 
of best practices.

Europe grew organic revenue by 2.8%, the highest 
growth rate we have seen since 2008. This was driven by 
good levels of new business wins. Like for like revenue 
was slightly positive due to some pricing and flat 
volumes. Our fourth quarter growth rate was impacted 
by the closure of some contracts and strong Sports & 
Leisure comparatives in the UK.

New business wins were strong in the UK, Nordics, 
BeNeLux, Iberia and Turkey. Some examples of wins 
include the Politieacademie in the Netherlands, AXA in 
Spain, Darussafaka in Turkey and the Aeroports de Paris 
and Macif in France. Contract extensions include Arcelor 
Mittal in Germany and BT and HSBC in the UK.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  17

STRATEGIC REPORT 
REGIONAL REVIEW

REST OF WORLD
CORE BUSINESS  
PERFORMING WELL

In the Rest of World region, organic 
revenue declined by 1.2%. Excluding  
the Offshore & Remote business,  
organic revenue grew by 3.6% while  
in the Offshore & Remote business, 
organic revenue declined by 10%.

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UNDERLYING  
REVENUE

£3,215m

(2015: £3,290m)

UNDERLYING OPERATING  
PROFIT

GROUP UNDERLYING REVENUE 
CONTRIBUTION

£218m

(2015: £241m)

16%

(2015: 19%)

ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH

UNDERLYING OPERATING MARGIN

UNDERLYING REVENUE BY SECTOR

-1.2%

(2015: +5.9%)

6.8%

(2015: 7.3%)

1

2

3

4

5

Business & Industry .....................................................36%
Healthcare & Seniors ...................................................14%
Education...................................................................................................5%
Defence, Offshore & Remote ....................36%
Sports & Leisure ........................................................................9%

REGIONAL FINANCIAL SUMMARY

UNDERLYING

Revenue
Operating profit
Operating margin
Region as a % of Group revenue

2016

2015
£3,215m £3,290m
£241m
7.3%
19%

£218m
6.8%
16%

CHANGE

CONSTANT 
CURRENCY
(1.9)%
(8.8)%

ORGANIC
(1.2)%
(7.9)%

REPORTED 
RATES
(2.3)%
(9.5)%
(50)bps

Prior year comparatives have been restated to reflect a change in the way the Region is managed.

18  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

We delivered modest growth in Japan with new contract 
wins including Yame City Health Promotion Facility and 
the Canon Headquarters. India and China continue to 
perform well with growth driven by contract wins such  
as TCS Mumbai and Flipkart in India, and Ant Financial 
and Yew Wah International School in China.

Across the Middle East, we saw good levels of new 
business including contracts with Abu Dhabi Water and 
Electricity Authority and Zakum Development Company 
in the UAE, Sidra Medical and Research Centre in Qatar 
and the Children’s Cancer Hospital Foundation in Egypt.

In Australia, we have won business across all sectors 
including Riverview College, a prestigious school in 
Sydney, Melbourne Museum’s cafés and special event 
catering, and a number of Seniors contracts including 
Aurrum and Baptist Care.

In the Offshore & Remote business, Australia saw organic 
revenue declines of 17%, as expected. Many construction 
contracts moved into their production phases and there 
are ongoing pricing pressures, site closures and lower 
volumes. We expect the current revenue decline to 
accelerate through 2017. Our other Offshore & Remote 
businesses in Latin America, Africa and Asia are facing 
similar pressures.

Underlying operating margins excluding Australia  
were flat. The savings from the restructuring programme 
announced in 2015, along with pricing and ongoing 
efficiencies, offset the impact of weak volumes in Brazil 
and our Offshore & Remote business. However, pricing 
pressures and site closures have reduced the profitability 
of our Australian business by £26 million. Underlying 
operating profit therefore declined by 8.8% (£21 million) 
on a constant currency basis, with the underlying 
operating margin down 50 basis points to 6.8%, in  
line with expectations.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  19

In the Rest of World region, organic revenue declined by 
1.2%. Excluding the Offshore & Remote business, organic 
revenue grew by 3.6% while in the Offshore & Remote 
business, organic revenue declined by 10%.

In the non-Offshore & Remote business, good new 
business wins in Brazil, which include Centre Norte, 
Carrefour and Hospital Novo Metropolitano, have been 
offset by further negative like for like volumes as a result 
of a challenging macroeconomic environment. Across 
the rest of Latin America, we continue to see strong 
organic growth driven by contract wins including 
Hospital Britanico in Argentina, Jabil Chihuahua and 
Banco Santander in Mexico and San Vicente de Paul 
in Colombia.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
FINANCE DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

2016 has been another strong  
year with good organic revenue 
growth of 5.0%, underlying 
margin delivery of 7.2% and an 
increase in free cash flow of 26%.

STRONG  
PERFORMANCE

BUSINESS REVIEW

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Revenue
Underlying at constant currency
Underlying at reported rates
Statutory
Organic growth
Total operating profit
Underlying at constant currency
Underlying at reported rates
Statutory
Operating margin
Underlying at reported rates
Statutory
Profit before tax
Underlying at constant currency
Underlying at reported rates
Statutory
Basic earnings per share
Underlying at constant currency
Underlying at reported rates
Statutory
Free cash flow
Underlying at reported rates
Statutory
Full year dividend per ordinary share

20  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

2016

2015

INCREASE/
(DECREASE)

£19,871m £18,725m
£19,871m £17,843m
£19,605m £17,590m
5.8%

5.0%

£1,445m £1,368m
£1,445m £1,296m
£1,409m £1,261m

7.2%
7.1%

7.2%
7.1%

£1,344m £1,260m
£1,344m £1,192m
£1,321m £1,159m

61.1p
61.1p
60.4p

£908m
£899m
31.7p

56.7p
53.7p
52.3p

£722m
£686m
29.4p

6.1%
11.4%
11.5%

5.6%
11.5%
11.7%

–
–

6.7%
12.8%
14.0%

7.8%
13.8%
15.5%

25.8%
31.0%
7.8%

SEGMENTAL PERFORMANCE

North America
Europe
Rest of World
Total

North America
Europe
Rest of World
Unallocated overheads
Total before associates and EM & OR restructuring
EM & OR restructuring
Total before associates
Associates
Total

UNDERLYING REVENUE

UNDERLYING REVENUE GROWTH

2016 
£M
11,198
5,458
3,215
19,871

20151
£M
9,361
5,192
3,290
17,843

REPORTED 
RATES
19.6%
5.1%
(2.3)%
11.4%

CONSTANT 
CURRENCY
10.5%
2.7%
(1.9)%
6.1%

ORGANIC
8.1%
2.8%
(1.2)%
5.0%

UNDERLYING 
OPERATING PROFIT

UNDERLYING 
OPERATING MARGIN

2016 
£M
908
394
218
(65)
1,455
(25)
1,430
15
1,445

20151
£M
760
374
241
(66)
1,309
(26)
1,283
13
1,296

2016 
%
8.1%
7.2%
6.8%

20151
%
8.1%
7.2%
7.3%

7.3%

7.3%

7.2%

7.2%

1.  2015 Europe and Rest of World segments have been restated to reflect a change in the way these are managed.

STATUTORY AND UNDERLYING RESULTS

Revenue

Operating profit
Other gains/(losses)
Net finance costs
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax
Non-controlling interest
Attributable profit

Average number of shares (millions)
Basic earnings per share (pence)

EBITDA
Gross capex
Free cash flow

2016

2015

STATUTORY 
£M
19,605

ADJUSTMENTS 
£M
266

UNDERLYING 
£M
19,871

STATUTORY 
£M
17,590

ADJUSTMENTS 
£M
253

UNDERLYING 
£M
17,843

1,409
1
(89)
1,321
(319)
1,002
(10)
992

1,643
60.4p

1,835
580
899

36
(1)
(12)
23
(11)
12
–
12

–
0.7p

5
–
9

1,445
–
(101)
1,344
(330)
1,014
(10)
1,004

1,643
61.1p

1,840
580
908

1,261
(1)
(101)
1,159
(282)
877
(8)
869

1,662
52.3p

1,627
506
686

35
1
(3)
33
(10)
23
–
23

–
1.4p

9
1
36

1,296
–
(104)
1,192
(292)
900
(8)
892

1,662
53.7p

1,636
507
722

CONSTANT 
CURRENCY 
£M
18,725

1,368
–
(108)
1,260
(309)
951
(8)
943

1,662
56.7p

n/a
n/a
n/a

Further details of the adjustments can be found in the consolidated income statement, consolidated cash flow statement, note 1 segmental reporting and 
note 5 tax.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  21

STRATEGIC REPORT 
Finance Director’s statement continued

STATUTORY RESULTS
Statutory revenue was £19,605 million (2015: £17,590 million), 
with growth of 11.5%. Statutory operating profit was 
£1,409 million (2015: £1,261 million), an increase of 11.7%  
over the prior year. Statutory profit before tax of £1,321 million  
(2015: £1,159 million) delivered basic earnings per share of  
60.4 pence (2015: 52.3 pence), an increase of 15.5% over the  
prior year. The weakening of sterling against the majority of  
the Group’s key currencies has given rise to approximately 6% 
positive impact in each of these measures.

UNDERLYING RESULTS
Throughout the Strategic Report, and consistent with prior 
years, underlying measures are used to describe the Group’s 
performance. These are not recognised under IFRS or other 
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

The Executive Board of the Group manages and assesses the 
performance of the business on these measures and believes 
they are more representative of ongoing trading, facilitate 
meaningful year on year comparisons and hence provide more 
useful information to shareholders. All underlying measures  
are defined in the glossary of terms on page 172.

A summary of adjustments from statutory results to  
underlying results is shown on page 21 and further detailed in 
the consolidated income statement (page 90), reconciliation  
of free cash flow from operations (page 95), the segmental 
reporting note (pages 102 to 105), and the tax note (pages  
109 to 110).

UNDERLYING REVENUE
Underlying revenue was £19,871 million (2015: £ 17,843 million), 
an increase of 11.4%. If we restate 2015’s revenue at the 2016 
average exchange rates for the year, it would increase by 
£882 million. On a constant currency basis, underlying revenue 
has therefore increased by £1,146 million, or 6.1%. Organic 
revenue growth for the year was 5.0%, comprising new business 
of 8.8%, a retention rate of 94.1% and like for like growth of 2.1%.

UNDERLYING OPERATING PROFIT
Underlying operating profit was £1,445 million (2015: 
£1,296 million), an increase of 11.5%. If we restate 2015’s profit at 
the 2016 average exchange rates for the year, it would increase by 
£72 million. On a constant currency basis, underlying operating 
profit has therefore increased by £77 million, or 5.6%.

UNDERLYING FINANCE COSTS
The underlying net finance cost was £101 million  
(2015: £104 million), with the decrease a result of lower  
pension interest costs given the increased surplus on the UK 
scheme. For 2017, we expect an underlying net finance cost  
of around £110 million, reflecting the weakness of sterling on 
foreign denominated debt. This equates to an effective interest 
rate of around 3% on gross debt.

UNDERLYING INCOME TAX EXPENSE
On an underlying basis, the tax charge was £330 million  
(2015: £292 million), equivalent to an effective tax rate of  
24.5% (2015: 24.5%).

In 2017, we expect to see upward pressure on the tax rate. This  
is a consequence of both the changing regulatory environment 
affecting all multinationals and the impact of exchange rates. 
Our current expectations are for the 2017 tax rate to be around 
1% higher than 2016, but we note that we are likely to see a 
continuing period of significant uncertainty in the international 
corporate tax environment as we look forward.

UNDERLYING BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
On an underlying basis, the basic earnings per share grew by 
13.8% to 61.1 pence (2015: 53.7 pence). If we restate 2015’s basic 
earnings per share at the 2016 average rates for the year, it would 
be 56.7 pence. On a constant currency basis, basic earnings per 
share therefore increased by 7.8%.

DIVIDENDS
Our dividend policy is to grow the dividend in line with  
growth in underlying constant currency earnings per share. It is 
therefore proposed that a final dividend of 21.1 pence per share 
be paid on 20 February 2017 to shareholders on the register on 
20 January 2017. This will result in a total dividend for the year 
of 31.7 pence per share (2015: 29.4 pence per share), a year on 
year increase of 7.8%. The dividend is covered 1.9 times on an 
underlying earnings basis and 1.8 times on a cash basis. We 
remain committed to growing the dividend in line with  
constant currency earnings.

22  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

The Group has a net pension deficit of £21 million at 
30 September 2016, calculated in accordance with IAS 19, for  
all Group defined benefit schemes (2015: £9 million deficit).  
The total pensions charge for defined contribution schemes in 
the year was £100 million (2015: £84 million) and £17 million  
(2015: £21 million) for defined benefit schemes. Included in  
the defined benefit scheme costs was a £1 million charge to net 
finance cost (2015: £5 million), which has reduced due to the 
increase in the UK accounting surplus in 2015 compared to 2014.

ACQUISITION PAYMENTS
The total cash spend on acquisitions in the year, net of cash 
acquired, was £180 million (2015: £89 million), comprising 
£148 million of infill acquisitions, £2 million on acquisition 
transaction costs and £30 million of deferred consideration 
relating to prior years’ acquisitions.

RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED
Return on capital employed was 19.4% (2015: 19.1%) based  
on underlying operations, net of tax at the effective underlying 
rate of 24.5% (2014: 24.5%), and excluding the Group’s non-
controlling partners’ share of total operating profit. The average 
capital employed was £5,565 million (2015: £5,093 million).  
On a constant currency basis, the increase in return on capital 
employed would have been 10 basis points, with the remainder  
a result of currency movements.

PURCHASE OF OWN SHARES
During the year, the Group purchased shares for a consideration 
of £100 million (2015: £328 million).

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Details of transactions with related parties are set out in note 29 
of the consolidated financial statements. These transactions 
have not had, and are not expected to have, a material effect  
on the financial performance or position of the Group.

UNDERLYING FREE CASH FLOW
Underlying free cash flow grew by 26% to £908 million  
(2015: £722 million), in part due to foreign exchange. Free  
cash flow conversion has increased to 63% (2015: 56%).

Underlying gross capital expenditure of £580 million  
(2015: £507 million) is equivalent to 2.9% of underlying 
revenues (2015: 2.8% of underlying revenues), and we expect 
that capex in 2017 will be at a similar percentage of underlying 
revenues. We continue to deliver strong returns on our capital 
expenditure across all regions.

Excluding pensions and provisions, trade working capital has 
decreased by £12 million (2015: £17 million increase). Some 
underlying improvements and some timing differences offset 
the negative impact of around £70 million from the timing of  
our payroll run in September in the USA and UK. We continue  
to focus on improving working capital and expect a small  
outflow in 2017.

The cash outflow of £39 million (2015: £59 million) on post 
employment benefit obligations largely reflects payments agreed 
with trustees to reduce deficits on the defined benefit pension 
scheme in the UK. Following the completion of the triannual 
valuation of the Compass Group Pension Plan in the UK, which 
now has a funding surplus, we have agreed with the trustees that 
we will stop our deficit reduction payments. We therefore expect 
our cash outflow on post employment benefit obligations to 
reduce to around £20 million in 2017.

The underlying cash tax rate for the year was 18% (2015: 20%) 
which is slightly lower than the expected level. This is largely  
a result of certain legislation changes during the year in North 
America. In 2017, we expect the cash tax rate to be in the range  
of 20 to 23%.

The net interest outflow for the year was £94 million  
(2015: £93 million).

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.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  23

STRATEGIC REPORT 
Finance Director’s statement continued

FINANCING – MATURITY PROFILE OF PRINCIPAL BORROWINGS  
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2016 (£M)

519

192

1,000

2017

35

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

250

281

154

433

306

271

308

250

231

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

Bank

£ Private Placement

US$ Private Placement

€ Bond

£ Bond

1.  Based on borrowings and facilities in place as at 30 September 2016, maturing in the financial year ending 30 September.
2.  The average life of the Group’s principal borrowings is 5.0 years (2015: 6.2 years).

FINANCIAL POSITION
The ratio of net debt to market capitalisation of £24,737 million 
as at 30 September 2016 was 12% (2015: 15%).

At the end of the year, net debt was £2,874 million  
(2015: £2,603 million). The ratio of net debt to underlying 
EBITDA was 1.6x, higher than usual due to movements in 
currency in the final quarter of the year. Our leverage policy is  
to maintain strong investment grade credit ratings, returning 
any surplus cash to shareholders to target net debt to underlying 
EBITDA of around 1.5x.

SHAREHOLDER RETURN
The market price of the Group’s ordinary shares at the close of 
the financial year was 1,495.00 pence per share (2015: 1,053.00 
pence per share).

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 2016 shows that the average period to maturity  
is 5.0 years (2015: 6.2 years).

The Group’s undrawn committed bank facilities at 
30 September 2016 were £1,000 million (2015: £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. These  
policies have not changed in the year.

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.

24  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

The borrowings in each currency can give rise to foreign 
exchange differences on translation into sterling. Where the 
borrowings either are 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.

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.

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.

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.

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, its shareholders, 
employees, clients, consumers and all other stakeholders.

The principal risks and uncertainties that face the business and 
the activities the Group undertakes to mitigate these are set out 
on pages 27 to 29.

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 17 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 clients 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.

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue 
in operational existence for the 12 months from the date of 
approval of this Annual Report. 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 27 to 29 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 2019.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  25

STRATEGIC REPORT 
Finance Director’s statement continued

The directors have determined that a three year period to 
30 September 2019 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 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 2% of Group revenue 
and our top 10 clients account for less than 9% 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.

Johnny Thomson
Group Finance Director 
22 November 2016

The Strategic Report, as set out on pages 1 to 33, has been 
approved by the Board.

On behalf of the Board

Mark White
General Counsel and Company Secretary 
22 November 2016

26  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

RISK MANAGEMENT

IDENTIFYING AND  
MANAGING RISK

The Board continues to take a proactive approach to recognising, assessing 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 28 and 29 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. These include risks resulting from 
the UK’s recent EU referendum which could adversely affect  
the risks noted under the ‘economic and political environment’ 
section of the table on the following pages as well as affecting 
financial risks such as liquidity and credit. Although the risks 
related to the EU referendum have been discussed by the Board, 

it is too early to properly understand the impact on the  
business. In accordance with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, 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 pages 25 and 26 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  
28 and 29 on those risks that are currently considered to  
be more significant to the Group.

Risk Management should be read in conjunction  
with the Strategy and KPI sections.

See pages 8 and 9 and 12 and 13 respectively

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  27

STRATEGIC REPORT 
PRINCIPAL RISKS

CHANGE IN RISK

Increased risk

Consistent risk

RISKS

DESCRIPTION

EXAMPLES OF MITIGATION

HEALTH AND SAFETY

HEALTH AND SAFETY

2015 

2016 

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

CLIENT AND CONSUMER 
SALES AND RETENTION

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

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

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.

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.

2015 

2016 

BIDDING

2015 

2016 

SERVICE DELIVERY  
AND CONTRACTUAL 
COMPLIANCE

2015 

2016 

COMPETITION

2015 

2016 

PEOPLE

RECRUITMENT

2015 

2016 

RETENTION AND 
MOTIVATION

2015 

2016 

28  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RISKS

DESCRIPTION

ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

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.

ECONOMY

2015 

2016 

COST INFLATION

2015 

2016 

POLITICAL STABILITY

2015 

2016 

COMPLIANCE AND FRAUD

COMPLIANCE AND 
FRAUD

2015 

2016 

TAX COMPLIANCE

2015 

2016 

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 Brazil, could constitute a risk to our ability to 
do this.

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 caused, for example, by the UK’s 
EU referendum.

Ineffective compliance management with 
increasingly complex 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.

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

INFORMATION SYSTEMS 
AND TECHNOLOGY

2015 

2016 

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

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.

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.

The Group’s zero tolerance based Codes  
of Business Conduct and Ethics continue to  
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.

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 2016  29

STRATEGIC REPORT 
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

REDUCING RISK AND DRIVING GROWTH

OUR PILLARS, PRIORITIES AND PROGRESS
OUR PILLARS

OUR PEOPLE

OUR PRIORITIES

OUR PROGRESS

The Group’s strategy and approach to 
corporate responsibility (CR) are well aligned 
as we improve the business model to reflect 
more sustainable practices. CR is a keystone of 
our commitment to provide the highest quality 
service to our customers. Across the business, 
the safety of our colleagues and consumers  
is our number one operational priority and 
supports our growth strategy, increases  
trust and helps us attract the best talent.

OUR CR STRATEGY
Each year, we review the issues which matter most  
to our business and stakeholders to help us better  
assess our key business risks and opportunities.  
Through this process we have identified seven issues  
we believe materially impact our business and our 
relationships with our stakeholders (see matrix below). 

OUR MATERIAL IMPACTS

3

1

4

7

2

5

6

I

M
P
A
C
T

RESPONSIBLE SOURCING

PROBABILITY

HEALTH & WELLBEING

In the following table we outline how our four CR pillars 
address these seven issues, why they matter to us and 
how they inform our priorities and activities 
moving forward.

Through our strategic review, stakeholders and 
international clients have indicated their growing 
interest in supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs) as agreed by world leaders  
in September 2015. In response to this feedback, we have 
focused our attention on how our business activities can 
help us to deliver towards the SDGs at a global and local 
level. See pages 32 and 33 for a more detailed narrative 
on those specific SDGs where we believe we can make  
the most positive social impact.

Visit our website for more information about our 
approach to CR and progress against performance

www.compass-group.com

30  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING

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

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

Having a responsible supply chain 
is important for us to deliver the 
quality of food service which is a 
key business driver for Compass 
and of paramount importance to 
our customers.

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

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

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

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

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

1  WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY

Transparency around the processes 

and controls in place to ensure the 

safety and wellbeing of our people.

2   EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT & 

RETENTION

Provide our people with training  

and development opportunities. 

Recognise and reward their 

great work.

3  PRODUCT SAFETY

Visibility around the ingredients that 

we source for our operations.

4  SUPPLY CHAIN INTEGRITY

Ensure our supply chain is  

acting responsibly and humanely 

towards its workforce.

5  CBC COMPLIANCE

Ensure the implementation of  

our Codes of Business Conduct  

and Ethics. Measure and report 

concerns via the Speak Up 

whistleblowing programme.

6  WELLBEING AND NUTRITION

Promote simple product labelling 

and signposting to encourage our 

consumers to make healthy choices.

•  Since 2013, we have achieved a 29% 

Global Lost Time Incident Frequency 

reduction in our Lost Time Incident 

Rate

-29%

(vs 2013)

Frequency Rate performance. However, 

this year we have seen our performance 

plateau. We are not complacent and 

continue to embed a strong safety 

leadership culture, as well as improved 

return to work programmes

•  Sadly, we had one work related fatality  

as a result of a motor vehicle accident.  

As part of our commitment for 

continuous improvement, we  

have shared lessons learned

•  We have extended our third party audit 

Global Food Safety Incident Rate

programme to validate around the world 

that all our markets are complying with 

the requirements of our Global Food 

-19%

(vs 2013)

Safety Standards

•  Audit results identified that some of our 

developing markets, including India and 

Singapore, required further support to 

implement effective controls. We have 

responded by investing in additional 

resource to help local teams embed  

the required operational standards

•  In our more developed markets including 

Number of sites offering healthy 

the UK and US, we have introduced apps 

eating programmes

such as My Fitness Pal, that enable 

consumers to track their calorie and 

+21%

nutritional intake, directly linked to our 

(vs 2013)

menus. These apps help our consumers 

to make healthier choices

7  ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING

Transparency around our 

environmental impacts, target  

setting and reporting to 

demonstrate progress.

•  We have extended the roll out  

of our food waste measurement  

and tracking technology solution

GHG intensity ratio

-16%

•  In sites where we have implemented  

(vs 2013)

this solution, we have seen a reduction  

in food waste of around 50%

•  In 2017, we will expand the pilot roll out 

to around 10 countries to assess the 

viability of a wider geographic scope

HighLowMediumHighMediumLowOUR PILLARS, PRIORITIES AND PROGRESS

OUR PILLARS

OUR PEOPLE

OUR PRIORITIES

OUR PROGRESS

RESPONSIBLE SOURCING

HEALTH & WELLBEING

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING

Our people are fundamental to 

our great service and reputation 

and we recognise their positive 

contribution to our performance.

Ensuring our employees  

are well trained, safe, motivated 

and productive is an essential 

component of our business model. 

Having a responsible supply chain 

is important for us to deliver the 

quality of food service which is a 

key business driver for Compass 

and of paramount importance to 

our customers.

As a result of our actions across 

our supply chain, we are able  

to build client and consumer 

confidence, reduce potential  

risks and develop sustainable  

relationships.

By pursuing our passion for 

wellbeing and nutrition, we  

can help our consumers and 

employees adopt a more 

balanced lifestyle.

We support our clients to deliver 

improved employee performance 

and satisfaction, encouraging 

client retention in our business.

As a leading food and support 

services provider, we have a clear 

responsibility to help protect 

the environment.

We are reducing our impact  

by implementing programmes  

that focus on the improved  

use of resources, helping us to  

manage our costs and those  

of our clients more effectively.

1  WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY

Transparency around the processes 
and controls in place to ensure the 
safety and wellbeing of our people.

2   EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT & 

RETENTION
Provide our people with training  
and development opportunities. 
Recognise and reward their 
great work.

3  PRODUCT SAFETY

Visibility around the ingredients that 
we source for our operations.

4  SUPPLY CHAIN INTEGRITY
Ensure our supply chain is  
acting responsibly and humanely 
towards its workforce.

5  CBC COMPLIANCE

Ensure the implementation of  
our Codes of Business Conduct  
and Ethics. Measure and report 
concerns via the Speak Up 
whistleblowing programme.

6  WELLBEING AND NUTRITION

Promote simple product labelling 
and signposting to encourage our 
consumers to make healthy choices.

•  Since 2013, we have achieved a 29% 
reduction in our Lost Time Incident 
Frequency Rate performance. However, 
this year we have seen our performance 
plateau. We are not complacent and 
continue to embed a strong safety 
leadership culture, as well as improved 
return to work programmes

•  Sadly, we had one work related fatality  
as a result of a motor vehicle accident.  
As part of our commitment for 
continuous improvement, we  
have shared lessons learned

•  We have extended our third party audit 

programme to validate around the world 
that all our markets are complying with 
the requirements of our Global Food 
Safety Standards

•  Audit results identified that some of our 
developing markets, including India and 
Singapore, required further support to 
implement effective controls. We have 
responded by investing in additional 
resource to help local teams embed  
the required operational standards

•  In our more developed markets including 
the UK and US, we have introduced apps 
such as My Fitness Pal, that enable 
consumers to track their calorie and 
nutritional intake, directly linked to our 
menus. These apps help our consumers 
to make healthier choices

7  ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
Transparency around our 
environmental impacts, target  
setting and reporting to 
demonstrate progress.

•  We have extended the roll out  

of our food waste measurement  
and tracking technology solution
•  In sites where we have implemented  

this solution, we have seen a reduction  
in food waste of around 50%

•  In 2017, we will expand the pilot roll out 
to around 10 countries to assess the 
viability of a wider geographic scope

Global Lost Time Incident Frequency 
Rate
-29%

(vs 2013)

2013 2014 2015 2016

Global Food Safety Incident Rate
-19%

(vs 2013)

2013 2014 2015 2016

Number of sites offering healthy 
eating programmes
+21%

16,900

17,576

16,715

(vs 2013)

14,496

2013 2014 2015 2016

GHG intensity ratio
-16%

6.3

7.3

6.7

(vs 2013)

5.3

2013 2014 2015 2016

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  31

STRATEGIC REPORT 
Corporate Responsibility continued

WORKING TOWARDS THE 
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

We believe that the SDGs provide a useful platform, and 
common language, upon which we can build new, and 
strengthen existing, global and local partnerships to 
progress our sustainability activities.

Of the 17 goals designed to help deliver the 2030  
vision for a more sustainable planet, we have identified 
six where we believe we can make the most positive 
social impact. In addition to these issue specific goals,  
we recognise the critical importance of working in 
partnership, supported by SDG 17 (Partnerships for 
the Goals).

PROGRESS THIS YEAR
Our performance in the key sustainability indices is  
of increasing interest to clients and investors. We have 
performed well in these indices this year, including our 
achievement in the Carbon Disclosure Project of a 
‘Leadership’ score of A-.

UNITED NATIONS’ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE

COMPASS’ ROLE

FOR EXAMPLE

GOAL 2
End hunger, achieve food security  
and improved nutrition and promote 
sustainable agriculture

GOAL 3
Ensure healthy lives and promote  
wellbeing for all at all ages

Member of

3-0033-10-100-00

GOAL 5
Achieve gender equality and empower all 
women and girls 

Looking ahead, we will continue to engage our teams and 
stakeholders around the world to understand the issues 
which matter most and to identify opportunities to build 
stronger partnerships which address global and local 
sustainability priorities.

GOAL 8
Promote sustained, inclusive and 
sustainable economic growth, full  
and productive employment and decent 
work for all

GOAL 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, 
seas and marine resources for sustainable 
development

GOAL 15
Protect, restore and promote sustainable 
use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably 
manage forests, combat desertification, and 
halt and reverse land degradation and halt 
biodiversity loss

For a more detailed review of our  
2015-2016 performance against targets, 
please visit www.compass-group.com

32  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

By 2050, the world’s population is 

Every year, we spend around 

expected to increase by two billion.  

£5 billion on food. Collaborating  

At present almost 800 million of the 

with our supply chain to design  

world’s population are malnourished 

and deliver scalable and practical 

and starving. This means that  

the need to improve sustainable 

solutions for food security and 

Since 2014, our Imperfectly Delicious 

Produce programme run by our US 

business has used over 200,000 kgs  

of imperfect fruit and vegetables that 

would otherwise have rotted in fields, 

agriculture will become increasingly 

vitally important to safeguard the 

for simply not meeting an artificial 

critical as the demand on natural 

future of our business.

standard of attractiveness.

sustainable agriculture is therefore 

been sent to composting or landfill  

resources intensifies.

Nutrition is essential for sustainable 

Each year, we serve over five billion 

Since 2010, we have worked towards  

development. Every year, poor 

nutrition kills over three million 

meals. By pursuing our passion for 

a target that 100% of our units will 

wellbeing and nutrition, we are 

provide Balanced Choices or similar 

children under five, whilst around  

committed to helping our consumers 

healthy eating programmes by 2016. 

the world over two billion people  

and employees adopt a more  

are overweight or obese. 

balanced lifestyle.

This year, we have seen a further 

improvement in our performance 

(67% vs 66% in 2015). We have not 

met our stated target of 100% of units 

by 2016 and will continue to work 

towards achieving this through 2017.

Women and girls around the world 

Women make up 57% of our  

struggle to exercise their rights,  

global workforce and 26% of our 

In 2016, our UK business launched 

the Women in Food programme, to 

face discrimination, legal barriers  

global leadership team. We are 

tackle the shortage of female chefs. By 

and violence and receive unequal  

resolved to empower all our female 

2020, we expect that 50% of the chefs 

pay for equal work.

employees as we know this leads  

in our UK workplace will be female.

to increases in productivity, 

organisational effectiveness  

and consumer satisfaction.

The availability of decent work  

Our 500,000+ employees are 

In Australia, we launched Project 

is a must for lasting, inclusive and 

fundamental to our great service and 

1050 to support the recruitment  

economic growth, yet while the  

reputation. Around the world we are 

of an additional 1,050 indigenous 

global labour force continues to grow, 

working with local communities to 

jobseekers into the Compass 

there are not enough jobs available, 

offer fair employment and great 

workforce by 2019. 

particularly amongst young people 

career opportunities.

and indigenous communities.

30% of the world’s fish stocks are 

Three words encapsulate our 

We have partnered with the  

overexploited, compromising their 

approach to sustainable seafood;  

MSC in the UK to develop the Good 

ability to produce sustainable yields.

(1) Avoid: by not serving seafood  

Fish Guide app, which encourages 

on the Marine Stewardship Council’s 

everyone from chefs to consumers  

(MSC) ‘fish to avoid’ list; (2) Improve: 

to make more sustainable choices 

by buying more certified sustainable 

easily and quickly.

seafood each year; (3) Promote: the 

availability of responsibly sourced 

fish to our consumers.

People need nature to thrive. It is 

We are working across our supply 

Globally, we are a member of the 

particularly critical for sustainable 

chain, to ensure we source our  

Roundtables on Responsible Soy and 

agriculture, yet deforestation, 

food and non-food products in a 

desertification and loss of biodiversity 

sustainable manner with the least 

Responsible Palm Oil, whilst 17 of  

our top 20 countries have already 

and natural habitats are degrading 

possible impact on the environment.

established sustainable and ethical 

sourcing programmes.

fertile land and reducing 

crop productivity.

UNITED NATIONS’ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE

COMPASS’ ROLE

FOR EXAMPLE

GOAL 2

End hunger, achieve food security  

and improved nutrition and promote 

sustainable agriculture

GOAL 3

Ensure healthy lives and promote  

wellbeing for all at all ages

GOAL 5

Achieve gender equality and empower all 

women and girls 

GOAL 8

Promote sustained, inclusive and 

sustainable economic growth, full  

and productive employment and decent 

work for all

GOAL 14

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, 

seas and marine resources for sustainable 

development

By 2050, the world’s population is 
expected to increase by two billion.  
At present almost 800 million of the 
world’s population are malnourished 
and starving. This means that  
the need to improve sustainable 
agriculture will become increasingly 
critical as the demand on natural 
resources intensifies.

Every year, we spend around 
£5 billion on food. Collaborating  
with our supply chain to design  
and deliver scalable and practical 
solutions for food security and 
sustainable agriculture is therefore 
vitally important to safeguard the 
future of our business.

Since 2014, our Imperfectly Delicious 
Produce programme run by our US 
business has used over 200,000 kgs  
of imperfect fruit and vegetables that 
would otherwise have rotted in fields, 
been sent to composting or landfill  
for simply not meeting an artificial 
standard of attractiveness.

Nutrition is essential for sustainable 
development. Every year, poor 
nutrition kills over three million 
children under five, whilst around  
the world over two billion people  
are overweight or obese. 

Each year, we serve over five billion 
meals. By pursuing our passion for 
wellbeing and nutrition, we are 
committed to helping our consumers 
and employees adopt a more  
balanced lifestyle.

Women and girls around the world 
struggle to exercise their rights,  
face discrimination, legal barriers  
and violence and receive unequal  
pay for equal work.

Women make up 57% of our  
global workforce and 26% of our 
global leadership team. We are 
resolved to empower all our female 
employees as we know this leads  
to increases in productivity, 
organisational effectiveness  
and consumer satisfaction.

Since 2010, we have worked towards  
a target that 100% of our units will 
provide Balanced Choices or similar 
healthy eating programmes by 2016. 
This year, we have seen a further 
improvement in our performance 
(67% vs 66% in 2015). We have not 
met our stated target of 100% of units 
by 2016 and will continue to work 
towards achieving this through 2017.

In 2016, our UK business launched 
the Women in Food programme, to 
tackle the shortage of female chefs. By 
2020, we expect that 50% of the chefs 
in our UK workplace will be female.

The availability of decent work  
is a must for lasting, inclusive and 
economic growth, yet while the  
global labour force continues to grow, 
there are not enough jobs available, 
particularly amongst young people 
and indigenous communities.

30% of the world’s fish stocks are 
overexploited, compromising their 
ability to produce sustainable yields.

GOAL 15

Protect, restore and promote sustainable 

use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably 

manage forests, combat desertification, and 

halt and reverse land degradation and halt 

biodiversity loss

People need nature to thrive. It is 
particularly critical for sustainable 
agriculture, yet deforestation, 
desertification and loss of biodiversity 
and natural habitats are degrading 
fertile land and reducing 
crop productivity.

Our 500,000+ employees are 
fundamental to our great service and 
reputation. Around the world we are 
working with local communities to 
offer fair employment and great 
career opportunities.

In Australia, we launched Project 
1050 to support the recruitment  
of an additional 1,050 indigenous 
jobseekers into the Compass 
workforce by 2019. 

Three words encapsulate our 
approach to sustainable seafood;  
(1) Avoid: by not serving seafood  
on the Marine Stewardship Council’s 
(MSC) ‘fish to avoid’ list; (2) Improve: 
by buying more certified sustainable 
seafood each year; (3) Promote: the 
availability of responsibly sourced 
fish to our consumers.

We are working across our supply 
chain, to ensure we source our  
food and non-food products in a 
sustainable manner with the least 
possible impact on the environment.

We have partnered with the  
MSC in the UK to develop the Good 
Fish Guide app, which encourages 
everyone from chefs to consumers  
to make more sustainable choices 
easily and quickly.

Globally, we are a member of the 
Roundtables on Responsible Soy and 
Responsible Palm Oil, whilst 17 of  
our top 20 countries have already 
established sustainable and ethical 
sourcing programmes.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  33

STRATEGIC REPORT 
Governance and Directors’ Report
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

PROMOTING SUCCESS

We believe that strong  
leadership combined with a 
robust governance framework  
is vital to positive performance 
and to the continued success  
of your Company.

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present Compass 
Group PLC’s annual Corporate Governance Report which aims 
to provide shareholders and other stakeholders with an insight  
into the Company’s governance activities, performance  
and priorities.

GOVERNANCE IN ACTION
As a Board, we remain 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, its long term 
sustainability and continued success.

BOARD EFFECTIVENESS
In my role as Chairman, it is my responsibility to ensure that we 
have an effective Board with a suitable range of skills, expertise 
and experience. Each year, we conduct a performance evaluation 
of the Board and its committees to ensure that they continue to 
be effective and that each of the directors shows a demonstrable 
commitment to their role and has sufficient time to devote  
to their responsibilities at Compass, notwithstanding any 
other commitments.

In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code (the 
Code) an externally facilitated evaluation must be conducted 
every three years. EquityCommunications Limited (ECL) 
conducted this year’s external evaluation, as they did in 2013. 
The purpose of ECL’s evaluation was to consider progress  
in closing the gaps that were identified in the last external 
evaluation in 2013, reflect on progress made against last year’s 
internal assessment, evaluate how the Group had responded to 
changes in both the business and regulatory environment and  
to review the way the Board and its committees operate.

Information on this year’s external evaluation process, the 
lessons learned from last year’s review and our areas of focus  
in the coming year, can be found on page 43.

Last year, I wrote to you about the importance of succession 
planning. This has, and will continue to be, an area of focus  
for the Board and the Nomination Committee. We operate  
in intrinsically dynamic markets and it is therefore vitally 
important to the Company’s future success that it has a stable 
and sustainable leadership which adapts and evolves in tandem 
with current and future business needs.

We continuously plan for the future. As I have set out in the 
Nomination Committee Report, finding the right individuals  
for the Board takes time and the principal aim of our succession 
plan is to ensure that we will always have access to a potential 
pool of talented individuals capable of leading the Company and 
delivering its strategic goals. This year, in line with our plan, we 
appointed Johnny Thomson as Group Finance Director and 
Stefan Bomhard as a non-executive director. In addition to  
these appointments, in October 2015, Don Robert succeeded 
Sir Ian Robinson as Senior Independent Director (SID). In 
December of the same year, Andy Martin stepped down as a 
director and Dominic Blakemore became Group Chief Operating 
Officer, Europe. It is also planned that Susan Murray, who 
completed her nine year tenure as a non-executive director in 
October, will step down from the Board at the conclusion of the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). I would like to take 
this opportunity to thank Susan for her services to the Board, 
particularly for her excellent work as Chairman of the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee and to wish her every success for the 
future. Nelson Silva will succeed Susan as Chairman of the 
Corporate Responsibility Committee at the conclusion of  
the Company’s AGM and I wish him well in his new role.

34  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

I am pleased to report that it has been another year of positive 
progress and development in the Company’s governance agenda 
and I am confident that the changes we have made to the Board 
leave us better placed as we look to the Company’s future. In the 
coming year, we will continue to build on our work to date and  
to focus on our plan for the next three years. I look forward to 
reporting on our progress next year.

In the meantime, in the pages which follow we have set out our 
governance structures and processes and how we have applied 
the main principles and complied with the relevant provisions  
of the Code. We have sought to show how governance works in 
practice by giving examples of the types of activity undertaken 
by the Board and its committees during the year. I hope that you 
find our narrative insightful.

Paul Walsh
Chairman 
22 November 2016

THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL  
GENERAL MEETING

Earlier this year, we held our AGM at Twickenham Stadium, 
just one of the many sporting venues where we provide 
hospitality services. I am pleased that the event was well 
attended by shareholders.

During the question and answer session, shareholders  
were able to ask the Board questions about the Company’s 
performance and its plans for the future and several 
discussions were continued after the meeting when 
shareholders and directors met on a more informal basis.

As ever, the Board and I were impressed by the quality and 
breadth of shareholder questions. On behalf of my fellow 
directors, I would like to thank you for your interest in  
the Company and for your continued support.

We look forward to meeting you at the Company’s next 
AGM on Thursday 2 February 2017.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  35

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report
INTRODUCTION TO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

COMMITTED TO THE HIGHEST 
STANDARDS

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 Financial Reporting Council (FRC) website 
at www.frc.org.uk. This Corporate Governance Report, 
together with the Directors’ Remuneration Report set  
out on pages 58 to 79, 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 2016 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 UK Listing Authority 
(UKLA) Rules and to report if it does not reflect such 
compliance. No such report has been made.

The directors present their Annual Report and the audited 
consolidated financial statements of the Company and its 
subsidiaries for the year ended 30 September 2016. This 
Corporate Governance Report on pages 34 to 57 and the  
other statutory disclosures on pages 80 to 84 together with  
the Directors’ Responsibilities statement on page 86 make up 
the Directors’ Report.

HOW WE GOVERN THE COMPANY
The Board leads the Group’s governance framework; it is 
responsible for setting the strategic targets for the Group, 
monitoring progress made, approving proposed actions and  
for ensuring that the appropriate internal controls are in  
place and that they are operating effectively.

The Board is assisted by four principal committees (Audit, 
Corporate Responsibility, Nomination and Remuneration), each 
of which is responsible for reviewing and dealing with matters 
within its own terms of reference. At scheduled Board meetings, 
the minutes of all committee meetings are circulated and a 
summary of committee meetings discussed (as appropriate).  
All of the non-executive directors are members of all principal 
committees. Individual reports from each principal committee 
chairman can be found on pages 45 to 79. The Company also has 
a number of executive management committees (Disclosure, 
General Business and Executive Board). These have been 
established in order to consider various issues and matters  
for recommendation to the Board and its principal committees 
or to deal with day to day matters within the authority granted 
by the Board.

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

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

Chairman

Board

AUDIT  
COMMITTEE

SEE PAGE 45

DISCLOSURE 
COMMITTEE

REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE

SEE PAGE 58

GENERAL 
BUSINESS 
COMMITTEE

CORPORATE 
RESPONSIBILITY 
COMMITTEE

SEE PAGE 52

NOMINATION 
COMMITTEE

SEE PAGE 55

EXECUTIVE  
BOARD 

36  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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 as follows:

•  Strategy and management
•  Board membership and other appointments
•  Financial reporting and controls
•  Internal controls
•  Contracts
•  Capital structure
•  Communication
•  Remuneration
•  Delegation of authority
•  Corporate governance matters
•  Other matters

By way of an example, the Board must approve any changes  
to the Group’s capital structure, operating and expenditure 
budgets, capital investment of £50 million and above annually or 
any new contract with life of contract revenues of £250 million 
or more.

However, the Board’s primary role remains to provide 
entrepreneurial leadership and to review the overall strategic 
development of the Group as a whole.

The Board has delegated day to day operational decisions  
to the Executive Board. The Executive Board is supported by 
country and regional management teams who are responsible 
for achieving agreed targets, maintaining budgetary controls and 
for implementing policies and controls at country and business 
unit level.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As at 30 September 2016, 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.

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.

All of the non-executive directors are considered by the  
Board (and by the definition contained in the Code) 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.

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 58 to 79.

BOARD TENURE

4

1

3

1

2

3

4

More than 5 years................................................42%
3-5 years........................................................................................8%
1-3 years..................................................................................33%
Less than 1 year......................................................17%

2

EXECUTIVE AND NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BALANCE

The work of the Board and its committees is described in this 
section of the Governance Report.

3

1

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. 

2

1

2

3

Executive directors.............................................33%
Non-executive directors...........................59%
Non-executive Chairman.............................8%

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  37

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report
OUR BOARD

Paul Walsh (61)  C  N *
Chairman
Joined as a non-executive director in January 2014. 
Appointed Chairman in February 2014.

Johnny Thomson (44)  C   D   E   G
Group Finance Director
Joined the Board and appointed Group Finance 
Director on 1 December 2015.

Key skills and competencies
Paul has significant experience in marketing, buying 
and retail operations as well as substantial corporate 
leadership experience.

Key skills and competencies
Johnny brings extensive finance and accounting 
experience across a range of businesses as well as 
operational experience within the Group.

Career
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. Business Ambassador  
on the UK Government’s Business Ambassador 
network and a Member of the Council of the  
Scotch Whisky Association.

External appointments
Chairman of Avanti Communications Group plc  
and Chime Communications Limited. Non-executive 
director of HSBC Holdings plc, FedEx Corporation, 
RM2 International S.A. and Simpsons Malt Limited. 
Adviser to TPG Capital LLP (TPG) and a nominee 
director of the various companies as required by  
TPG including Pace Holdings Corp.

Richard Cousins (57)  C   E   G  N
Group Chief Executive
Joined the Board in May 2006 and was appointed 
Group Chief Executive in June 2006.

Key skills and competencies
Richard brings invaluable UK and international 
corporate expertise to the Board. He has experience  
in operational research and strategic planning and  
has held a number of key management roles.

Career
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.

External appointments
Senior independent non-executive director of 
Tesco PLC and a Member of the Advisory Board of 
Lancaster University Business School.

Career
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 the 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 and transactional services and 
international/client secondments at 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

External appointments
None.

Dominic Blakemore (47)  E   G
Group Chief Operating Officer, Europe
Joined the Board in February 2012 and appointed as 
Group Finance Director in April 2012. Dominic was 
appointed Group Chief Operating Officer, Europe on  
1 December 2015 and stepped down as Group Finance 
Director on the same day.

Key skills and competencies
Dominic has extensive financial management 
experience in a number of international businesses 
together with general corporate 
management experience.

Career
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 of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

External appointments
Non-executive director of Shire plc and a Member of 
the Academic Council of University College London.

38  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

Gary Green (59)  E   G
Group Chief Operating Officer, North America
Appointed to the Board in April 2007 and became 
Group Chief Operating Officer, North America 
in April 2012.

Key skills and competencies
Gary brings strong business and operational 
leadership as well as business development and  
wide ranging sales experience.

Career
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.

External appointments
None.

Don Robert (57)  A   C  N   R
Senior Independent Non-executive Director (SID)
Joined the Board in May 2009. Appointed SID on  
1 October 2015.

Key skills and competencies
Don has extensive international board and  
general management experience, especially in  
the financial sector.

Career
Don was formerly the Chief Executive Officer of 
Experian plc, former Chairman of the Consumer Data 
Industry Association and Trustee of the Education and 
Employers Taskforce and previously held positions 
with First American Corporation, Credco, Inc. and  
US Bancorp.

External appointments
Chairman of Experian plc, Achilles Holdco Limited 
and Validis Holdings Limited. Don is also a non-
executive director of the Court of the Bank of England.

John Bason (59)  A *  C  N   R
Non-executive Director
Appointed to the Board in June 2011.

Key skills and competencies
John brings significant financial and international 
experience to the Board, gained from his long career 
with major global businesses.

Career
Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
England and Wales. John was previously Finance 
Director of Bunzl plc.

External appointments
Finance Director of Associated British Foods plc, 
trustee of Voluntary Service Overseas and Chairman of 
the charity FareShare.

Carol Arrowsmith (62)  A   C  N   R *
Non-executive Director
Appointed to the Board in June 2014.

Key skills and competencies
Carol brings extensive advisory experience,  
especially of advising boards on executive  
remuneration across a range of sectors.

Career
Carol is a former partner of Deloitte LLP and  
was 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.

External appointments
Adviser to Deloitte LLP, Member of the Advisory 
Group for Spencer Stuart, director and trustee of 
Northern Ballet Limited and a director of Arrowsmith 
Advisory Limited.

Stefan Bomhard (49)  A   C  N   R
Non-executive Director
Appointed to the Board in May 2016.

Key skills and competencies
Stefan brings extensive experience of working in 
international environments, particularly relating to 
the operation, sales and marketing of well-known 
consumer food and drink brands.

Career
Stefan was previously Regional President, Europe, 
Geneva at Bacardi Martini for five years and held  
a number of worldwide senior positions at Cadbury 
Plc, Unilever PLC, Diageo plc, Burger King and 
Procter & Gamble.

External appointments
Chief Executive Officer of Inchcape plc.

Susan Murray (59)  A   C * N   R
Non-executive Director
Appointed to the Board in October 2007.

Key skills and competencies
Susan brings extensive executive and non-executive 
retail, financial and strategic experience to the Board.

Career
Susan is 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.

External appointments
Non-executive director of Grafton Group plc and of 
Boparan Holdings Limited trading as 2 Sisters Food 
Group and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  39

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Mark White (56)  A °  C  N °  R °  D   E   G °
General Counsel and Company Secretary
Joined the Group as General Counsel and Company 
Secretary in June 2007.

Key skills and competencies
Mark has extensive legal and corporate  
secretariat experience gained in a number of  
major international businesses. Mark is also  
a Trustee of the Compass Group Pension Plan and  
the Compass Retirement Income Savings Plan.

Career
Mark is a Solicitor. He was previously Group Company 
Secretary and General Counsel of Wolseley plc and 
Company Secretary of Enterprise Oil plc and 
Rotork plc.

External appointments
Member of the Upper Tribunal, Tax and 
Chancery Chamber.

Board Committee Membership
A   Audit Committee ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................page 46

C   Corporate Responsibility Committee .....................................................................................................................................................................................page 53

N   Nomination Committee .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................page 56

R   Remuneration Committee ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................page 61

D   Disclosure Committee ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................page 44

E   Executive Board ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................page 44

G   General Business Committee ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................page 44

  *  Chairman

   °  Secretary

Governance and Directors’ Report

Our Board continued

Nelson Silva (61)  A   C  N   R
Non-executive Director
Appointed to the Board in July 2015.

Key skills and competencies
Nelson has considerable executive management 
experience in a variety of senior leadership roles 
within major international companies, with a 
particular focus on Brazil.

Career
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.

Nelson previously held the position of Senior Vice 
President of BG Group plc responsible for Brazil, 
Bolivia and Uruguay. He is a former board member  
of the Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas and of the 
Brazilian Association of Petroleum Companies and  
of the Social and Development Council of Brazil’s 
Presidency. Nelson was formerly a senior consultant 
to BHP Billiton Brazil.

External appointments
Nelson is an executive director of Petróleo Brasileiro 
S.A. and is a Board Member of the Brazilian 
Symphonic Orchestra.

Ireena Vittal (48)  A   C  N   R
Non-executive Director
Appointed to the Board in July 2015.

Key skills and competencies
Ireena brings strong advisory, business and 
operational experience across a variety of retail 
businesses with a particular focus on India.

Career
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.

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.

40  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

DIRECTOR EFFECTIVENESS AND TRAINING
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.

MEETINGS ATTENDANCE
NAME

ATTENDANCE1

Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Dominic Blakemore
Stefan Bomhard2
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Andrew Martin3
Susan Murray
Don Robert
Sir Ian Robinson4
Nelson Silva
Johnny Thomson5
Ireena Vittal6
Paul Walsh

6 of 6
6 of 6
6 of 6
2 of 2
6 of 6
6 of 6
1 of 1
6 of 6
6 of 6
2 of 2
6 of 6
5 of 5
5 of 6
6 of 6

1.  The number of meetings attended out of the number of meetings eligible 

to attend.

2.  Appointed 5 May 2016.
3.  Stepped down from the Board on 1 December 2015.
4.  Stepped down from the Board at the conclusion of the Company’s AGM  

on 4 February 2016.

5.  Appointed 1 December 2015.
6.  Unable to attend a meeting due to unforeseen circumstances. Prior to the 
meeting the director read the papers for the meeting and discussed her 
comments with the Chairman of the Board.

If a director is unable to attend a Board or committee meeting, 
the Chairman of the Board and/or committee chairman are 
informed and the absent director is encouraged to communicate 
comments and opinions on the matters to be considered. Each 
director also attends the AGM to answer shareholder questions.

Board activities are structured to help the Board to achieve  
its goals and to provide support and advice to the executive 
management on the delivery of Group strategy within a robust 
governance framework.

BOARD VISIT TO CANADA
The March 2016 Board meeting was held in Toronto, 
Canada, when senior executives from the North American 
business met with the Board and gave in-depth 
presentations on strategy and business operations. During 
its visit, the Board also visited a number of operational 
sites including the Centre Bell sports and entertainments 
complex in Montreal, one of many sporting venues where 
Compass North America provides hospitality services. 

2015-2016 PRIORITIES (TIME SPENT)

10

1

9

8

7

2

3

4

6

5

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

HSE...........................................................................................................................................................................................5%
Strategy.......................................................................................................................................................................25%
Acquisitions/disposals.......................................................................................................................5%
Capital expenditure.................................................................................................................................5%
Executive/committee reports........................................................................................10%
Financial reporting/planning.........................................................................................13%
Understanding the business.........................................................................................20%
Succession planning............................................................................................................................7%
Risk management......................................................................................................................................5%
Other matters.......................................................................................................................................................5%

2015-2016 INSIGHTS
•  Received health and safety updates at every meeting
•  Reviewed the Group’s strategy
•  Succession planning
•  Risk reviews
•  Conducted Board meetings together with site visits in Canada 

and France

•  Received in-depth presentations from country managers, 

sector leaders (e.g. Education) and various function heads,  
for example, finance, tax, treasury, investor relations and legal
•  Reviewed the potential implications of the UK leaving the EU 

pre and post the June 2016 referendum

•  Commissioned an external evaluation of the Board in line 

with the requirements of the Code

•  Monitored the progress of changes to Company governance 
policies and practices in connection with the EU Market 
Abuse Regulation which came into force on 3 July 2016

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. During the year 
there were a number of meetings at which senior management 
from our businesses made presentations to the Board. This 
enabled the non-executive directors to engage with colleagues 
from across the Group. On one occasion, this included a 
presentation from our North American business which covered 
topics such as health and safety performance and prevention,  
the competitive landscape and business sectors, growth trends, 
working capital management, financial forecasts, business  
wins and pipelines, risk mitigation and succession planning.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  41

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Site visits to operating business units allow the Board as a  
whole to interact with a diverse group of colleagues, provide  
the non-executive directors with a unique insight into how the 
business works on a day to day basis and help to assess local 
management performance and potential. Each year, the Board 
aims to hold two meetings at Group locations. These visits also 
give the directors a unique opportunity to meet with colleagues 
on a more informal basis and greatly assist in the succession 
planning process.

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.

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.

BOARD VISIT TO FRANCE
In July 2016, the Managing Director of the French 
business hosted a visit by the Board to Paris. The Board 
heard from the local executive team about the current 
French economic and political environment and the 
opportunities and challenges facing the business and its 
operations. Management also gave an in-depth review of 
how these challenges were being addressed. The Board 
was also afforded an insight into the offer provided by 
Compass France to its Business & Industry clients.

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.

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. Stefan Bomhard will seek election at the 2017 
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 by two further three  
year terms. It is Board policy that non-executive director 
appointments should last for no more than nine years.

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. The Board 
believes that Don has the appropriate experience, knowledge 
and independence to continue in this role. As announced on 
22 November 2016, Susan Murray, who completed her nine  
year tenure as a non-executive director in October 2016, will  
step down from the Board at the conclusion of the 2017 AGM. 
Nelson Silva will succeed Susan as Chairman of the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee on the same date.

The Chairman ensures that the Board maintains an appropriate 
dialogue with shareholders. For example, in June 2016, the 
Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director hosted an 
investor seminar where they and members of the management 
team met with existing and potential investors. The business 
overview included presentations covering the Group’s regions 
and the key themes were structural growth, our people and 
innovation. Feedback from the event was positive with particular 
emphasis on the passion of the presenters and the Group’s 
proactive approach.

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.

42  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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

In accordance with the Code, every third year, the evaluation 
must be undertaken by an independent external provider. This 
year, as was the case in 2013, the performance evaluation of the 
Board was again conducted by independent external providers, 
EquityCommunications Limited (ECL). ECL has no connection 
with the Company other than evaluating the Board and  
its committees.

ECL had the benefit of being able to directly compare the 
evaluation exercise with that conducted in 2013. ECL found  
a Board that had successfully transitioned chairmen and a 
number of non-executive retirements and appointments, but 
which had continued to perform well throughout. ECL found 
that the Board remained effective with positive stewardship  
by the Chairman and noted that the experience of the newer 
non-executive directors was beginning to emerge. Strategically, 
ECL found that the Board was aligned in its understanding of  
the Group’s strategy, that a number of strategic questions which 
were being considered in 2013 had been answered and that the 
clarity of approach was fully supported. A key pillar to the 
success of the Board remained being forward looking and 
ensuring that succession planning was a matter of constant 
concern and review, at both executive and non-executive level.

It is 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.

The external performance evaluation has three  
distinct phases:

Report on the outcome

I N G

T

R

E 3 – RE P O

S
A
H
P

P

H

A

S

E 2 – INTE R V I

P

H

A

S

E

1

–

B

R

I

E
F
I
N
G

S

W

E

Comprehensive 
brief by the 
Chairman and 
the General 
Counsel and 
Company 
Secretary

A series of one to one interviews 

PHASE 1
ECL was given a clear and comprehensive brief by  
the Chairman and the General Counsel and Company 
Secretary. The questions that were prepared took into 
account the principal themes which had emerged from  
the preceding 2015 internal evaluation as well as the  
2013 external evaluation which ECL had undertaken.

The evaluation process took place in May 2016. Each 
director received a copy of the questionnaire in advance  
of their meeting with ECL.

PHASE 2
ECL conducted a series of one to one interviews with  
the Chairman, each member of the Board and the  
General Counsel and Company Secretary.

Each interview covered an agenda which included 
questions about strategy and operations, Board 
composition, succession planning, Board administration 
and the Board committee structure and any specific 
matters which the director wished to raise. Directors were 
very much encouraged to raise any other matters they felt 
relevant to the Board evaluation process.

PHASE 3
A report on the outcome of the evaluation exercise was 
presented to the Board at its September 2016 meeting.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  43

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Corporate Governance continued

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 and the time 
commitment required to fulfil those 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 2016 Board meeting and 
considers any changes on an ad hoc basis throughout the year.

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
As noted on page 36, the Board has established a number of 
committees to assist in the discharge of its duties.

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.

The Board committees are:

DISCLOSURE COMMITTEE

The Disclosure Committee ensures the accuracy and timeliness 
of public announcements of the Company and monitors the 
Company’s obligations under the UKLA Rules and the DGTR.

Meetings are held as required. At the date of this Report, the 
Disclosure Committee comprises Johnny Thomson, Mark 
White, the Group Financial Controller, the Director of Group 
Internal Audit, the Director of Strategy and Communications 
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, Mark Van Dyck (Regional Managing 
Director, Asia Pacific), Alfredo Ruiz Plaza (Regional Managing 
Director, Latin America), Mark White (General Counsel and 
Company Secretary) and Robin Mills (Group HR Director).

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.

AUDIT COMMITTEE  

PAGE 45

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE   PAGE 52

NOMINATION COMMITTEE  

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE  

PAGE 55

PAGE 58

44  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
RIGOROUS AND EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT

The Committee has also 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. For example, on 17 June 2016, the EU Audit Directive  
(the Directive) and Audit Regulation (the Regulation) became 
effective, resulting in changes to the audit regime for EU public 
interest entities including the Company. Notwithstanding the 
outcome of the UK’s EU referendum, all EU legislation will 
remain in place for the time being. The new legislation 
introduces mandatory rotation of auditors and tighter 
restrictions on the provision of non-audit services, as well 
as setting out requirements in relation to the responsibilities 
and composition of audit committees. It has also resulted in 
changes being made to the CA 2006, the Code and the DGTR  
and consequently to the Committee’s terms of reference.

We continue to develop and grow our business but, of course,  
in some of the territories where we operate the concept of 
corporate governance is still underdeveloped. In these regions in 
particular, it is important to have a clear, well-established system 
of risk management and internal control to ensure that growth is 
underpinned by solid business practice. In this regard, we have 
continued our work to strengthen our Regional Governance 
Committees (RGCs) with the aim of further embedding the 
Group’s risk management culture within the business.

The Board’s attitude to and appetite for risk are communicated 
to the Group’s businesses through the strategy planning process. 
In determining its risk appetite, the Board recognises that a 
prudent and robust approach to risk mitigation must be carefully 
balanced with a degree of flexibility so that the entrepreneurial 
spirit which has greatly contributed to the success of the 
Company is not inhibited. The Committee and the Board remain 
satisfied that the Company’s internal risk control framework 
continues to provide the necessary element of flexibility without 
compromising the integrity of risk management and internal 
control systems.

During the year, we reviewed the Group’s ongoing principal 
operational risks, more details of which can be found on pages 27 
to 29, and in the pages which follow, we have set out details of the 
Committee’s activities during the year.

Over the coming year, the Committee will continue to monitor 
the ongoing status and progress of action plans against key risks 
on a regular basis; review its activities in the light of regulatory 
and best practice developments and to report its findings to  
the Board.

John Bason
Chairman of the Audit Committee 
22 November 2016

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  45

The Board recognises that a prudent and 
robust approach to risk mitigation must  
be carefully balanced with a degree of 
flexibility so that the entrepreneurial  
spirit which has greatly contributed to  
the success of  your Company is not inhibited.

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present this year’s Audit 
Committee Report. It has been another busy and interesting 
year for the Committee.

In December 2015, Johnny Thomson was appointed as Group 
Finance Director and I have spent time with him over the year 
discussing his initial observations and priorities in the short and 
medium term. In May 2016, Stefan Bomhard was appointed to 
the Board. Stefan’s appointment brings a new perspective to the 
Committee and I am pleased to welcome him aboard. In the 
following month, the country voted to leave the EU. The long 
term effects of the UK’s EU referendum are not yet known and  
will only become clear in time. Until then the Committee will 
continue to monitor for changes that could impact on the 
Company’s internal risk control processes and procedures  
and to advise the Board accordingly.

As in previous years, the Committee’s primary focus has been 
centred on the accuracy of the Group’s financial reporting, 
together with related internal control activities and risk and 
compliance matters.

The Code provides that through its financial reporting, the 
Board should provide a fair, balanced and understandable 
assessment of the Company’s prospects. At the Board’s  
request, the Committee has reviewed the 2016 Annual Report  
to determine whether it considered that the document, taken  
as a whole, meets this standard and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s position 
and performance, business model and strategy. The Committee 
concluded that the requirement has been met.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Audit Committee 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 an appropriate 
balance of senior level financial and commercial experience  
in multinational and/or complex organisations, combined  
with a good understanding of the Company’s business and  
is therefore considered by the Board to be competent in the 
Company’s sector. The expertise and experience of the members 
of the Audit Committee are summarised on pages 38 to 40. 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 the Finance Director of 
Associated British Foods plc and is therefore considered by  
the Board to have significant, recent and relevant financial 
experience and to be competent in auditing and accounting.

All members of the Audit Committee receive an appropriate 
induction, which includes an overview of the business, its 
financial dynamics and its 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.

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 below.

MEETINGS ATTENDANCE
NAME

ATTENDANCE1

John Bason
Carol Arrowsmith
Stefan Bomhard2
Susan Murray
Don Robert
Sir Ian Robinson3
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal

3 of 3
3 of 3
1 of 1
3 of 3
3 of 3
1 of 1
3 of 3
3 of 3

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

director was eligible to attend.

2.  Appointed to the Board on 5 May 2016.
3.  Stepped down from the Board at the conclusion of the Company’s AGM  

on 4 February 2016.

46  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

The Audit Committee invites Paul Walsh (Chairman), Richard 
Cousins (Group Chief Executive), Johnny Thomson (Group 
Finance Director), Kate Dunham (Group Financial Controller) 
and Kamal Zoghbi (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 
concerning 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 71.

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 key 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 position and 
performance, business model and strategy

 – the clarity of disclosures and compliance with financial 

reporting standards and relevant financial and governance 
reporting requirements and guidelines, including the 
recently published European Securities and Markets 
Authority Guidelines on Alternative Performance  
Measures which apply to all publications of regulated 
information from 3 July 2016

 – discussing the critical accounting policies and use of 

assumptions and estimates, as noted in section B of the 
accounting policies on page 96 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. This included, for example, the 
consideration of any goodwill impairment assessments  
and how these were addressed

•  the material areas in which significant judgements have been 

applied, namely:
 – 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 discussed 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 Viability Statement

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:

NOV 
2015

MAY 
2016

SEPT 
2016

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 continued 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/independence following KPMG LLP’s second year as  

external auditor

 – agreement of external auditor fees for 2016-20171
 – 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

•  terms of reference: annual review

1.  A three year fee was agreed as part of the audit retender noted on page 48 and in the coming year the Committee will review and determine future fees.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  47

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Audit Committee Report continued

EXTERNAL AUDIT
Last year, the Committee reported that EU legislation to  
reform the statutory audit market was expected to apply to 
Public Interest Entities (PIEs) (including the Company) from 
mid June 2016. The government has now published The 
Statutory Auditors and Third Country Auditors Regulations 
2016 (the Regulations) which implement the Directive and make 
legislative provisions to apply the directly applicable Regulation 
to all PIEs. The Regulation has resulted in changes to the CA 
2006 and to the Code with any changes being reflected in this 
year’s Report. Amongst other things, the Company is required to 
rotate its auditors every 10 years, to give advance notice of any 
tendering plans and to cap the non-audit fees paid to auditors  
at 70% of the three year average audit fees at Group level,  
with there being a prohibition on the provision of certain 
non-audit services.

The Company last retendered its external audit appointment  
in 2013-2014 when KPMG LLP was appointed as the auditor. 
Under the terms of the 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 non-audit fees which it reviews annually and discloses the 
ratio of audit to non-audit fees paid in each financial year and 
will monitor non-audit fees to ensure that they remain within 
the parameters of the Regulation.

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 is responsible 
for the retendering selection process and 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; the external auditors’ 
independence; 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 current key partner of the 
Company’s external auditor is Anthony Sykes. Mr Sykes has held 
this position since KPMG LLP was appointed as the Company’s 
external auditor in 2014. 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 

48  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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 2016 primarily comprised assistance on  
tax related services and other services including share 
register analysis.

During the year, the Audit Committee reviewed KPMG LLP’s 
fees for its services performed to 30 September 2016 (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 business.

The Audit Committee also considered the robustness of the  
2016 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.

The total fees paid to KPMG LLP in the year ended 
30 September 2016 were £5.1 million of which £0.6 million 
related to non-audit work (2015: £5.2 million of which 
£0.7 million related to non-audit work). Further disclosure of 
the non-audit fees paid during the year can be found in note 2  
to the consolidated financial statements on page 106.

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
There are no contractual restrictions on the Company’s  
choice of external auditor and in making its recommendation  
on the reappointment of KPMG LLP, the Committee took into 
account, amongst other matters, the tenure, objectivity and 
independence of KPMG LLP and its continuing effectiveness 
and cost as well as the availability of firms within the wider audit 
market. KPMG LLP has expressed its willingness to continue  
as auditor of the Company. Separate resolutions proposing 
KPMG LLP’s reappointment and determination of its 
remuneration by the Audit Committee will be proposed  
at the 2017 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 CBC and Code of 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 every meeting, 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 theft and 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 
and in so doing it considers, amongst other things, those matters 
discussed by the Audit Committee, such as:

•  whether the membership of the Committee meets the 

requirements of the Code

•  whether the Committee’s terms of reference are appropriate 
for the particular circumstances of the Company and comply 
with prevailing legislation and best practice

•  whether the number and length of time of Committee 

meetings are sufficient to meet the role and responsibilities  
of the Committee and coincide with key dates within the 
financial reporting and audit cycle

This is underpinned by the annual evaluation of the Board  
and its committees. This year, in accordance with the Code, an 
external evaluation was conducted by ECL and more details  
of this can be found on page 43.

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 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 key features of the Group’s internal control 
and risk management systems that ensure the accuracy and 
reliability of financial reporting include clearly defined lines  
of accountability and delegation of authority, policies and 
procedures that cover financial planning and reporting, 
preparing consolidated accounts, capital expenditure, project 
governance and information security and the Group’s CBC. 
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.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  49

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Audit Committee Report continued

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 27 to 29. 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 
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 members of the Executive Board) and to  
the Board.

These processes have been in place throughout the financial  
year ended 30 September 2016 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.

50  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

The Board has formal procedures in place for the 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 30 to 33. 
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 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 2016 that have affected materially, or are 
reasonably likely to affect materially, the Company’s  
internal control over financial reporting.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  51

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
BUILDING ON OUR COMMITMENTS

Health and safety is our number one operational priority and, as 
a Group, we regularly review our performance against our global 
policies and standards. This helps to promote the consistent 
practical application of the safe operating practices that have 
been developed to safeguard the wellbeing of our colleagues  
and consumers. Following five consecutive years of continuous 
performance improvement and a reduction in incidents, we  
have seen our results plateau this year. Our analysis indicates 
that the success that we have had in embedding a culture of 
safety leadership and transparency in incident reporting in  
our less mature markets such as Asia Pacific has resulted in a 
marginal increase in reported incidents compared to last year.

However, we are not complacent and as we look to the future, we 
also reflect on the past and on those instances when things have 
not gone to plan.

Sadly, this year, one colleague in our North American business 
had a fatal accident as a result of a road traffic incident. So that 
we can continue to make what we do safer, we have shared 
lessons learned from such a sad event with our colleagues 
around the globe to try to prevent similar events from 
happening again.

As we have strengthened our position, we believe that whilst 
continuing to progress established activities, we have reached a 
point where it is helpful to reassess our focus and performance 
measures relating to some aspects of our strategy.

One area where we have chosen to refine our approach relates  
to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 
designed to help bring an end to poverty, fight inequality and 
injustice, and tackle climate change worldwide by 2030. The 
framework provides us with a common platform and language  
to talk to our stakeholders, including our clients, about our 
collective sustainability challenges and activities. As a first  
step, we have selected six of the SDGs which we believe resonate 
with our stakeholders and the material impacts of our business. 
In 2008, we introduced our first set of environmental KPIs  
and since that time, we have been reporting our year on year 
progression against the 2008 baseline. However, in the coming 
year, to further reduce the environmental impact of our 
operations and to link in with our strategy to drive operational 
efficiency and reduce cost, we will transition to Science Based 
Targets to both target and measure our medium and long term 
progress. We will report the updated targets in our 2017 
Annual Report.

As a Group, we recognise that providing opportunities for all  
of our colleagues to develop provides access to a broader talent 
pool that will support our strategic focus on growth and we 
continue to improve opportunities for talented women to 
progress. To help us achieve our ambition, we have introduced 
more KPIs around colleague diversity and inclusion that will,  
in time, provide greater visibility of the progression of women 
throughout the organisation.

Being a responsible partner matters to us. 
We have made good progress in our efforts  
to create a more sustainable business, by 
responding proactively to opportunities  
that arise and through pragmatic 
investment. I would like to thank my 
colleagues for their hard work and 
enthusiasm on the journey so far.

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present this year’s 
Corporate Responsibility Committee Report.

This is my final statement as Chairman of the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee. Having completed my nine year 
tenure as a non-executive director, I will step down from the 
Board and its committees at the conclusion of the Company’s 
AGM in February 2017.

As a Group, we are fully engaged in delivering a holistic approach 
to corporate responsibility. This is a complex area given the scale 
of the Group, its geographic spread, diversity of local cultures 
and differences in country and business development; however, 
each year, we have continued to build steadily on our progress. 
We are therefore proud to report that our sustainability activities 
have been recognised with our inclusion in Fortune Magazine’s 
Change the World list of 50 companies that have had a positive 
social impact through activities that are part of their core 
business strategy.

Maintaining a visible and transparent supply chain is important 
to us and to our customers. With the progressive rollout of our 
Global Supply Chain Integrity Standards, it is our aim to have 
industry leading standards that set the benchmark for others 
to follow.

52  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

More information about what we have been doing this year, our 
performance against the targets we set ourselves last year and 
our ambition for the future can be found below and on our 
website at www.compass-group.com.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my Compass 
colleagues for their efforts to date. I am extremely proud of what 
has been achieved and it would not have been possible without 
their commitment and enthusiasm. Thank you. I also wish 
Nelson every success as the new Chairman of the Committee.

Susan Murray
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee 
22 November 2016

COMPOSITION
The Corporate Responsibility (CR) Committee comprises 
 Susan Murray, Chairman, Paul Walsh, Richard Cousins,  
Johnny Thomson (in succession to Dominic Blakemore from 
1 December 2015), Robin Mills (Group HR Director), Mark 
White (General Counsel and Company Secretary), and all of  
the non-executive directors in office at the date of this Report.

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

MEETINGS ATTENDANCE
NAME

ATTENDANCE1

Susan Murray
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Dominic Blakemore2
Stefan Bomhard3
Richard Cousins
Robin Mills
Don Robert
Sir Ian Robinson4
Nelson Silva
Johnny Thomson5
Ireena Vittal
Paul Walsh
Mark White

2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
1 of 1
0 of 0
2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
1 of 1
2 of 2
1 of 1
2 of 2
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.  Stepped down as a member of the Committee on 1 December 2015.
3.  Appointed to the Board on 5 May 2016.
4.  Stepped down from the Board at the conclusion of the Company’s AGM  

on 4 February 2016.

5.  Appointed to the Board on 1 December 2015.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Committee’s primary responsibilities include health,  
safety and environmental practices, ethical business conduct, 
the promotion of employee engagement and diversity as well as 
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 towards 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.

For the purposes of the CA 2006, the Directors’ Report for the 
year ended 30 September 2016 comprises pages 34 to 57, pages 
80 to 84 and the Directors’ Responsibilities statement on page 
86. In accordance with 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, examples of which can be found  
in the highlights on page 54.

We continue to make steady progress in advancing our 
sustainability priorities, including our supply chain integrity 
which continues to be a complex challenge for the Group given 
its geographic spread and scale.

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.

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 our progress in the 2017 Annual Report.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  53

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Corporate Responsibility Committee Report continued

HIGHLIGHTS

Health & Safety (H&S) 
Overview

Modern Slavery Act 
2015 (MSA) Statement

Review of the  
Group’s Charitable 
Donations Policy
EU Audit Directive

The Small Business, 
Enterprise and 
Employment  
Act 2015 (SBEEA)

EU Market Abuse 
Regulation (MAR)

Further embed the 
CBC and Code of 
Ethics

Introduction of  
new KPIs

Review of KPI 
performance over  
the year under review 
and consideration  
of targets for the 
coming year

Health and safety is our number one operational priority and is central 
to our business around the world. The Committee continued to review 
progress against existing H&S performance measures, recommend 
new performance measures and to oversee recommended actions/
initiatives to ensure that we continue to make what we do safer. 
The Committee oversaw preparation and review of the Company’s 
MSA statement.

Conducted the annual review of the Group’s charitable donations 
policy to ensure that it continued to be fit for purpose.

Monitored and advised on changes to legislation concerning audit 
committee composition, for example, the requirement that the audit 
committee as a whole has competence relevant to the sector in which 
the Company operates and changes to auditor responsibilities.
Monitored and advised on the requirement for companies to maintain 
a beneficial ownership register of persons with significant control 
(PSC); and the ‘Trust and Transparency’ reforms which include the 
requirement for companies to publish pay information by gender 
which includes five different types of information.

MAR came into force on 3 July 2016 and introduced a new regime for 
market abuse (market manipulation and insider dealing) alongside 
new rules on disclosure of inside information, insider lists and revised 
obligations and restrictions on persons discharging managerial 
responsibilities (PDMRs) and persons closely associated with 
them (PCAs).

In conjunction with the Disclosure Committee, the Committee 
advised on changes required to be made to Company policies and 
processes as a result of the new legislation, for example, updating  
the Group’s Share Dealing and Communications Codes, terms of 
reference of the Disclosure Committee and the introduction of  
a formal Market Soundings Policy.
Over the past 12 months, the Group has continued to implement 
measures to maintain the profile of the CBC and Code of Ethics  
with colleagues around the world.

We constantly challenge our leadership teams to implement new 
measures to refresh the understanding and importance of the CBC 
and Code of Ethics to our business, and we will continue to work with 
our businesses to further eliminate risk and reduce any vulnerabilities 
in our supply chain.
Introduction of additional KPIs centred on our workforce and 
environmental performance which complement the existing suite of 
non-financial KPIs and ensure that we continue to meet the evolving 
requirements of our stakeholders. 
The Committee reviewed the performance of existing KPIs over the 
12 months to 30 September 2016.

Details of our H&S KPIs and our 
year on year performance against 
targets at www.compass-group.com.

The Company’s MSA  
statement can be found at  
www.compass-group.com.
See page 84 for details of charitable 
donations made by the Group 
during the year.
See pages 45 to 51 for more details.

As a PLC the Company is not  
itself required to maintain a PSC 
register, but all of its UK registered 
subsidiaries have been required  
to do so with effect from 
30 June 2016.

The Company will publish the  
five point gender pay data in due 
course as required by the SBEEA.
The Disclosure Committee’s terms 
of reference adopted by the Board 
on 14 July 2016 can be found at  
www.compass-group.com.

Group policies including the CBC 
and Code of Ethics can be found  
at www.compass-group.com.

Details of these KPIs can be found 
at www.compass-group.com.

Details of our performance  
against the goals we set at the  
end of last year can be found at 
www.compass-group.com.

54  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT
MAINTAINING BALANCE

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present this year’s 
Nomination Committee Report.

It has been another busy year for the Committee with a number 
of changes being made to the Board.

The appointments of Johnny Thomson, who took over from 
Dominic Blakemore as the Group Finance Director in December 
last year, and of Stefan Bomhard who joined the Board as a 
non-executive director in May this year, further strengthen the 
capabilities of the Board. Johnny’s existing knowledge of the 
business has been key in helping him to smoothly transition 
from roles in our Latin American business to become Group 
Finance Director, while Stefan’s extensive experience of the 
global food, beverage and retail markets will be invaluable in  
his role on the Board.

The process to appoint a new director takes time and requires 
careful planning. You can find more details of the practical 
considerations and process behind the appointment of a  
director on page 57.

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 38 to 40.

In the coming year, in consultation with the chairmen of the 
principal committees, we will continue to build on our work to 
date. Our aim is to ensure that the Group’s succession planning 
policy remains fit for purpose and evolves to maintain the right 
mix of strengths and experience on the Board, whether executive 
or non-executive, and to meet the ongoing strategic aims of 
the Group.

Paul Walsh
Chairman of the Nomination Committee 
22 November 2016

We operate in dynamic  
markets and the Board and its 
committees must adapt and 
evolve to ensure that they make  
an effective contribution.

HIGHLIGHTS

DATE

DETAILS OF CHANGE

1 October  
2015

1 December  
2015

4 February  
2016

5 May  
2016
22 November  
2016

Sir Ian Robinson stepped down as SID  
and was succeeded by Don Robert on the 
same day.
Johnny Thomson succeeded Dominic 
Blakemore as Group Finance Director.  
On the same day, Andrew Martin stepped 
down as a director and as Group Chief 
Operating Officer, Europe & Japan and 
Dominic Blakemore was appointed  
Group Chief Operating Officer, Europe.
Sir Ian Robinson stepped down from  
the Board at the conclusion of the 
Company’s AGM.
Stefan Bomhard was appointed as a 
non-executive director.
The Company announced that Susan 
Murray will step down from the Board at 
the conclusion of the Company’s AGM to 
be held on 2 February 2017. Nelson Silva 
will succeed Susan as Chairman of the 
Corporate Responsibility Committee  
on the same day.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  55

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Nomination Committee Report continued

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.

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

MEETINGS ATTENDANCE
NAME

ATTENDANCE1

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 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:

Paul Walsh
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Stefan Bomhard2
Richard Cousins
Susan Murray
Don Robert
Sir Ian Robinson3
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal

2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
1 of 1
2 of 2
2 of 2
2 of 2
1 of 1
2 of 2
2 of 2

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

each director was eligible to attend.
2.  Appointed to the Board on 5 May 2016.
3.  Stepped down from the Board at the conclusion of the Company’s AGM  

on 4 February 2016.

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.

•  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 potentially significant commitments

The Board 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.

ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAR
The markets in which the Company operates are intrinsically 
dynamic and the Board and its committees must therefore adapt 
and evolve to ensure that they have the optimum composition to 
make the most effective contribution to help the Company 
achieve its strategic goals.

During the year, the Committee (together with the Board itself ) 
continued to focus on succession planning for both executive 
and non-executive directors. In doing so, it considered the tenure, 
mix and diversity of skills and experience of existing Board 
members and those required of prospective Board members  
in the context of the Group’s medium and long term strategy.

The Board uses the services of a number of executive search 
firms as part of the external search process to identify potential 
Board or senior management candidates. As previously reported, 
in 2014-2015, the Board retained the services of independent 
recruitment consultant, Egon Zehnder in its search for two 
prospective non-executive directors. Consequently, Ireena Vittal 
and Nelson Silva were appointed to the Board on 16 July 2015.

During 2015-2016, the Board engaged Lygon Group in its  
search for a new non-executive director and it was agreed that it 
would be beneficial for the search for prospective non-executive 
candidates to centre on individuals with European experience. 
Lygon Group is an independent executive search firm which has 
no other connection with the Company.

The Committee worked closely with Lygon Group to agree the 
process, timetable and mandate for Lygon Group to ensure that 
prospective candidates satisfied the Committee’s brief. Stefan 
Bomhard was identified by the Nomination Committee as part  
of the external search process conducted by Lygon Group and 
was subsequently recommended to the Board for appointment 
on the basis that he met the criteria required, including having 
sufficient time to discharge the requirements of the role.

56  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

SUCCESSION PLANNING IN ACTION

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?
The process of recruiting an individual to join the Board takes 
time and if not managed properly can have a detrimental 
impact on the performance of the Board and its committees. 
From the initial planning stage where the need for a new 
director is identified through to the new director joining the 
Company may take a year or more and a well-established and 
carefully executed succession planning process is key. The 
narrative which follows gives a flavour of the practical steps 
involved in the recruitment of a new director where the 
services of an external recruitment consultant are used  
to help the Committee.

When changes to Board membership are considered,  
an assessment is made of the existing qualities and 
competencies that already exist around the boardroom  
table with a view to strengthening any areas that might be 
considered to be weaker and to support the priorities of  
the Company and its stakeholders.

WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR IN A NEW DIRECTOR?
Generally, in view of the geographic spread of the Company’s 
businesses, current or previous experience at board or senior 
level in a listed company or multinational and/or complex 
organisation is required although not necessarily in the  
same type of business or sector, together with an ability to 
understand complex issues and to communicate clearly and 
objectively. Depending on the Company’s strategic aims, the 
candidate may also be required to possess bi or multilingual 
skills and to have an understanding of another country, its 
culture and way of conducting business. A specific technical 
expertise/qualification may also be necessary (for example, if 
the new director is going to be appointed as the Chairman of 
the Audit Committee).

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE WE HAVE DRAWN UP  
A SHORT LIST OF POTENTIAL CANDIDATES?
As a general proposition, the Chairman, Group Chief 
Executive and SID interview each prospective candidate 

although other directors may also be involved in the interview 
process depending on the role being filled. For example, if the 
director being recruited was intended to be the Chairman of 
the Audit Committee, it would be appropriate for the existing 
Audit Committee Chairman and/or the Group Finance 
Director to participate in interviews to ensure that the 
candidate had the requisite technical skills, knowledge  
and understanding to undertake that role.

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE THE PREFERRED CANDIDATE 
HAS BEEN SELECTED?
Subject to the Committee’s recommendations to the Board, 
the Board as a whole would then be involved in the decision 
to appoint a director.

Subject to formal Board approval, the individual is appointed  
(in the case of a non-executive director for an initial period  
of three years, which may be extended up to a maximum of 
nine years). If appropriate, a director’s potential conflicts  
of interest arising from pre-existing appointments are 
considered in the context of the time commitment required 
to carry out their role and responsibilities at Compass 
effectively. All directors retire and offer themselves for 
election and/or re-election at every AGM of the Company 
and any new director’s appointment is subject to shareholder 
approval at the first AGM following their appointment.

HOW DOES THE NEW DIRECTOR LEARN ABOUT  
THE COMPANY?
The Chairman of the Board is responsible for ensuring that 
the newly appointed director receives a tailored induction  
so that he or she is able to undertake his or her role and 
responsibilities on the Board and its committees effectively. 
Inductions are tailored to suit the needs and requirements of 
the incoming individual. Ongoing development needs and 
training requirements are reviewed as necessary by the 
Chairman of the Board and agreed with the new director. 
More details of the Company’s induction process can be 
found on page 42.

COMING YEAR
The Committee understands that planning for the future and having a succession planning policy designed to progressively bring 
new skills and different perspectives to the Board are key to maintaining an appropriate balance on the Board.

There is a wealth of talent within our organisation and, together with the Board, the Committee will continue to offer its support to 
coaching and mentoring development programmes for executive and senior managers in the Group to help mould and encourage  
the potential leaders of the future.

Paul Walsh
Chairman of the Nomination Committee 
22 November 2016

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  57

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
REWARDING STRATEGIC  
PROGRESS

We believe our consistent 
approach to remuneration, 
clearly linked to the KPIs by 
which we measure the delivery  
of our business strategy, is 
fundamental to the superior 
returns to shareholders which 
Compass has delivered over time.

ANNUAL STATEMENT

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the 2015-2016 
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 2016. This Report complies with the UK  
executive remuneration reporting guidelines and contains:

PERFORMANCE IN 2015-2016
Compass has delivered another year of excellent performance 
with strong top line growth, which is converting well into profits 
and cash. As a truly global business, the balanced exposure to 
different sectors, regions and countries has meant that the 
challenges in some emerging markets have been offset by the 
strength of North America and encouraging progress in Europe.

(i)  this Annual Statement, incorporating a new ‘at a glance’ 

summary setting out both how the business’ strategic key 
performance indicators (KPIs) link to the incentive plans 
and the key remuneration decisions made this year;

(ii)  the Governance Summary;

(iii) the Company’s Remuneration Policy; and

(iv) the Annual Remuneration Report on the implementation of 

the Policy in the year ended 30 September 2016.

Over the three year performance period for the Long Term 
Incentive Plan (1 October 2013 to 30 September 2016), Compass’ 
share price grew by 76%, from 850 pence to 1495 pence, and a 
total dividend of 138.5 pence per share (including 56 pence for 
the Return of Cash to shareholders in July 2014) was paid as well 
as approximately £606 million returned to shareholders by way 
of the share buyback programme*. The dividend distribution  
to shareholders for the year ended 30 September 2016 was 
increased by 7.8% compared to the previous year, as referred  
to on page 22.

*  The buyback is shown net of £97 million used for treasury shares to settle 
share awards granted under employee incentive schemes in the period.

58  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

CONCLUSION
The Committee believes that the current executive 
remuneration policy works effectively to motivate and retain  
our executive team whilst supporting the delivery of superior 
returns to shareholders. Therefore, the principles underlying 
our executive remuneration remain unchanged, namely a 
balanced approach, with incentives based on strategic key 
performance metrics so our executives’ remuneration reflects 
business performance. The Policy approved at the 2015 AGM 
will remain in place until the 2018 AGM when, in accordance 
with 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  
to the 2021 AGM will be submitted to shareholders for approval.

In the meantime, we welcome the opportunity to engage with 
shareholders about any aspect of our remuneration policy, its 
implementation and how we believe it drives superior returns  
to shareholders. We were very pleased to receive good support 
for the 2015 Directors’ Remuneration Report at the AGM in 
February 2016. Shareholders will have the opportunity to vote 
on the Annual Remuneration Report for 2015-2016 at our AGM 
to be held on Thursday 2 February 2017. I look forward to 
welcoming you and hope to receive your support again.

Carol Arrowsmith
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
22 November 2016

2015-2016 REMUNERATION REVIEW
The remuneration philosophy at Compass is to ensure  
close alignment between performance and reward so we have 
incentive plans which are based on the strategic KPIs by which 
the business is measured and managed. We measure performance 
delivered in the financial year for the annual bonus and over 
three financial years to determine the number of shares that 
have been earned under the LTIP. The measures and the 
incentive opportunity are unchanged from last year.

For the annual bonus we measure both Group and, where 
relevant, regional performance. This has led to a range of bonus 
outcomes as illustrated in the ‘at a glance’ summary on page 60 
and also in the main Directors’ Remuneration Report, where 
both the Group and Regional bonus targets, to which these 
outcomes relate, are disclosed in full.

The TSR element of the LTIP was earned in full because 
Compass ranked 8th against other FTSE 100 companies 
(excluding financial services companies). The targets we set 
based on Adjusted Group Free Cash Flow and Return on Capital 
Employed were demanding and were satisfied in part (92.7% and 
60.7% respectively). The Committee considers this outcome to 
be a fair and balanced result.

We have maintained our approach of basing our pay decisions on 
reported numbers with principled and consistent adjustments 
to ensure that we are paying for underlying performance. The 
Committee believes that a clear approach to the treatment  
of any adjustments to reported numbers, for the purposes  
of determining the incentive outcome, is in the best interests  
of both shareholders and participants. This is why, for example, 
we exclude the impact of currency movements, whether positive 
or negative, from the measures used in the management 
incentives. Other potential adjustments are tested against a set 
of pre-agreed criteria to ensure an appropriate outcome in the 
circumstances which reflects the true underlying performance 
of the business.

Our historic balanced approach has continued this year with 
salary increases for the executive directors within the general 
adjustment range used for others within the Group, with one 
exception. As was signalled in last year’s remuneration report, 
Johnny Thomson was appointed to the role of Group Finance 
Director at a salary below the market rate, reflecting that this 
was his first PLC director role. Johnny has performed very well 
during the year and, consequently, will receive an increase of  
8% in salary, with effect from 1 January 2017, to reflect both  
his strong performance and increasing experience. This will  
still place Johnny below the market rate for equivalent roles in 
similar organisations. As indicated previously, above inflation 
pay increases are likely to be necessary for another one to two 
years to ensure his pay is appropriately aligned with that of his 
peers, subject, of course, to his continued strong performance  
in the role.

In developing the remuneration policy for shareholder approval 
in 2018, the Committee will consider the changing executive 
remuneration environment, including that related to pensions.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  59

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

AT A GLANCE

REMUNERATION IN 2015-2016
The performance measures used in the management incentive schemes have been chosen to reflect Compass’ strategic KPIs to 
ensure close alignment between management and shareholder interests, as indicated below:

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
ORG
PBIT
AFCF
HSE  – LTIR
– FSIR

ROCE
TSR

STRATEGIC KPI1
ORG
Underlying operating margin
Underlying Free Cashflow
HSE  – LTIR
– FSIR

MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE
Annual Bonus
Annual Bonus
Annual Bonus/LTIP
Annual Bonus

ROCE
Outcome reflects all strategic KPIs

LTIP
LTIP

WEIGHTING2
25%
55%
15%/33.3%
2.5%
2.5%
33.3%
33.3%

1.  For more information on Compass’ strategic KPIs, see pages 12 and 13.
2.  Weightings reflect those for the Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director, based on total Group performance; for Dominic Blakemore and 

Gary Green, a proportion of their annual bonus measure is based on the performance of the region for which they are responsible, details of which are 
set out on page 72.

KEY REMUNERATION OUTCOMES FOR 2015-2016
The table below summarises the key remuneration outcomes related to executive director appointments for 2015-2016, 
reflecting a year of strong performance:

ELEMENT
Base Salary at 1 January 2016
Base Salary at 1 January 2017
Increase on prior year
Benefits and Pension
Annual Bonus

LTIP

Total Remuneration

DOMINIC BLAKEMORE
£640,000
£656,000
2.5%

RICHARD COUSINS
£1,044,785
£1,070,000
2.4%

GARY GREEN JOHNNY THOMSON
£575,000
$1,294,000
£621,000
$1,345,760
8.0%
4.0%

65.1%  

of maximum

84.5%  

of maximum
£2.461m

Unchanged from last year

85.8%  

100%  

of maximum

of maximum

84.5%  

of maximum
£5.822m

84.5%  

of maximum
£4.130m

85.8%  

of maximum

84.5%  

of maximum
£1.924m

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN
We believe that our consistent, balanced approach to remuneration, clearly linked to the KPIs by which we measure the 
delivery of our business strategy, is fundamental to the superior returns to shareholders which Compass has delivered over 
time. This is demonstrated in the table below which shows our TSR compared to the FTSE 100 since 2008, and the total 
remuneration earned by Richard Cousins.

TOTAL RETURN INDICES – COMPASS V FTSE 100

Total Shareholder Return 
value of hypothetical 
£100 holding

Compass

FTSE 100

Chief Executive total remuneration 

Chief Executive 
total remuneration 
£ million

500

400

300

200

100

50

20

15

10

5

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

(SEPTEMBER)

60  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
 
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 three times 
during the year and directors’ attendance can be found in the 
table below.

MEETINGS ATTENDANCE
NAME

ATTENDANCE1

Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Stefan Bomhard2
Susan Murray
Don Robert
Sir Ian Robinson3
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal

3 of 3
3 of 3
1 of 1
3 of 3
3 of 3
1 of 1
3 of 3
3 of 3

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

each director was eligible to attend.

2.  Stefan Bomhard joined the Board on 5 May 2016.
3.  Sir Ian Robinson stepped down from the Board at the conclusion of the 

Company’s AGM on 4 February 2016.

Biographical details of the current members of the Committee 
are set out on pages 38 to 40. The General Counsel and Company 
Secretary acts as the Secretary to the Committee. Details of 
advisers to the Committee can be found on page 79. The Chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee attends the AGM to respond  
to any shareholder questions that might be raised on the 
Committee’s activities.

ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAR
The key activities of the Committee during the year ended 
30 September 2016 were:

•  a review of the draft Directors’ Remuneration Report (DRR) 

for 2014-2015 and a review of the 2015 and 2016 AGM  
voting results

•  determination of the extent to which the 2014-2015 

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 2016

•  determination of proposed bonus targets for 2015-2016
•  determination of proposed targets under the LTIP and other 
incentive schemes operating below executive management 
level for 2015-2016

•  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

•  determination of the remuneration package elements for the 
executive directors and the fees for the Chairman in light of 
the wider remuneration landscape and that prevailing within 
the business

•  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 will remain in place for three years. Although there is no 
requirement to do so, the Committee has once again, in the 
interests of transparency and good governance, 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 remuneration policy from 5 February 2015 for 
the three years thereafter, 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 2016  
(the Annual Remuneration Report)

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  61

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

The information set out on pages 58 to 79 of this DRR represents 
the auditable disclosures referred to in the auditor’s report  
on pages 87 to 89 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.

Shareholders will be invited to approve the Annual Remuneration 
Report for the year ended 30 September 2016 (which will be a 
non-binding advisory vote) at the Company’s 2017 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.

SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The voting outcome at the 2016 AGM in respect of the DRR  
for the year ended 30 September 2015 is set out on page 79 and 
reflected good 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.

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. Resolution 2 to adopt the Policy received 90.79% of the  
votes cast in favour of the resolution. The underlying principles 
of the Policy remain unchanged, however, the Dilution Limits 
charts on page 65, the Illustrations of the Application of our 
Remuneration Policy graphs on page 66, the tables on page 68 
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 authority given 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.

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 balanced and that it 
will stand the test of time.

62  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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.

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
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.

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.

OPERATION OF THE COMPONENT

MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 72 and 73.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  63

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Remuneration Policy continued

COMPONENT AND LINK TO STRATEGY
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.

OPERATION OF THE COMPONENT

MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

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).

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 74 and 75.

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.

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. 

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 2016

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 2016, the Company held 11,575,887 treasury 
shares. During the financial year ended 30 September 2016, 
3,780,997 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 2016, 
the Company’s headroom position, which remains within 
current Guidelines, was as shown in the charts below:

HEADROOM AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2016

10% IN 10 YEARS

5% IN 10 YEARS

3

2

3

1

2

1

2

3

Headroom......................................................................7.20%
Discretionary options.............................1.70%
LTIP.............................................................................................1.10%

1

2

3

Headroom......................................................................2.20%
Discretionary options.............................1.70%
LTIP.............................................................................................1.10%

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 share ownership 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 the date of appointment.

Directors’ shareholdings are reviewed annually by the 
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.

Details of the interests of directors in shares and equity 
incentives are set out on page 78, together with the extent to 
which each of the directors has complied with the guidelines as 
at 30 September 2016. 

1

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  65

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Remuneration Policy 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.

DOMINIC BLAKEMORE

ILLUSTRATION OF PACKAGE (£m)

RICHARD COUSINS

ILLUSTRATION OF PACKAGE (£m)

Maximum

Target

28%

43%

31%

41%

Total: £3.1m

Maximum

24%

34%

42%

Total: £6.2m

23%

34%

Total: £2.0m

Target

37%

27%

36%

Total: £3.9m

Minimum

100%

Total: £0.9m

Minimum

100%

Total: £1.4m

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

Fixed elements of remuneration

Annual bonus

Long Term Incentive Plan

GARY GREEN1

ILLUSTRATION OF PACKAGE (£m)

JOHNNY THOMSON

ILLUSTRATION OF PACKAGE (£m)

Maximum
Maximum
Target
Target
Minimum
Minimum

29%
28%
44%
43%
100%
100%

30%
31%

41%
41%

Total: £4.5m
Total: £3.1m

23%
23%

33%
34%

Total: £2.9m
Total: £2.0m

Total: £1.3m
Total: £0.9m

Maximum

Target

28%

43%

31%

41%

Total: £2.8m

23%

34%

Total: £1.8m

Minimum

100%

Total: £0.8m

0.0
0.0

1.0

0.5

1.0

2.0

1.5

3.0

2.0

4.0

3.0

2.5

5.0
3.5

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 •  Base salary as at 30 September 2016

•  Estimated value of benefits provided under the Remuneration Policy
•  Cash supplement in lieu of pension of 35% of base salary
MINIMUM PERFORMANCE

TARGET PERFORMANCE

MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

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 $1.4218/£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 2016

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 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 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
DETAILED TERMS
REMUNERATION •  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)

Payment in lieu of notice equal to:

•  12 months base salary
•  Pension supplement
•  10% of base salary in respect of benefits

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

CHANGE OF 
CONTROL
NOTICE PERIOD

TERMINATION 
PAYMENT

RESTRICTIVE 
COVENANTS

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 and Green’s service 
contracts are based on this historic policy as was Mr Martin’s 
(details of payments made to Mr Martin for loss of office can  
be found on page 77). When introducing the revised policy in 
June 2008 and after careful consideration, the Committee 
concluded that it was not in shareholders’ interests to migrate 
such contracts onto the amended policy. 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.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  67

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Remuneration Policy continued

All of the executive directors’ service contracts, with the exception 
of that of Johnny Thomson who was 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.

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 payments for loss of office are set out 
on page 77 and include commentary about the discretion which 
was originally exercised by the Committee, the benefit of which 
was subsequently waived by him.

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 107, have similar service contracts.

The executive directors in office at the date of this Report have 
served on the Board for the periods shown below and have 
service agreements dated as follows:

Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Johnny Thomson

DATE OF CONTRACT

LENGTH OF BOARD  
SERVICE AS AT  
30 SEPT 2016
12 December 2011  4 years, 7 months
22 November 2007 10 years, 5 months
9 years, 9 months
27 November 2007
9 months
23 September 2015

Andrew Martin stepped down from the Board on 1 December 2015.

CHAIRMAN
The fee for the Chairman is reviewed annually by the Committee 
with any increase taking effect on 1 October. 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. Following consideration by the Committee, the 
Chairman’s fee of £500,000 per annum was increased by 2%  
to £510,000 per annum from 1 October 2016.

The Chairman, Paul Walsh, has 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 

68  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

1 January 2014. Mr Walsh became Chairman at the conclusion of 
the Company’s AGM on 6 February 2014. Mr Walsh will complete 
his first three year term as Chairman on 6 February 2017. This 
was extended on 21 September 2016 for a further three year term.

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 2016 comprised  
a base fee of £84,000 per annum, which includes membership  
of the Audit, Corporate Responsibility, Nomination and  
Remuneration Committees.

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 
SID. Non-executive directors are not eligible for pension scheme 
membership, bonus, incentive arrangements or other benefits, 
save reimbursement of travel costs. Following an independent 
peer/market review conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
(PwC), and with effect from 1 October 2016, the annual fees 
payable for chairing the Audit, Remuneration and Corporate 
Responsibility committees were increased to £27,000, £25,000 
and £15,000 respectively.

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’ (in office at the date of this Report) 
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
Carol Arrowsmith

ORIGINAL DATE OF 
LETTER OF 
APPOINTMENT
ENGAGEMENT
1 Jun 2014 14 May 2014

TOTAL LENGTH OF 
SERVICE AS AT 
30 SEPT 2016
2 years,  

John Bason

Stefan Bomhard
Susan Murray

Don Robert

Nelson Silva

5 May 2016
11 Oct 2007

21 Jun 2011 10 May 2011
7 May 2014*
5 May 2016
11 Oct 2007
16 Mar 2010*
8 May 2013*
8 May 2009
8 May 2012*
11 Mar 2015*
16 July 2015  16 July 2015

8 May 2009

Ireena Vittal

16 July 2015  16 July 2015

*  Date on which appointment was formally revised.

4 months

5 years,  

3 months
5 months
9 years

7 years,  

5 months

1 year,  

3 months

1 year,  

3 months

ANNUAL REMUNERATION REPORT

REMUNERATION IN DETAIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 
30 SEPTEMBER 2016
TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN (TSR)
The performance graph below shows the Company’s TSR 
performance against the performance of the FTSE 100 over the 
eight year period to 30 September 2016. 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

500

400

300

200

100

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Compass

FTSE 100

(SEPTEMBER)

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 eight 
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
5,8221
5,3252
6,2983
5,5324
 4,8675
4,410
5,614
5,268

ANNUAL VARIABLE  
ELEMENT: AWARD  
PAYOUT AGAINST  
MAXIMUM  
OPPORTUNITY 
%
85.8
88.7
 87.3
84.5
71.8
75.0
96.0
85.0

LTIP VESTING  
RATES AGAINST 
MAXIMUM 
OPPORTUNITY 
 %
84.5
79
100
98
100
100
100
100

RICHARD COUSINS
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009

1.  Includes LTIP indicative vesting amount of £2.590 million.
2.  LTIP indicative vesting amount of £2.120 million was disclosed in  

the 2015 Annual Report. Actual gain was £2.174 million.

3.  LTIP indicative vesting amount of £3.643 million was disclosed in  

the 2014 Annual Report. Actual gain was £3.657 million.

4.  LTIP indicative vesting amount of £2.960 million was disclosed in  

the 2013 Annual Report. Actual gain was £2.928 million.

5.  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 2016, Mr Cousins received 3% 
salary more and 0.35% bonus less than the equivalent amounts 
for the year ended 30 September 2015. He received a 10.4% 
decrease in taxable benefits in 2015-2016 from the previous year. 
The percentage changes for all full-time equivalent employees 
based in the UK were 4.2% increase, 9% increase and 3.7% 
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. We acknowledge a growing desire for 
companies to disclose pay ratios. We are committed to such a 
disclosure, albeit that creating a meaningful disclosure with 
more than 500,000 employees across 50 countries is complex.

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 2015 and 2016.

DISPERSALS
Share buybacks1
Dividends paid2
Total employee costs3

2016 
£M
100
496 
8,909

2015 
£M
328
457
7,959

CHANGE 
%
(69.5)
8.5
11.9

1.  From 1 October 2015 to 31 March 2016 the Company repurchased  

6,560,656 ordinary shares of 105⁄8 pence for a consideration of £72.7 million 
(including expenses). These shares were subsequently transferred to be 
held in treasury for the purpose of satisfying the Company’s obligations 
under employee equity incentive schemes. From 1 April 2016 to 
30 September 2016 and from 1 October 2016 up to the date of this Report, 
2,110,923 and 376,622 ordinary 105⁄8 pence shares were repurchased for  
a consideration of £27.5 million and £5.2 million (including expenses) 
respectively, and subsequently cancelled. 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 2015 was  
£457 million and share capital in issue on that date was 1,657 million 
ordinary shares. The total dividend paid during the year ended  
30 September 2016 was £496 million and share capital in issue on  
that date was 1,654 million ordinary shares. The full year dividend per  
ordinary share for the year ended 30 September 2016 increased by 7.8%.

3.  Total employee costs 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 operations during 2016 was 527,180 (2015: 516,922).

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  69

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Annual 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 2016.

DOMINIC 
BLAKEMORE

RICHARD  
COUSINS

GARY  
GREEN1

ANDREW  
MARTIN2

JOHNNY  
THOMSON3

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

Fixed pay
Base salary4
Taxable benefits5
Pension6
Total fixed pay
Performance related pay
Bonus7
LTIP7,8,9,10
Value delivered through corporate performance
Value delivered through TSR
Total long term incentives
Total remuneration related to executive  

633
16
222
871

581
16
203
800

1,037 1,009
44
353
1,439 1,406

39
363

900
46
315

795
41
279
1,261 1,115

112
7
39
158

665
42
233
940

479
101
168
748

624

798

1,793 1,799

1,365 1,136

144

730

617

585
381
966

507
284
791

1,568 1,360
760
1,022
2,590 2,120

910
594

781
437
1,504 1,218

132
86

687
384
218 1,071

338
221
559

director appointment

2,461 2,389

5,822 5,325

4,130 3,469

520 2,741

1,924

Other performance related pay11
Awards granted prior to appointment  

as executive director – performance  
conditions relate to previous role

The Plan
Total single figure

–

–
2,461 2,389

–

–
5,822 5,325

–

–
4,130 3,469

–

–
520 2,741

577
2,501

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–

1.  Gary Green’s salary of US$1.294 million and his other emoluments are shown in sterling at an exchange rate of US$1.4218/£1 (2015: US$1.5482/£1). In US$ 

terms Gary Green’s salary was paid at the annual rate of US$1,241,337 from 1 January 2015 and US$1,294,000 from 1 January 2016, being an increase of 4.24%.
2.  Andrew Martin stepped down from the Board on 1 December 2015. The amounts shown for 2016 in relation to salary, benefits and bonus are the amounts paid 
during the year, prorated by reference to the period during which he was an executive director of the Company. Details of payments for loss of office can be 
found on page 77.

3.  Johnny Thomson was appointed as a director of the Company on 1 December 2015. His base salary on appointment was £575,000 per annum. No disclosure 
has been made in respect of his fixed pay and bonus for the year ended 30 September 2015 as it was earned by him in a period prior to his appointment as an 
executive director of the Company. The amounts disclosed for 2016 for fixed and performance related pay have been prorated to reflect his time in office during 
the year.

4.  Salary increases of 6.66%, 3%, and 4.24% for Messrs Blakemore, Cousins and Green respectively were implemented on 1 January 2016 (1 December 2015 for 

Mr Blakemore) as disclosed in the 2015 DRR.

5.  Taxable benefits comprise healthcare insurance, limited financial advice, life assurance and car benefit. Mr Thomson also received a relocation allowance from 

Brazil to the UK of £50,000 grossed up, which is included in the table above.

6.  Pension: a supplement of 35% of base salary is paid in monthly instalments in lieu of pension participation.
7.  Details of the performance measures and weighting as well as achieved results for the bonus and LTIP components are shown on pages 72 to 75.
8.  LTIP 2016: amount shown is the indicative value based on the average market price of Compass Group PLC shares over three months from 1 July to  

30 September 2016 of LTIPs that have become receivable as a result of the achievement of conditions relating to performance in the three years ended  
30 September 2016.

9.  LTIP 2015: amount shown is the indicative vesting value on 24 November 2015. The actual value subsequently received by Messrs Cousins, Green and Martin, 
based on a sale price of 1107.3513 pence on 26 November 2015, was £2,174,030, £1,248,583 and £1,097,695 respectively. Mr Blakemore disposed of 33,623 shares 
on the same day at 1107.3513 pence for which he received £372,325. Theoretically, if Mr Blakemore had chosen to exercise his vested awards in full, he would 
have received the notional value of £810,615. Theoretically, if all of the directors had chosen to dispose of their 2015 LTIP award in full, this would have equated 
to a combined total of £5,330,923, approximately £131,673 more than the indicative value reported.

10. Mr Martin retained an interest in 105,747 shares that were awarded conditionally to him in 2013, prior to his leaving the Board. The award vested in part at 

84.5% on 22 November 2016. The indicative value of this award has been calculated on the basis of average market value of Compass Group PLC shares over 
the three months between 1 July and 30 September 2016 and then prorated for the period during which Mr Martin was an executive director of the Company.

11. At the date of his appointment on 1 December 2015, Mr Thomson had an interest in 59,630 shares that were awarded conditionally prior to him joining  
the Board under a ‘below board’ plan, (the Plan). The Plan has a three year performance period and is subject to corporate performance conditions.  
On 3 December 2015, following satisfaction of the associated corporate performance conditions, 49,008 of these awards were released and retained by 
Mr Thomson. If Mr Thomson had elected to sell these shares, he would have received a notional sum of £577,314 based on the indicative vesting value on 
2 December 2015 of 1178.00 pence per share. The remaining 10,622 shares conditionally awarded to Mr Thomson under the Plan are due to vest, subject  
to satisfaction of the associated corporate performance conditions, on 29 November 2016.

70  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

The annual rate of base salaries of the executive directors in office for the year ended 30 September 2016 was:

DIRECTOR
Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Andrew Martin1
Johnny Thomson2

BASE SALARY
£640,000
£1,044,785
$1,294,000
£669,500
£575,000

EFFECTIVE DATE
1 December 2015
1 January 2016
1 January 2016
1 January 2015
1 December 2015

INCREASE
6.66%
3%
4.24%
3%
–

REASON
Changes in responsibility and role
Benchmarked v comparator group
Benchmarked v comparator group
Benchmarked v comparator group
Benchmarked v comparator group

1.  Mr Martin stepped down as a director of the Company on 1 December 2015. The 3% year on year increase is in comparison to his salary for the year ended 

31 December 2014. Details of payments for loss of office can be found on page 77.

2.  Johnny Thomson was 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 balanced 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 was Mr Thomson’s first role as a 
Group Finance Director of a listed company. His salary on appointment was set at £575,000 per annum, 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.

The proposed annual rate of base salaries of the executive directors in office on 1 January 2017 will be:

DIRECTOR
Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Johnny Thomson1

BASE SALARY
£656,000
£1,070,000
$1,345,760
£621,000

EFFECTIVE DATE
1 January 2017
1 January 2017
1 January 2017
1 January 2017

INCREASE
2.5%
2.4%
4%
8%

REASON
Relevant peer/market & performance
Relevant peer/market & performance
Relevant peer/market & performance
Progression in the role, gain in experience

1.  The base salary from 1 January 2017 reflects Johnny Thomson’s progression in his role and the gain in his experience since appointment. Please refer to note 2 

in the table above.

Non-executive directors receive fees only, which are shown on page 68, 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 2016 is shown below:

Executive directors
Chairman and non-executive directors
Total

2016 
£000
15,434
1,200
16,634

2015 
£000
13,924
1,064
14,988

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  71

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
GROUP HSE IMPROVEMENT
Lost Time Injury Rate
Food Safety Incident Rate

DOMINIC BLAKEMORE
FINANCIAL MEASURES1
PBIT2
RPBIT5
MAWC6
RORG7

Governance and Directors’ Report

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Annual Remuneration Report continued

2015-2016 BONUS
The financial targets for the bonus for the year ended 30 September 2016, and the extent to which they were achieved, were as set out 
below. It is intended to continue to disclose regional targets, as set out below, on a retrospective basis. 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, with gains/losses attributable to currency movements, charges and the impacts of 
restructuring and/or acquisitions/disposals, usually being excluded.

2015-2016 TARGETS
MESSRS COUSINS, THOMSON AND MARTIN (TO 31 DECEMBER 2015)
FINANCIAL MEASURES1
PBIT2
AFCF3
ORG4

% WEIGHTING
55
15
25

MINIMUM
£1,320m
£646m
3.60%

2.5
2.5

% WEIGHTING
5
50
15
25

MINIMUM
£1,320m
£393.40m
(£204.10m)
2.30%

PAR (TARGET)
£1,347m
£397.40m
(£213.70m)
3.30%

PAR (TARGET)
£1,347m
£666m
4.60%

TARGET
4.36
0.33

MAXIMUM
£1,374m
£686m
5.60%

ACHIEVED
4.37
0.34

ACHIEVED
£1,375m
£841m
4.9%

ACHIEVED
No
No

MAXIMUM
£1,374m
£401.30m
(£233.00m)
4.30%

ACHIEVED
5.71
0.36

ACHIEVED
£1,375m
£400m
(£211.90m)
2.90%

ACHIEVED
Yes
Yes

EUROPE HSE IMPROVEMENT
Regional Lost Time Injury Rate
Regional Food Safety Incident Rate

2.5
2.5

TARGET
5.95
0.37

GARY GREEN
FINANCIAL MEASURES1
PBIT2
RPBIT growth5
MAWC6
RORG7

% WEIGHTING
5
55
15
25

MINIMUM
£1,320m
6.6%
($721.30m)
5.00%

PAR (TARGET)
£1,347m
7.4%
($736.30m)
6.00%

MAXIMUM
£1,374m
8.4%
($751.30m)
8.00%

ACHIEVED
£1,375m
9.1%
($769.0m)
8.00%

NORTH AMERICA HSE IMPROVEMENT
HSE for the North American business is measured through North American underlying PBIT.

2015-2016 OUTCOMES

MEASURE
PBIT/RPBIT2,5
ACFC3
MAWC6
ORG/RORG4,7
HSE
Total

DOMINIC BLAKEMORE8

RICHARD COUSINS8

GARY GREEN8

ANDREW MARTIN8,10

JOHNNY THOMSON8

% OF PERFORMANCE 
TARGET ACHIEVED

47/552,5

–
6/15
7/257
5/5
65/100

% OF PERFORMANCE 
TARGET ACHIEVED
55/552
15/15
–
15.8/254
0/5
85.8/100

% OF PERFORMANCE 
TARGET ACHIEVED

60/602,5

–
15/15
25/257
–9
100/100

% OF PERFORMANCE 
TARGET ACHIEVED
55/552
15/15
–
15.8/254
0/5
85.8/100

% OF PERFORMANCE 
TARGET ACHIEVED
55/552
15/15
–
15.8/254
0/5
85.8/100

NOTES TO TABLES
1.  Financial measures for 2015-2016 bonus purposes are all set at 2016 foreign exchange budget rates, not actuals.
2.  PBIT is underlying Profit Before Interest and Tax (Group).
3.  AFCF is Adjusted Free Cash Flow (Group).
4.  ORG is Organic Revenue Growth (Group).
5.  RPBIT is underlying Profit Before Interest and Tax for Region of responsibility.
6.  MAWC is 10 months/12 months Average Working Capital Balance for region of responsibility for Mr Green and Mr Blakemore respectively.
7.  RORG is Organic Revenue Growth for Region of responsibility.
8.  Messrs Blakemore, Cousins, Green, Thomson and Martin’s entitlements to any bonus related to the achievement of AFCF and PBIT were adjusted, in 

accordance with the established framework to exclude all unbudgeted M&A spend together with routine restructuring costs.

9.  HSE for the North American business is measured through North American underlying PBIT.
10. Mr Martin stepped down as a director of the Company on 1 December 2015. Details of payments for loss of office can be found on page 77.

72  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

BONUS PAYOUT
The outcome of the annual bonus for the year ended 30 September 2016 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
Johnny Thomson

2015-2016 BONUS PAYMENT  

(AS % OF BASE SALARY)
97.5%
171.6%
150%
128.25%
128.25%

VALUE OF BONUS
£624,481
£1,792,777
$1,941,000
£143,602
£616,663

No discretion was applied by the Committee in respect of the 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.

Mr Martin stepped down as a director with effect from 1 December 2015 and Mr Thomson became a director on the same day. The 
values shown have, therefore, been prorated to reflect their periods in office during the financial year ended 30 September 2016. 
Details of payments made for loss of office can be found on page 77.

2016-2017 BONUS
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The annual bonus elements for executive directors for the year ending 30 September 2017 are unchanged. They are:

MEASURE
PBIT
AFCF
MAWC
ORG/RORG
HSE
Total

DOMINIC BLAKEMORE
55%1
–
15%3
25%4
5%
100%

RICHARD COUSINS
55%2
15%
–
25%5
5%
100%

GARY GREEN
60%1
–
15%3
25%4
–6
100%

JOHNNY THOMSON
55%2
15%
–
25%5
5%
100%

1.  Underlying PBIT split between Group PBIT and PBIT for Region of responsibility (Mr Blakemore: 5% Group/50% Regional, Mr Green: 5% 

Group/55% Regional).
2.  Underlying PBIT (Group).
3.  MAWC for Region of responsibility.
4.  RORG for Region of responsibility.
5.  ORG (Group).
6.  HSE for the North American business is measured through North American underlying PBIT.

The Committee has set the targets for the annual bonus plan for the year ending 30 September 2017 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 (both at Group and Regional levels) will be disclosed in next year’s Report.

LONG TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS
During the year ended 30 September 2016, executive directors received a conditional award of shares which may vest after a 
three year performance period which will end on 30 September 2018, 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
Johnny Thomson

LTIP AWARD  

(AS A % OF BASE SALARY)
200%
250%
200%
200%

FACE VALUE OF AWARD1
£000
1,280
2,536
1,604
1,150
6,570

1.  Face value of award as at the date of grant on 25 November 2015 is based on the closing market price of 1080.00 pence per share on 24 November 2015.  

No award was made to Andrew Martin during the year ended 30 September 2016.

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 the implementation of provisions related to malus and clawback.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  73

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Annual Remuneration Report continued

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 items or 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 on page 75 shows the targets against which performance has been measured to determine 
the vesting of the grant of awards for the year ended 30 September 2016 and forms part of the Policy detailed in the Policy Report  
on pages 62 to 68.

TARGETS FOR AWARDS VESTED IN THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2016

AFCF target

LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE
Vesting % of each component
AFCF

ROCE target

LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE
Vesting % of each component
As at date of Award
Reconciled at the end of the performance period*

TSR target

LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE
Vesting % of each component

THRESHOLD
0%
£2,423m

MAXIMUM
100%
£2,679m

ACHIEVED
92.7%
£2,660m

THRESHOLD
0%
18.4%
18.99%

MAXIMUM
100%
20.1%
20.88%

ACHIEVED
60.7%
–
20.13%

BELOW MEDIAN
0%

MEDIAN UPPER QUARTILE
100%

25%

ACHIEVED
100%

*  ROCE targets are updated at the end of the performance period to reflect actual acquisition spend and constant currency.

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN PERFORMANCE
100% of the TSR, 92.7% of AFCF and 60.7% of the ROCE performance measures were achieved at the end of the three year 
performance period, such that 84.5% of the LTIP awards made during the 2013-2014 financial year vested. Shares will be delivered  
to individuals following the release of the preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2016. The Committee applied the 
established framework to deal with items that were unforeseen at the time the targets were set in 2013-2014 and which were in the 
long term interests of shareholders. AFCF was adjusted to exclude a one-off supplementary contribution to the US pension and 
additional interest incurred in connection with the 2014 Return of Cash to shareholders. Both the ACFC and ROCE measures  
were adjusted to exclude a payroll timing distortion, a one-off capital investment in the Defence, Offshore & Remote business  
and restructuring both in the Defence, Offshore & Remote and European businesses to reflect trading conditions.

74  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

2013-2014 LTIP PERFORMANCE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2016 AND VESTED 22 NOVEMBER 2016

DIRECTOR
Dominic Blakemore
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Andrew Martin1
Johnny Thomson2

PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

TSR % VESTED
ON MATURITY3
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

AFCF % VESTED 
ON MATURITY
92.7%
92.7%
92.7%
92.7%
92.7%

ROCE % VESTED 
ON MATURITY
60.7%
60.7%
60.7%
60.7%
60.7%

NUMBER OF 
SHARES AWARDED
78,090
209,436
121,620
105,747
45,180

NUMBER OF 
SHARES VESTED
65,959
176,902
102,727
89,320
38,161

VALUE OF SHARES
ON VESTING4
£000
966
2,590
1,504
1,308
559

1.  Mr Martin stepped down from the Board on 1 December 2015. Details of payments for loss of office can be found on page 77.
2.  26/36 months of the performance period was completed by Mr Thomson prior to his appointment as a director of the Company. Mr Thomson also has an 

interest in 10,622 shares which were awarded in connection with a ‘below board’ plan prior to his appointment as a director of the Company, more details of 
which can be found on page 70.

3.  TSR ranking was 8th in its comparator group.
4.  The value of the shares on vesting has been calculated by reference to the average market price of Compass Group PLC shares over the three months from 

1 July to 30 September 2016 (1464.25 pence per share).

The table below shows the targets against which performance will be measured to determine the vesting of the grant of awards to be 
made in the year ending 30 September 2017 and forms part of the Policy detailed in the Policy Report on pages 62 to 68.

TARGETS FOR AWARDS TO BE MADE ON 23 NOVEMBER 2016 FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2017

AFCF and ROCE target

LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE
Threshold
Par (target)
Maximum

TSR target

LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE
Below Median
Median
Upper Quartile

VESTING % OF EACH COMPONENT
0%
50%
100%

VESTING % OF EACH COMPONENT
0%
25%
100%

AFCF
£2,609m
£2,746m
£2,883m

ROCE
18.10%
18.60%
19.10%

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 exceed 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.

In setting targets for the awards in the year ending 30 September 2017, the Committee set a target requiring an improvement  
in underlying ROCE. It is recognised that tax rates for the performance period will be higher for the prior periods, and this will 
reduce reported ROCE. The Committee considers the measures and targets to be 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 the nature of any such adjustments will be disclosed 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.

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 2016:

YEAR OF AWARD
2011-2012
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
2015-2016

MATURITY 
PERFORMANCE 
AFCF % VESTED 
DATE
CONDITIONS
ON MATURITY
100%
1 Oct 2014
TSR/AFCF
78%
1 Oct 2015 TSR/AFCF/ROCE
1 Oct 2016 TSR/AFCF/ROCE
92.7%
1 Oct 2017 TSR/AFCF/ROCE 100% (after 24 months) 100% (after 24 months)
1 Oct 2018 TSR/AFCF/ROCE 100% (after 12 months)

ROCE % VESTED 
ON MATURITY
n/a
74%
60.7%
61% (after 24 months)
84% (after 12 months) 100% (after 12 months)

TSR % VESTED ON 
MATURITY OR INDICATIVE  
VESTING PERCENTAGE
100%
85%
100%

AFCF targets for each of the last three years are shown within note 22 to the consolidated financial statements on pages 136 to 140.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  75

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Annual Remuneration Report continued

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 at any time during the year ended 30 September 2016, 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
Johnny Thomson

Total

DIRECTOR
Johnny Thomson

Total

AS AT 
30 SEPT 2015: 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
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
116,9436
348,171
11,841
45,180
42,870
–
99,891

AS AT  
30 SEPT 2015:  
NUMBER OF  

SHARES
49,008
10,6227
59,630

AWARDED 
DURING 
THE YEAR: 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
–
–
–
118,518
118,518
–
–
–
234,804
234,804
–
–
–
148,479
148,479
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
106,482
106,482

RELEASED 
DURING 
THE YEAR: 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
73,203
–
–
–
73,203
196,327
–
–
–
196,327
112,754
–
–
–
112,754
99,128
–
–
99,128
9,352
–
–
–
9,352

LAPSED 
DURING 
THE YEAR: 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
19,461
–
–
–
19,461
52,190
–
–
–
52,190
29,974
–
–
–
29,974
26,353
–
29,2356
55,588
2,489
–
–
–
2,489

AS AT 
30 SEPT 2016: 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
–
78,090
104,802
118,518
301,410
–
209,436
221,475
234,804
665,715
–
121,620
130,785
148,479
400,884
–
105,747
87,7086
193,455
–
45,180
42,870
106,482
194,532

MARKET PRICE 
AT DATE 
OF AWARD: 
PENCE

DATE OF 
AWARD
775.00 12 Feb 2013
921.00 29 Nov 2013
1145.00
6 Feb 2015
1080.00 25 Nov 2015

MATURITY 
DATE
1 Oct 2015
1 Oct 2016
1 Oct 2017
1 Oct 2018

 775.00 12 Feb 2013
921.00 29 Nov 2013
1145.00
6 Feb 2015
1080.00 25 Nov 2015

1 Oct 2015
1 Oct 2016
1 Oct 2017
1 Oct 2018

 775.00 12 Feb 2013
921.00 29 Nov 2013
6 Feb 2015
1145.00
1080.00 25 Nov 2015

1 Oct 2015
1 Oct 2016
1 Oct 2017
1 Oct 2018

 775.00 12 Feb 2013
921.00 29 Nov 2013
6 Feb 2015

1145.00

1 Oct 2015
1 Oct 2016
1 Oct 2017

775.00 12 Feb 2013
921.00 29 Nov 2013
6 Feb 2015
1145.00
1080.00 25 Nov 2015

1 Oct 2015
1 Oct 2016
1 Oct 2017
1 Oct 2018

RELEASED  
DURING  
THE YEAR:  
NUMBER OF  

SHARES
49,008
–
49,008

LAPSED  
DURING  
THE YEAR: 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
–
–
–

AS AT  
30 SEPT 2016:  
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
–
10,6227
10,6227

MATURITY  

DATE OF  
AWARD
3 Dec 2012

DATE
3 Dec 2015
29 Nov 2013 29 Nov 2016

1.  One third of each award granted is based on a three year AFCF target, one third on a ROCE target and one third on growth in the Company’s TSR relative  

to the FTSE 100, excluding its financial services constituents. The performance period of the award granted on 12 February 2013 came to an end on 
30 September 2015. This award vested in part at 79% of the maximum award. The shares disclosed as lapsed during the year represent the proration  
of the original award.

2.  The aggregate gross gain realised by Messrs Blakemore, Cousins, Green and Martin was £5,330,923 in the year ended 30 September 2016. The closing share  

price at the time of release of their awards was 1080.00 pence per share.

3.  The performance period of the award granted on 29 November 2013, came to an end on 30 September 2016. The award vested in part at 84.5% of 

maximum award.

4.  All awards were granted for nil consideration.
5.  The highest mid-market price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the year ended 30 September 2016 was 1521.00 pence per share and the lowest was 

1013.00 pence per share. The year end price was 1495.00 pence per share.

6.  As detailed on page 77, 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 to time proration (which is reflected in the figure disclosed above), 
and he will be released from his obligation to hold the vested award for two years thereafter.

7.  As detailed in note 11 on page 70, Mr Thomson also has an interest in 10,622 shares which were awarded in connection with a ‘below board’ plan prior to his 

appointment as a director of the Company.

PENSIONS
At 30 September 2016, 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.

76  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

Dominic Blakemore, Richard Cousins, Gary Green and Johnny Thomson each receive a salary supplement equal to 35% of their base 
salaries in lieu of pension. Andrew Martin had, since 6 April 2006, received a salary supplement equal to 35% of his base salary and 
waived all rights to his final salary pension, money purchase pension and unfunded unapproved pension relating to his employment 
prior to that date. Mr Martin stepped down as a director of the Company on 1 December 2015 and details of payments for loss of office 
can be found below.

EXIT PAYMENTS
No payments (other than regular pension benefits which were commenced in previous years and to Mr Martin as noted below) were 
made during the year ended 30 September 2016 to any past director of the Company.

Sir Ian Robinson stepped 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 was 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 (Section 430(2B)), a statement to this effect was posted 
on the Company’s website at www.compass-group.com.

Andrew Martin stepped down from the Board on 1 December 2015 and ceased, from the same date, to be responsible for the 
Company’s business in Europe & Japan. In accordance with Section 430(2B), the Company published a statement on its website  
regarding payments made to Mr Martin in connection with him ceasing to be a director of the Company. The information below is 
substantively the same as that which may be found in the statement on the Company’s website, but updated to reflect events since 
the statement was originally published.

From 1 December 2015 to 31 December 2015, Mr Martin continued to be employed on his existing terms while he assisted in  
the transition of the management of the European business to Dominic Blakemore. Mr Martin received £55,791 plus pension 
contributions and pro rated bonus for the month of December 2015. In accordance with Mr Martin’s service contract, which was 
entered into in 2007 and before the Company’s policy with regard to the inclusion of bonus in termination payments was changed  
in 2008 (so as to exclude them), Mr Martin’s employment will end on 31 December 2016. Mr Martin will be entitled to receive a 
maximum of £1,472,900 calculated as:

•  £669,500 base salary
•  £502,125 bonus calculated at 75% of base salary (being par bonus)
•  £66,950 being 10% of base salary in lieu of benefits in kind
•  £234,325 pension contribution at 35% of base salary

Mr Martin did not and will not receive a further award of any long term incentives.

All long term incentives are subject to performance conditions set for periods of three years and vest on the third anniversary of the 
performance period. During the year, an award made in 2013-2014 over 125,481 shares vested on 25 November 2015 to the extent of 
99,128 shares. The shares were sold and the sale announced on 26 November 2015.

The 2013-2014 award, whose performance period ended on 30 September 2016, vested on 22 November 2016. The performance 
conditions were satisfied as to 84.5% and so 89,320 shares vested out of 105,747 shares (see page 75).

The conditional award of shares made in February 2015 over 116,943 shares will vest in 2017, subject to the achievement of corporate 
performance targets and prorated for time in employment. In light of Mr Martin’s contribution to the Company’s performance, the 
Committee determined that the shares could be released in 2017 subject to achievement of the associated corporate performance 
targets. As set out on the Company’s website in January 2016, Mr Martin agreed to waive the benefit, and to accept the proration of 
this award, in light of shareholder views. Accordingly, the number of shares under the award will be reduced pro rata to the time 
in employment.

The Remuneration Committee has agreed in accordance with the plan rules that, in respect of the award made on 6 February 2015, 
the post vest holding period obligation will be released.

As announced on 22 November 2016, Susan Murray will step down from the Board and its committees at the conclusion of the 2017 
AGM. Other than the fees payable to Mrs Murray for the period up to 2 February 2017, no remuneration payment has been or will be 
made to her in connection with her ceasing to be a director of the Company. In accordance with Section 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 2017 AGM.

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 €167,074, 
£120,000 and £10,000 (for the disclosable period from 1 October 2015 to 1 December 2015) during the year in respect of their 
directorships of Shire plc, Tesco PLC and easyJet plc respectively, which they were permitted to retain. At the date of this Report, 
Gary Green and Johnny Thomson do not hold any external appointments.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  77

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Annual Remuneration Report continued

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
From 1 October 2016 the Chairman’s fee is £510,000 per annum. 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.

Details of amounts received by Paul Walsh during the year ended 30 September 2016 are shown below:

CHAIRMAN
Paul Walsh

FEES 
£000
500

BENEFITS1
£000
50

2016 
£000
550

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 2016 are set out below:

Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Stefan Bomhard1
Susan Murray
Don Robert2
Sir Ian Robinson2
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal
Total

2016 
£000
106
106
34
96
111
29
84
84
650

2015 
£000
525

2015 
£000
106
106
–
96
84
111
18
18
539

1.  Appointed to the Board on 5 May 2016.
2.  Sir Ian Robinson stepped down as the SID on 1 October 2015 and was succeeded by Don Robert. The resultant changes to their fees are reflected above. 

Sir Ian stepped down from the Board at the conclusion of the 2016 AGM.

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 2016 in shares (including the interests of Persons Closely Associated) and 
share incentives are shown in the table below:

DIRECTOR

Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Dominic Blakemore
Stefan Bomhard
Richard Cousins
Gary Green
Andrew Martin3
Susan Murray
Don Robert
Sir Ian Robinson4
Nelson Silva
Johnny Thomson
Ireena Vittal
Paul Walsh

BENEFICIAL

CONDITIONAL

SHARES HELD AS  
AT 30 SEPT 2016 OR 
DATE OF LEAVING

SHARES HELD 
AS AT 30 SEPT 2015

LTIP HOLDINGS AS  
AT 30 SEPT 2016 OR 
DATE OF LEAVING

LTIP HOLDINGS 
AS AT 30 SEPT 2015

SHAREHOLDING
REQUIRED1

COMPLIANCE WITH 
SHAREHOLDING
GUIDELINES2

9,711
10,927
100,546
6,100
1,215,815
265,819
500,000
12,234
28,235
14,117
8,200
96,643
1,863
21,411

7,503
10,823
60,966
–
1,515,815
365,819
500,000
12,234
28,235
14,117
8,200
38,283
–
21,411

n/a
n/a
301,410
n/a
665,715
400,884
193,4553
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
194,532
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
275,556
n/a
679,428
395,133
348,171
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
99,891
n/a
n/a

1 x
1 x
1.5 x
1 x
2 x
1.5 x
1.5 x
1 x
1 x
1 x
1 x
1.5 x
1 x
1 x

P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P

1.  As a multiple of base salary or fee.
2.  Requirement to achieve within a four year period commencing from date of appointment. Dominic Blakemore (appointed February 2013), Ireena Vittal and 

Nelson Silva (appointed July 2015) and Johnny Thomson (appointed December 2015) intend to progressively build up their share ownership in the Company.

3.  Mr Martin’s beneficial interest and LTIP holding is shown as at 1 December 2015 when he stepped down from the Board.
4.  Sir Ian’s beneficial interest is shown as at 4 February 2016.

There were no changes in directors’ interests between 30 September 2016 and 22 November 2016.

78  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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 107.

REMUNERATION ADVICE
The Chairman and the Group Chief Executive, together with Robin Mills (Group HR Director) and the Group Reward Director 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 2016 are set out on pages 38 to 40.

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 PwC to advise on compensation related matters, including undertaking a 
benchmarking exercise in respect of the remuneration of the Chairman, the non-executive directors and of the UK based directors 
for which it received total fees (based on hours spent) of £37,775 (2015: £39,900).

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 (2015: £24,000). It also provided the TSR performance graph for the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report, for which it received a fixed fee of £500 (2015: £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.

SHAREHOLDER VOTE ON 2014-2015 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
The table below shows the voting outcome at the AGM held on 4 February 2016 for the 2014-2015 Annual Remuneration Report  
(advisory vote):

Annual Remuneration Report

NUMBER OF VOTES 
‘FOR’ & ‘DISCRETIONARY’
1,117,203,682

% OF 
VOTES CAST

NUMBER OF VOTES 
‘AGAINST’
89.12 136,383,197

% OF 
VOTES CAST

TOTAL NUMBER OF 
VOTES CAST
10.88 1,253,586,879

NUMBER OF VOTES
‘WITHHELD’1
49,045,531

1.  A vote withheld is not a vote in law.

The Committee welcomed the endorsement of the Remuneration Report 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 but, for ease of reference, the voting outcome is shown below (binding vote):

Remuneration Policy

NUMBER OF VOTES 
‘FOR’ & ‘DISCRETIONARY’
1,094,017,323

% OF 
VOTES CAST

NUMBER OF VOTES 
‘AGAINST’
90.79 110,932,945

% OF 
VOTES CAST

TOTAL NUMBER OF 
VOTES CAST
9.21 1,204,950,268

NUMBER OF VOTES
‘WITHHELD’1
55,045,261

1.  A vote withheld is not a vote in law.

At the 2017 AGM, shareholders will be invited to vote on the Annual Remuneration Report for 2015-2016.

On behalf of the Board

Carol Arrowsmith
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
22 November 2016

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  79

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report
OTHER STATUTORY DISCLOSURES

This Directors’ Report forms part of the management report as 
required under DGTR 4. The Strategic Report on pages 1 to 33 
includes an indication of future likely developments in the 
Company, details of important events and the Company’s 
business model and strategy. The Corporate Governance Report 
on pages 34 to 57, the Other Statutory Disclosures on pages 80  
to 84 and the Directors’ Responsibilities statement on page 86 
are incorporated into the Directors’ Report by reference.

The following disclosures have been included elsewhere within 
the Annual Report and are incorporated into the Directors’ 
Report by reference.

DISCLOSURE
Financial Risk Management
Going Concern
Viability Statement
Risk Management
Carbon Emissions
Corporate Governance Report, including Reports from 

each principal Board Committee
Directors’ Responsibilities statement

PAGE
24
25
25
27
31

34
86

DIRECTORS
Particulars of the directors in office at the date of this Report  
are listed on pages 38 to 40. In accordance with the Code, each 
director will retire and submit himself or herself for election or 
re-election at the 2017 AGM.

There were a number of changes to the composition of the  
Board and its committees during the year. On 1 October 2015, 
Don Robert succeeded Sir Ian Robinson as SID. On 1 December  
2015, Johnny Thomson succeeded Dominic Blakemore as Group 
Finance Director, Andrew Martin stepped down as the Chief 
Operating Officer of Europe & Japan and Dominic Blakemore 
became Chief Operating Officer, Europe on the same day. 
Sir Ian Robinson stepped down from the Board at the  
conclusion of the Company’s AGM on 4 February 2016.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
In the year ended 30 September 2016, the Group delivered an 
increase of 12.8% in Group underlying profit before tax from 
£1,192 million to £1,344 million and an increase of 14% in Group 
profit before tax from £1,159 million to £1,321 million.

A summary of the dividends on ordinary shares for the year 
ended 30 September 2016 compared with 2015 is shown below:

YEAR
2016
2016
2016
2015
2015
2015

DIVIDEND
Interim
Final (recommended)
Total
Interim
Final
Total

PENCE PER SHARE
10.6
21.1
31.7
9.8
19.6
29.4

The 2016 interim dividend of 10.6 pence per share  
(2015: 9.8 pence) was paid to shareholders on 25 July 2016.

Payment of the recommended final dividend, if approved at the 
2017 AGM, will be made on 20 February 2017 to shareholders 
registered at the close of business on 20 January 2017. The 
shares will be quoted ex-dividend from 19 January 2017.

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 82 of  
this Report. The amount of dividends waived during the year 
ended 30 September 2016 in relation to the trusts was £7,725  
(2015: £11,815).

As at the date of this Report, there were 11,550,642 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, £3,743,780 worth of 
dividends were not paid during the financial year in relation  
to treasury shares.

A dividend reinvestment plan is available to eligible 
shareholders. Details can be found on page 160.

SHARE CAPITAL
GENERAL
As at the date of this Report, 1,654,289,837 ordinary shares of 
105⁄8  pence each (of which 11,550,642 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 1,642,739,195. In addition, the Company sponsors 
a Level I American Depositary Receipts 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 2016, 2,666,477 options 
were exercised and 1,126,121 awards released pursuant to the 
Company’s share option schemes and long term incentive plans. 
Of those options exercised and awards released, all were satisfied 
by the reissue of 3,780,997 treasury shares with an additional 
11,601 shares released from the Compass Group Employee Share 
Trust. A further 25,245 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 EU Market Abuse Regulation 
(which came into effect on 3 July 2016), 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.

80  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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
From 1 October 2015 to 31 March 2016 the Company 
repurchased 6,560,656 ordinary shares of 105⁄8  pence for a 
consideration of £72.7 million (including expenses). These 
shares were subsequently transferred to be held in treasury  
for the purpose of satisfying the Company’s obligations under 
employee equity incentive schemes. From 1 April 2016 to 
30 September 2016 and from 1 October 2016 up to the date of 
this Report, 2,110,923 and 376,622 ordinary 105⁄8  pence shares 
were repurchased for a consideration of £27.5 million and 
£5.2 million (including expenses) respectively, and subsequently 
cancelled. Shares held in treasury are not eligible to participate 
in dividends and do not carry any voting rights.

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 2017 AGM, a special resolution will be proposed to renew 
the directors’ limited authority to repurchase ordinary shares in 
the market, last granted at the 2016 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 any 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 2017 AGM, the directors will ask shareholders to renew 
the authority last granted to them at the 2016 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 2018, whichever is the sooner.

The limited power granted to the directors at the 2016 AGM  
to allot equity shares for cash other than pro rata to existing 
shareholders expires no later than 3 May 2017. Subject to the 
terms of the section 551 authority, this authority is in line with 
the Statement of Principles on Pre-emption Rights issued 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 2018) 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 (whether or not in connection with an 
acquisition or specified capital investment) calculated at the 
latest practicable date prior to the publication of the Notice  
of AGM and, in accordance with the Principles, the directors 
propose to extend this by an additional 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. This year, in line with recommended 
best practice, the Company has split the section 561 resolution 
into two separate resolutions. The first resolution seeks 
authorisation for 5% of the issued ordinary share capital to be 
issued on an unrestricted basis, whilst the second resolution 
seeks authority for the additional 5% of the issued ordinary 
share capital to be used for an acquisition or a specified 
capital investment.

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 made during the year, together with details of 
options granted over unissued capital, are set out in note 21 to 
the consolidated financial statements on pages 134 and 135.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  81

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Other Statutory Disclosures continued

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS
The following major shareholdings have been notified to  
the Company as at 30 September 2016 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
9.99
4.95

% OF COMPASS 
GROUP PLC’S
VOTING RIGHTS1
9.99
4.95

9.96

9.96

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 2016 can be found on page 78 in 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 58 to 79. The trustees of the ESOP, LTIPT  
and CGET hold nil (2015: 11,601), 16,198 (2015: 16,198) and  
nil (2015: 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 
were held by these trusts as at 30 September 2016 (2015: nil).

AWARDS UNDER EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEMES
Details of awards made during the year and held by executive 
directors as at 30 September 2016 are set out in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 58 to 79.

Details of employee equity incentive schemes and grants made 
during the year ended 30 September 2016 to, and extant awards 
held by, employees are disclosed in note 22 to the consolidated 
financial statements on pages 136 to 140.

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 
affecting those countries in the EEA. As reported previously,  
the Group’s CEC Article 13 Agreement terminated in December 
2012. A process of negotiation commenced through a Special 
Negotiating Body, which comprised employee representatives 
from each of the countries in which the Group operates within 
the EEA. On 22 March 2016, a new Agreement was reached 
between the employee representatives and management on 
behalf of the total EEA workforce under the EU Council 
Directive 2009/38/EC, and will operate for an initial period  
of three years.

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 former employee of  
the Group, is chairman of the trustees. The other five 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.

82  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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 Department.

Permanent employees outside 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.

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 in 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 2016, there were 527,180 (2015: 516,992) 
people employed by the Group (average number of employees 
including directors and part-time employees) of whom  
300,493 were female (2015: 294,646) and 226,687 were male  
(2015: 222,276). Of these, 844 were senior managers (646 male, 
198 female) (2015: 634 male, 173 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  
2016 there were 12 directors, nine of whom were male and  
three were 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 30 to 33 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 2016 are set out within  
the Corporate Responsibility section of the Strategic Report  
on pages 30 and 31 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 online at  
www.compass-group.com. This Annual Report is certified 
carbon neutral by sponsoring a carbon neutral cause to offset 
against the emissions arising from the production, printing  
and delivery of this Report.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  83

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Governance and Directors’ Report

Other Statutory Disclosures continued

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.

GROUP CHARITABLE DONATIONS
2016
2015

£M
8.5
7.9

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 49 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  
2016 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.

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 (during the year, in compliance with EU 
Market Abuse Regulation requirements, the Company updated 
its Corporate Communications Code and introduced a formal 
Market Soundings Policy) to ensure the continued 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.

84  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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 production 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 as  
soon as practicable after the meeting. Further shareholder 
information is available on pages 160 to 162.

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. Details of long term incentive plans can be found in 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 58 to 79.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Details of services provided to shareholders can be found in the 
Shareholder Information section on pages 160 to 162 and on the 
Company’s website.

AGM
The Notice of Meeting setting out the resolutions to be proposed 
at the 2017 AGM, together with explanatory notes, is set out  
on pages 163 to 171 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 
22 November 2016

CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

86 

87 

 Directors’ responsibilities for consolidated and  
Parent Company financial statements
Independent auditor’s report

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
90  Consolidated income statement
91  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
92  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
94  Consolidated balance sheet
95  Consolidated cash flow statement
95  Reconciliation of free cash flow
96  Accounting policies

 Earnings per share

 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
102  Segmental reporting
106  Operating costs
107  Employees
108  Finance income, costs and related (gains)/losses
109  Tax
111 
112  Dividends
112  Goodwill
114  Other intangible assets
115  Property, plant and equipment
116  Equity accounted investments
117  Other investments
117  Trade and other receivables
118  Inventories
119  Cash and cash equivalents
120  Short term and long term borrowings
122  Derivative financial instruments
127  Trade and other payables
128  Provisions
129  Post employment benefit obligations
134  Share capital
136  Share-based payments
140  Business combinations
141 

 Reconciliation of operating profit to cash  
generated by operations

141  Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt
142  Contingent liabilities
143  Capital commitments
143  Operating lease and concessions commitments
143  Related party transactions
143  Post balance sheet events
144  Exchange rates
145  Details of related undertakings of Compass Group PLC

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  85

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The Annual Report and Accounts complies with the Disclosure 
Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom’s 
Financial Conduct Authority and the UK Corporate Governance 
Code 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 Group’s position 
and performance, business model and strategy

•  the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the 
applicable set of accounting standards, 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

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 EU and applicable law and have elected to prepare the 
Parent Company financial statements in accordance with 
FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure framework.

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

The directors have permitted the auditor to undertake whatever 
inspections they consider to be appropriate for the purpose of 
enabling them to give their audit opinion.

•  for the Group financial statements, state whether they 

have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted 
by the EU

On behalf of the Board

Mark White 
General Counsel and Company Secretary 
22 November 2016

86  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

•  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

•  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.

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 2016 set out on  
pages 90 to 159. 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 2016 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, 
including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework; 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, in decreasing order of audit 
significance, were as follows:

TAXATION
Refer to page 47 (Governance and Directors’ Report), page 98 
(accounting policy) and page 142 (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  
tax rules on 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.

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

SUPPLIER REBATES AND DISCOUNTS
Refer to page 47 (Governance and Directors’ Report)  
and page 98 (financial disclosures).

•  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 and considered whether the 
accounting policy had been applied appropriately to the 
terms of the rebate. 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.

We continue to perform procedures over the valuation of 
goodwill. However, following continued improved performance 
in the UK business, we have not assessed this as one of the 
risks that had the greatest effect on our audit and, therefore,  
it is not separately identified in our report this year.

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 £60.7 million (2015: £62.7 million), determined 
with reference to a benchmark of Group profit before tax of 
£1.3 billion (2015: £1.2 billion), of which it represents 5% 
(2015: 5%).

We report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected 
identified misstatements exceeding £3.0 million (2015: 
£3.1 million), in addition to other identified misstatements 
that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  87

 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Compass Group PLC only continued

The remaining 4% (2015: 1%) of total Group revenue, 3% 
(2015: 1%) of Group profit before tax and 3% (2015: 1%) of 
total Group assets is represented by 27 reporting components, 
none of which individually represented more than 0.5% of any 
of total Group revenue, Group profit before tax or total Group 
assets. For these remaining components, we performed 
analysis at an aggregated Group level to re-examine our 
assessment that there were no significant risks of material 
misstatement within these.

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 £0.2 million to £49.2 million  
(2015: £0.1 million to £49.2 million), having regard to the 
mix of size and risk profile of the Group across the components. 
Consistent with 2015, 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 8 (2015: 18) component 
locations, to assess the audit risk and strategy. Video and 
telephone conference meetings were also held with the 
component auditors of all countries in scope for Group 
reporting purposes. 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.

4  OUR OPINION ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED  
BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006 IS UNMODIFIED
In our opinion:

•  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 pages 25 and 26, 
concerning the principal risks, their management, and, 
based on that, the directors’ assessment and expectations  
of the Group’s continuing in operation over the three years  
to 2019; or

•  the disclosures in note A of the accounting policies 

concerning the use of the going concern basis of accounting.

Of the Group’s 52 (2015: 52) reporting components,  
we subjected 25 (2015: 44) to audits for Group reporting 
purposes and none (2015: one) to specified risk-focused  
audit procedures. The components within the scope of  
our work accounted for the following percentages of the 
Group’s results:

GROUP REVENUE  
(%)

2

1. Audits for Group reporting 
  purposes..................96% (2015: 95%)
2. Group-level procedures 
  only ................................................4% (2015: 1%)
3. Specified risk-focused audit 
  procedures.....................0% (2015: 4%)

1

GROUP PROFIT BEFORE TAX  
(%)

2

1

GROUP TOTAL ASSETS  
(%)

2

1

1. Audits for Group reporting 
  purposes..................97% (2015: 96%)
2. Group-level procedures 
  only ................................................3% (2015: 1%)
3. Specified risk-focused audit 
  procedures.....................0% (2015: 3%)

1. Audits for Group reporting 
  purposes..................97% (2015: 95%)
2. Group-level procedures 
  only ................................................3% (2015: 1%)
3. Specified risk-focused audit 
  procedures.....................0% (2015: 4%)

88  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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 position and 
performance, business model and strategy; or

•  the Audit Committee Report does not appropriately address 

matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

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

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

•  the directors’ statements, set out on pages 25 and 26,  

in relation to going concern and longer term viability; and
•  the part of the Corporate Governance Statement on page 36 

relating to the company’s compliance with the eleven 
provisions of the 2014 UK Corporate Governance Code  
specified for our review.

We have nothing to report in respect of the 
above responsibilities.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
statement set out on page 86, 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.

F
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•  we have not received all the information and explanations  

we require for our audit.

Anthony Sykes
(Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL 
22 November 2016

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  89

 
 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

For the year ended 30 September 2016

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 profit1
Amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition
Acquisition transaction costs
Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition
Share-based payments expense – non-controlling interest call option
Tax on share of profit of joint ventures
Profit/(loss) on disposal of US businesses
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year
ATTRIBUTABLE TO
Equity shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Profit for the year
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)

TOTAL 
2016 
£M
19,871
(266)
19,605
(18,235)
(18,210)
(25)
1,370
39
1,409
1,445
(31)
(2)
–
(1)
(2)
1
4
(105)
12
1,321
(319)
1,002

992
10
1,002
60.4p
60.3p

TOTAL 
2015 
£M
17,843
(253)
17,590
(16,368)
(16,342)
(26)
1,222
39
1,261
1,296
(26)
(2)
(5)
–
(2)
(1)
3
(107)
3
1,159
(282)
877

869
8
877
52.3p
52.2p

NOTES

1

2

1,11

1

1

9

23

4

4

4

5

6

6

6

1. Underlying operating profit excludes amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition, acquisition transaction costs, adjustment to contingent 

consideration on acquisition and share-based payments expense relating to non-controlling interest call options, but includes share of profit after tax of 
associates and operating profit of joint ventures.

90  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended 30 September 2016

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 income/(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

NOTES

20

20

5

2016 
£M
1,002

(500)
480
6
(14)

158
158
144
1,146

1,136
10
1,146

2015 
£M
877

(37)
145
(20)
88

(92)
(92)
(4)
873

865
8
873

F
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T
E
M
E
N
T
S

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  91

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended 30 September 2016

ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY

SHARE 
CAPITAL 
£M
176
–

SHARE 
PREMIUM 
ACCOUNT 
£M
182
–

CAPITAL 
REDEMPTION 
RESERVE 
£M
295
–

OWN 
SHARES 
£M
(1)
–

OTHER 
RESERVES 
£M
4,189
–

RETAINED 
EARNINGS 
£M
(2,904)
992

NON-CONTROLLING 
INTERESTS 
£M
13
10

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
176

–
–
176

–
–
182

–
–
182

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
295

–
–
295

–

–

–

–
–
–
1

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

158

–

–

–

(2)
156
156
16

(2)
–
–

(500)

480

8
(12)
980
1

–
9
(100)

–
–
4,359

–
–
4,359

3
–
(2,011)

(496)
–
(2,507)

–

–

–

–
–
10
–

–
–
–

–
1
24

–
(9)
15

TOTAL 
£M
1,950
1,002

158

(500)

480

6
144
1,146
18

(2)
9
(100)

3
1
3,025

(496)
(9)
2,520

At 1 October 2015
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 (note 5)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)
Total comprehensive income for the year
Fair value of share-based payments 
Release of LTIP award settled by issue  

of shares

Tax on items taken directly to equity (note 5)
Share buyback1
Issue of treasury shares to satisfy employee 

share scheme awards exercised

Other changes

Dividends paid to Compass  

shareholders (note 7)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
At 30 September 2016

1. Including stamp duty and brokers’ commission.

OTHER RESERVES
At 1 October 2015 
Other comprehensive income
Currency translation differences
Tax on items relating to the components of  
other comprehensive income (note 5)

Total other comprehensive income
Fair value of share-based payments
Release of LTIP award settled by issue of shares
At 30 September 2016

 SHARE-BASED 
PAYMENT 
RESERVE 
£M
179

MERGER 
RESERVE 
£M
4,170

REVALUATION 
RESERVE 
£M 
7

TRANSLATION 
RESERVE 
£M
(161)

ADJUSTMENT FOR  
NON-CONTROLLING 
INTEREST PUT 
OPTIONS RESERVE 
£M
(6)

TOTAL 
OTHER 
RESERVES 
£M
4,189

–

–

–
–
16
(2)
193

–
–
–
–
4,170

–

–
–
–
–
7

158

(2)
156
–
–
(5)

–

158

–
–
–
–
(6)

(2)
156
16
(2)
4,359

Own shares held by the Group represent 16,198 ordinary shares in Compass Group PLC (2015: 27,799 ordinary shares).  
No shares (2015: 11,601) are held by the Compass Group Employee Share Trust (ESOP) and 16,198 (2015: 16,198)  
shares are held 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 2016 was £0.2 million (2015: £0.3 million). The nominal value held at 
30 September 2016 was £1,721 (2015: £2,954).

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.

Up to 31 March 2016, repurchased ordinary shares were transferred and held in treasury for the purpose of satisfying the 
Company’s obligations under employee equity incentive schemes from 1 April onwards; all repurchased ordinary shares were 
cancelled rather than being placed in treasury.

The merger reserve arose in 2000 following the demerger from Granada Compass plc.

92  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY

SHARE 
CAPITAL 
£M
178
–

SHARE 
PREMIUM 
ACCOUNT 
£M
174
–

CAPITAL 
REDEMPTION 
RESERVE 
£M
293
–

OWN 
SHARES 
£M
(1)
–

OTHER 
RESERVES 
£M
4,277
–

RETAINED 
EARNINGS 
£M
(3,082)
869

NON-CONTROLLING 
INTERESTS 
£M
9
8

TOTAL 
£M
1,848
877

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
(2)

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
2
–
–
–

–

–
–
176

–
–
176

6
–
182

–
–
182

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
2

–

–
–
295

–
–
295

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
(1)

–
–
(1)

(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)

–

–

–

–
–
8
–
–
–
–

–

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

(92)

(37)

145

(20)
(4)
873
2
15
2
(328)

1

–
2
19

–
(6)
13

–
–
2,413

(457)
(6)
1,950

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 (note 5)

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 7)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
At 30 September 2015

1. Including stamp duty and brokers’ commission.

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

MERGER 
RESERVE 
£M
4,170

REVALUATION  
RESERVE 
£M
7

TRANSLATION 
RESERVE 
£M
(70)

ADJUSTMENT FOR 
NON-CONTROLLING 
INTEREST PUT 
OPTIONS RESERVE 
£M
–

TOTAL 
OTHER 
RESERVES 
£M
4,277

–

–

–
–
15
(6)
–
179

–
–
–
–
–
4,170

–

–
–
–
–
–
7

(92)

(1)
(93)
–
–
2
(161)

–

–
–
–
–
(6)
(6)

(92)

(1)
(93)
15
(6)
(4)
4,189

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  93

 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

As at 30 September 2016

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 borrowings**
Derivative financial instruments**
Provisions
Current tax liabilities*
Trade and other payables
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

*  Component of current and deferred taxes.
** Component of net debt.

Approved by the Board of Directors on 22 November 2016 and signed on their behalf by

Richard Cousins, Director 
Johnny Thomson, Director

94  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

NOTES 

2016 
£M

2015 
£M

8

9

10

11

12

13

5

17

14

13

15

17

16

17

19

18

16

17

20

19

5

18

21

4,050
1,469
953
222
50
97
149
184
7,174

347
2,596
77
346
2
3,368
10,542

(321)
(9)
(143)
(195)
(3,851)
(4,519)

(3,075)
(1)
(21)
(280)
(40)
(86)
(3,503)
(8,022)
2,520

176
182
295
–
4,359
(2,507)
2,505
15
2,520

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

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

For the year ended 30 September 2016

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 undertakings1
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary companies and associated undertakings1
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 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 shares3
Receipts from issue of treasury shares to satisfy employee share scheme awards exercised
Increase in borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Repayment of obligations under finance leases
Equity dividends paid
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Net cash used in financing activities
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Currency translation gains/(losses) on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

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.

RECONCILIATION OF FREE CASH FLOW

For the year ended 30 September 2016

Net cash from operating activities
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
Add back: Europe & Japan cash restructuring costs in the year
Underlying free cash flow

NOTES 

24

5

9

12

25

25

25

7

25

25

25

15, 25

2016 
 £M

2015  
£M

1,768
(98)
17
(263)
1,424

1,476
(96)
19
(261)
1,138

(180)
2
(267)
(311)
29
(6)
2
33
4
(694)

–
(100)
3
194
(309)
(3)
(496)
(9)
(720)

10
283
53
346

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

(89)
3
(222)
(282)
28
(1)
1
27
3
(532)

2
(328)
1
334
(250)
(5)
(457)
(6)
(709)

(103)
408
(22)
283

2016 
£M
1,424
(267)
(311)
29
(6)
2
33
4
(9)
899
9
908

2015 
£M
1,138
(222)
(282)
28
(1)
1
27
3
(6)
686
36
722

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  95

 
 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES

For the year ended 30 September 2016

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 2016. They 
have been prepared under the historical cost convention as 
modified by the revaluation of certain financial instruments.

Group is currently assessing the impact this standard would 
have on its consolidated results and financial position and work 
is underway to train our people and identify areas of divergence 
with current practice. Based on a preliminary assessment,  
the Group believes that IFRS 15 will not have a significant 
impact on the timing and recognition of revenue; however, it  
is anticipated that there will be some impact on the Group as 
a result of changes in the accounting treatment of some client 
commitment contract intangibles, variable payments to clients, 
variable receipts from clients and sales commissions. We 
expect that Compass will apply IFRS 15 for the year ended 
30 September 2019 with a retrospective approach to the 
restatement of comparatives.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going 
concern basis. This is discussed in the Finance Directors’ 
statement on page 25.

In the current financial year, the Group has adopted:

Amendments to IAS 19 – Defined benefit plans: Employee 
contributions

Improvements to IFRS 2010-2013 Cycle

Improvements to IFRS 2011-2013 Cycle

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 2016  
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 continues to assess 
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 

96  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ (not yet endorsed by the European Union). 
A single model will be applied by lessees to all leases with  
the option not to recognise leases of small value or with terms 
less than 12 months. It is expected that, as a result of this 
standard, most operating leases will be included on the 
balance sheet as an asset, together with the corresponding 
liability, namely the present value of the future lease payments. 
A Group-wide project team has been established and is 
currently assessing the application of this new standard.

Amendments to IAS 1 – Disclosure initiative

Amendments to IAS 7 – Disclosure initiative

Amendments to IAS 12 – Recognition of deferred tax assets 
from unrealised losses

Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 – Clarification of 
acceptable methods of depreciation and amortisation

Amendments to IAS 27 (revised) – Equity method in separate 
financial statements

Amendments to IFRS 2 – Classification and measurement of 
share-based payment transactions

Amendments to IFRS 11 – Accounting for acquisitions of 
interests in joint operations

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.

GOODWILL
The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any 
impairment in accordance with the accounting policy set out  
in section M on page 99. 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 8 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 20 to the financial statements.

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.

D  SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT 
ARRANGEMENTS
SUBSIDIARIES
Subsidiaries are entities over which the Company has control. 
Control exists when the Company has power over an entity, 
exposure to variable returns from its involvement with an entity 
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, 

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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.

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.

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.

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 99 for the Group’s accounting policies in respect of 
derivative financial instruments).

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  97

 
 
Accounting policies continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

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 goods and 
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.

MANAGEMENT FEE CONTRACTS
Revenue from management fee contracts comprises the  
total of sales, the subsidy charged to clients, together with  
the management fee charged to clients. Revenue from 
management fee contracts is recognised as goods and  
services are provided over the life of the contract.

FIXED PRICE CONTRACTS
Revenue from fixed price contracts is recognised as services 
are provided 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, 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 substantively 
enacted tax rates that are expected to apply in the period  
when the liability is settled or the asset realised.

98  Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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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.

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. Intangible assets are reviewed for 
impairment annually.

The following rates applied for the Group:

•  Contract related intangible assets: the life of the contract
•  Computer software: 6% to 33% per annum

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.

P  INVENTORIES
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.

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.

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.

INVESTMENTS
The Group’s available for sale investments are measured at fair 
value or, where fair value cannot be reliably measured, at cost 
less impairment. They are included in non-current assets 
unless management intends to dispose of the investment 
within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

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.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016  99

 
 
Accounting policies continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

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.

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 of Directors 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.

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.

100 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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.

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.

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.

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.

Past service cost is recognised immediately.

The pension obligation recognised in the balance sheet 
represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation 
as adjusted for unrecognised past service cost, 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.

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Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 101

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 30 September 2016

1  SEGMENTAL REPORTING
The management of the Group’s operations, excluding Central activities, is organised within three segments: North America, 
Europe and our Rest of World markets. These, together with Central activities, comprise the Group’s reportable segments. Each 
segment derives revenue from delivery of food and support services. Our geographical segments have been restated in 2015 to 
reflect a change in the way these are managed: Europe now includes Turkey and Russia, and Rest of World now includes Japan.

REVENUE1
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures2,3
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20154
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures2,3

GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

NORTH 
AMERICA 
£M

EUROPE 
£M

REST OF 
WORLD 
£M

TOTAL 
£M

11,198

5,458

3,215

19,871

9,361

5,192

3,290

17,843

REVENUE¹
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
Combined sales of Group and share of equity  

accounted joint ventures2

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015
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

7,602

3,621

4,472

2,416

1,760

19,871

6,743

3,139

3,847

2,138

1,976

17,843

1. There is no inter-segmental trading.
2. This is the revenue measure considered by the chief operating decision maker.
3. Underlying revenue from external customers arising in the UK, the Group’s country of domicile, was £1,981 million (2015: £1,912 million). Underlying 
revenue from external customers arising in the US was £10,350 million (2015: £8,557 million). Underlying revenue from external customers arising in 
all foreign countries from which the Group derives revenue was £17,890 million (2015: £15,931 million).
4. 2015 Europe and Rest of World segments have been restated to reflect a change in the way these are managed.

102 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

1  SEGMENTAL REPORTING CONTINUED

RESULT
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
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 restructuring2

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
Add: Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition
Less: Share-based payments expense – non-controlling interest  

call option

Less: Tax on share of profit of joint ventures
Total operating profit
Profit on disposal of US businesses
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

RESULT
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20153
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 restructuring2

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
Add: Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition
Less: Tax on share of profit of joint ventures
Total operating profit
Loss on disposal of US businesses
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

NORTH 
AMERICA 
£M

EUROPE 
£M

REST OF 
WORLD 
£M

CENTRAL 
ACTIVITIES 
£M

TOTAL 
£M

906
2

908
10

918
–
918
(20)
(1)
4

–
–
901

759
1

760
8

768
–
768
(15)
(2)
(5)
–
746

394
–

394
5

399
(6)
393
(8)
(1)
(4)

–
–
380

372
2

374
5

379
(3)
376
(7)
–
–
(1)
368

194
24

218
–

218
(19)
199
(3)
–
–

(1)
(2)
193

216
25

241
–

241
(18)
223
(4)
–
–
(1)
218

(65)
–

(65)
–

(65)
–
(65)
–
–
–

–
–
(65)

(66)
–

(66)
–

(66)
(5)
(71)
–
–
–
–
(71)

F
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A
N
C
I
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S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

1,429
26

1,455
15

1,470
(25)
1,445
(31)
(2)
–

(1)
(2)
1,409
1
4
(105)
12
1,321
(319)
1,002

1,281
28

1,309
13

1,322
(26)
1,296
(26)
(2)
(5)
(2)
1,261
(1)
3
(107)
3
1,159
(282)
877

1. The Group has incurred charges resulting from the restructuring in response to the downturn in the trading conditions of its Emerging Markets and 
Offshore & Remote activities which include headcount reductions £22 million (2015: £17 million), other expenses £3 million (2015: £6 million), 
depreciation of owned property, plant and equipment £nil (2015: £2 million) and property lease rentals £nil (2015: £1 million).

2. Underlying operating profit is the profit measure considered by the chief operating decision maker.
3. 2015 Europe and Rest of World segments have been restated to reflect a change in the way these are managed.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 103

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

1  SEGMENTAL REPORTING CONTINUED

BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
Total assets
Total liabilities 
Net assets/(liabilities)
Total assets include:
Interests in associates and joint ventures
Non-current assets1
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 20152
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

4,926
(2,346)
2,580

EUROPE 
£M

3,475
(1,083)
2,392

79
3,528

70
2,532

3,813
(1,769)
2,044

3,204
(1,016)
2,188

63
2,766

71
2,378

REST OF 
WORLD 
£M

CENTRAL 
ACTIVITIES 
£M

CURRENT AND 
DEFERRED TAX 
£M

NET 
DEBT 
£M

TOTAL 
£M

1,366
(695)
671

73
778

1,104
(597)
507

69
593

17
(257)
(240)

–
3

21
(256)
(235)

–
7

226
(235)
(9)

–
149

246
(197)
49

–
182

532
(3,406)
(2,874)

10,542
(8,022)
2,520

–
184

222
7,174

359
(2,962)
(2,603)

8,747
(6,797)
1,950

–
58

203
5,984

1. Non-current assets located in the UK, the Group’s country of domicile, were £1,774 million (2015: £1,794 million). Non-current assets located in the US 
were £3,250 million (2015: £2,545 million). Non-current assets located in all foreign countries in which the Group holds assets were £5,067 million 
(2015: £3,943 million).

2. 2015 Europe and Rest of World segments have been restated to reflect a correction and a change in the way these are managed.

104 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

1  SEGMENTAL REPORTING CONTINUED

ADDITIONS TO OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
Total additions to other intangible assets
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20151
Total additions to other intangible assets

ADDITIONS TO PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
Total additions to property, plant and equipment2
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20151
Total additions to property, plant and equipment2

AMORTISATION OF OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
Total amortisation of other intangible assets3
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20151
Total amortisation of other intangible assets3

DEPRECIATION OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
Total depreciation of property, plant and equipment
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20151
Total depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

OTHER NON-CASH EXPENSES
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
Total other non-cash expenses4
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20151
Total other non-cash expenses4

GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

NORTH 
AMERICA 
£M

EUROPE 
£M

REST OF  
WORLD 
£M

CENTRAL 
ACTIVITIES 
£M

224

169

31

35

10

17

2

1

GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

NORTH 
AMERICA 
£M

EUROPE 
£M

REST OF  
WORLD 
£M

CENTRAL 
ACTIVITIES 
£M

146

108

114

114

35

41

1

10

GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

NORTH 
AMERICA 
£M

EUROPE 
£M

REST OF  
WORLD 
£M

CENTRAL 
ACTIVITIES 
£M

170

137

29

27

11

9

–

–

GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

NORTH 
AMERICA 
£M

EUROPE 
£M

REST OF  
WORLD 
£M

CENTRAL 
ACTIVITIES 
£M

94

78

87

76

34

39

GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

1

–

NORTH 
AMERICA 
£M

EUROPE 
£M

REST OF  
WORLD 
£M

CENTRAL 
ACTIVITIES 
£M

5

4

4

3

4

4

3

4

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

TOTAL 
£M

267

222

TOTAL 
£M

296

273

TOTAL 
£M

210

173

TOTAL 
£M

216

193

TOTAL 
£M

16

15

1. 2015 Europe and Rest of World segments have been restated to reflect a change in the way these are managed.
2. Includes leased assets of £2 million (2015: £2 million).
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 2016 105

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

2  OPERATING COSTS

OPERATING COSTS
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 restructuring1

Other expenses 
Operating costs before costs relating to acquisitions

Amortisation – intangible assets arising on acquisition
Acquisition transaction costs
Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition
Share-based payments expense – non-controlling interest call option
Total

TOTAL 
2016 
£M

TOTAL 
2015 
£M

5,742

5,219

8,909

7,959

213
3
179

81
53
9
79

5

25

2,903
18,201

31
2
–
1
18,235

190
3
147

74
64
11
72

5

26

2,565
16,335

26
2
5
–
16,368

1. Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring comprises £22 million employee remuneration (2015: £17 million), £3 million other expenses 

(2015: £6 million), £nil depreciation owned property, plant and equipment (2015: £2 million) and £nil property lease rentals (2015: £1 million).

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 their 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
Other services
Total non-audit fees
TOTAL AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES
Total audit and non-audit services

2016 
£M

2015 
£M

0.5

4.0
4.5

–
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.6

5.1

0.5

4.0
4.5

0.2
0.1
0.3
0.1
0.7

5.2

106 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

3  EMPLOYEES

AVERAGE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DIRECTORS AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES
North America
Europe
Rest of World
Total

AGGREGATE REMUNERATION OF ALL EMPLOYEES INCLUDING DIRECTORS2
Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Share-based payments
Pension costs – defined contribution plans
Pension costs – defined benefit plans
Total

2016 
NUMBER
237,281
160,133
129,766
527,180

2015
NUMBER1
226,618
157,463
132,841
516,922

2016 
£M
7,543
1,234
16
100
16
8,909

2015 
£M
6,708
1,136
15
84
16
7,959

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

1. 2015 Europe and Rest of World segments have been restated to reflect a correction and a change in the way these are managed.
2. Aggregate remuneration of all employees including directors excludes Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring costs of £22 million 

(2015: £17 million).

In addition to the pension cost shown in operating costs above, there is a pensions-related net charge within finance costs of 
£1 million (2015: £5 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 79 and forms part of these accounts.

REMUNERATION OF KEY PERSONNEL
Salaries 
Other short term employee remuneration
Share-based payments 
Pension salary supplement
Total

2016 
£M
6.4
6.8
2.9
1.7
17.8

2015 
£M
6.1
6.6
4.9
1.8
19.4

1. Key management personnel is defined as the Board of Directors and eight individuals who made up the Executive Board from time to time during the year 

(2015: five).

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 107

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

4  FINANCE 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 20)
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’.

2016 
£M

2015 
£M

4
4

16
82
1
99
5
1
105

4
(19)
3
111
99
5
1
105

3
3

13
82
1
96
6
5
107

5
(23)
5
109
96
6
5
107

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 (gains)/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
OTHER FINANCING RELATED GAINS
Gain from other financing related activity

2016 
£M

(1)
(45)
39
(7)

(3)

(2)

2015 
£M

3
(32)
26
(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 20.

108 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

5  TAX
RECOGNISED IN THE INCOME STATEMENT: 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
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

2016 
£M

315
(38)
277

27
6
9
42

2015 
£M

284
(24)
260

12
1
9
22

319

282

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

The income tax expense for the year is based on the effective UK statutory rate of corporation tax for the period of 20% (2015: 
20.5%). The impact of changes in statutory rates relates principally to the reduction of the UK corporation tax rate from 20% to 
19% from 1 April 2017 and to 17% from 1 April 2020. These changes have resulted in a deferred tax charge arising from the 
reduction in the balance sheet carrying value of deferred tax assets to reflect the anticipated rate of tax at which those assets are 
expected to reverse. Overseas tax is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions.

Underlying income tax expense of £330 million (2015: £292 million) adjusts for the tax effect of: the amortisation of intangibles 
arising an acquisition of £11 million (2015: £7 million), the adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition of £nil 
(2015: £2 million), the share of profit of joint ventures of £2 million (2015: £2 million), and is offset by the tax effect of  
hedge accounting ineffectiveness of £2 million (2015: £1 million).

Underlying cash tax paid of £261 million (2015: £259 million) adjusts tax paid of £263 million (2015: £261 million) for the 
cash tax effect of: the amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition of £1 million (2015: £1 million) and hedge accounting 
ineffectiveness of £1 million (2015: £1 million).

Profit before tax from operations
Notional income tax expense at the effective UK statutory rate of 20% (2015: 20.5%)  

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 operations

2016 
£M
1,321

2015 
£M
1,159

264
159
6
(83)
1
(2)
1
2
(29)
319

238
136
1
(74)
1
(3)
(6)
4
(15)
282

Permanent differences primarily relate to the internal financing that is in place to ensure the Group’s overseas businesses are 
appropriately capitalised. These intra-group arrangements provide a benefit to the Group’s effective tax rate. Prior year items 
relate to the reassessment of prior year tax estimates and the resolution of open items.

Tax uncertainties and associated risks are increasing for multinational groups as a consequence of the changing regulatory 
environment, for example the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project. The Group’s tax rate is also sensitive to the 
geographic mix of profits and movements in exchange rates. These factors may lead to an increase in the tax rate in future years. 
The Group continues to monitor the position closely.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 109

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

5  TAX CONTINUED

TAX CREDITED/(CHARGED) TO OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Current and deferred tax credit/(charge) on actuarial and other movements on post employment benefits
Current and deferred tax charge on foreign exchange movements
Tax credit/(charge) on items recognised in other comprehensive income

TAX CREDITED TO EQUITY
Current and deferred tax credit in respect of share-based payments
Tax credit on items recognised in equity

2016 
£M
8
(2)
6

2016 
£M
9
9

MOVEMENT IN NET DEFERRED TAX 
ASSET/(LIABILITY)
At 1 October 2014
(Charge)/credit to income
Charge to equity/other comprehensive 

income

Business acquisitions
Other movements
Exchange adjustment
At 30 September 2015
At 1 October 2015
(Charge)/credit to income
Credit to equity/other comprehensive 

income

Business acquisitions
Other movements
Exchange adjustment
At 30 September 2016

TAX 
DEPRECIATION 
£M
13
(4)

INTANGIBLES 
£M
(191)
(13)

PENSIONS 
AND POST 
EMPLOYMENT 
BENEFITS 
£M
136
3

SELF-FUNDED 
INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS 
£M
67
(1)

NET 
SHORT TERM 
TEMPORARY 
DIFFERENCES 
£M
161
(8)

TAX LOSSES 
£M
21
1

–
–
–
(2)
7
7
(24)

–
–
(2)
(6)
(25)

–
(4)
(1)
1
(208)
(208)
(14)

–
(31)
1
(41)
(293)

(28)
–
–
7
118
118
7

1
–
–
24
150

–
–
1
(2)
21
21
(11)

–
7
–
2
19

–
–
–
5
71
71
7

–
–
–
12
90

(3)
1
(1)
(5)
145
145
(7)

3
4
(4)
27
168

2015 
£M
(19)
(1)
(20)

2015 
£M
2
2

TOTAL 
£M
207
(22)

(31)
(3)
(1)
4
154
154
(42)

4
(20)
(5)
18
109

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

2016 
£M
149
(40)
109

2015 
£M
182
(28)
154

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of tax losses of £101 million (2015: £129 million) and other temporary 
differences of £16 million (2015: £18 million). Of the total tax losses, £92 million (2015: £83 million) will expire at various 
dates between 2017 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 £416 million (2015: £370 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.

110 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

6  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 the amortisation 
of intangible assets arising on acquisition, acquisition transaction costs, adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition, 
non-controlling interest put options, profits and losses on disposal of businesses, hedge accounting ineffectiveness 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
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)
Non-controlling interest put options (net of tax)
(Profit)/loss on disposal of US businesses (net of tax)
Hedge accounting ineffectiveness (net of tax)
Underlying attributable profit for the year from operations

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
From 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)
Non-controlling interest put options (net of tax)
(Profit)/loss on disposal of US businesses (net of tax)
Hedge accounting ineffectiveness (net of tax)
From underlying operations
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
From 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)
Non-controlling interest put options (net of tax)
(Profit)/loss on disposal of US businesses (net of tax)
Hedge accounting ineffectiveness (net of tax)
From underlying operations

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

2016 
ATTRIBUTABLE 
PROFIT 
£M
992
21
1
–
1
(1)
(10)
1,004

2015 
ATTRIBUTABLE 
PROFIT 
£M
869
20
1
3
–
1
(2)
892

2016 
ORDINARY 
SHARES OF 
105⁄8P EACH 
MILLIONS
1,643
3
1,646

2015 
ORDINARY 
SHARES OF 
105⁄8P EACH 
MILLIONS
1,662
4
1,666

2016 
EARNINGS 
PER SHARE 
PENCE

2015 
EARNINGS 
PER SHARE 
PENCE

60.4
1.2
0.1
–
0.1
(0.1)
(0.6)
61.1

60.3
1.2
0.1
–
0.1
(0.1)
(0.6)
61.0

52.3
1.2
0.1
0.2
–
0.1
(0.2)
53.7

52.2
1.2
0.1
0.2
–
0.1
(0.2)
53.6

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 111

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

7  DIVIDENDS
A final dividend in respect of 2016 of 21.1 pence per share, £347 million in aggregate1, has been proposed, giving a total 
dividend in respect of 2016 of 31.7 pence per share (2015: 29.4 pence per share). The proposed final dividend is subject to 
approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 2 February 2017 and has not been included as a liability in these 
financial statements.

£M

295
162
–
–
457

£M

4,010
25
(13)
4,022
4,022
105
448
4,575

482
2
484
484
41
525

3,538
4,050

DIVIDENDS ON ORDINARY SHARES
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity shareholders during the year:
Final 2014 – 17.7p per share
Interim 2015 – 9.8p per share
Final 2015 – 19.6p per share
Interim 2016 – 10.6p per share
Total dividends

2016

2015

DIVIDENDS 
PER SHARE 
PENCE

–
–
19.6p
10.6p
30.2p

DIVIDENDS 
PER SHARE 
PENCE

17.7p
9.8p
–
–
27.5p

£M

–
–
322
174
496

1. Based on the number of ordinary shares, excluding treasury shares, in issue at 30 September 2016: 1,643 million shares.

8  GOODWILL
During the year the Group made a number of acquisitions. See note 23 for more details.

GOODWILL
COST
At 1 October 2014
Additions 
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2015
At 1 October 2015
Additions 
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2016
IMPAIRMENT
At 1 October 2014
Disposals
At 30 September 2015
At 1 October 2015
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2016

At 30 September 2015
At 30 September 2016

112 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

8  GOODWILL CONTINUED

GOODWILL BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
USA
Canada
Total North America
UK
Rest of Europe 
Total Europe 
Japan
Rest of Rest of World
Total Rest of World
Total

1. 2015 Europe and Rest of World segments have been restated to reflect a change in the way these are managed.

2016 
£M
1,619
156
1,775
1,440
420
1,860
172
243
415
4,050

20151
£M
1,316
125
1,441
1,433
358
1,791
124
182
306
3,538

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

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.

GROWTH AND DISCOUNT RATES
USA
Canada
UK
Rest of Europe 
Rest of World

2016

20151

RESIDUAL  
GROWTH 
RATES
1.9%
1.8%
2.0%

PRE-TAX  
DISCOUNT 
RATES
10.2%
9.0%
8.5%
1.2-5.8% 7.9-19.7%
0.8-5.6% 7.5-16.1%

RESIDUAL  
GROWTH 
RATES
2.0%
2.0%
2.0%

PRE-TAX  
DISCOUNT 
RATES
10.0%
8.2%
8.2%
1.3-5.7% 7.6-16.0%
1.6-5.5% 8.1-15.9%

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. 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.

1. 2015 Europe and Rest of World segments have been restated to reflect a change in the way these are managed.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 113

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

9  OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

COST
At 1 October 2014
Additions 
Disposals
Business acquisitions
Business disposals
Reclassified
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2015
At 1 October 2015
Additions 
Disposals
Business acquisitions
Reclassified
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2016
AMORTISATION
At 1 October 2014
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Reclassified
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2015
At 1 October 2015
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Reclassified
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2016
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2015
At 30 September 2016

CONTRACT AND OTHER 
INTANGIBLES1

COMPUTER 
SOFTWARE 
£M

ARISING ON  
ACQUISITION 
£M

OTHER 
£M

TOTAL 
£M

232
31
(3)
–
–
–
(6)
254
254
27
(10)
–
2
41
314

167
21
(2)
–
(2)
184
184
24
(10)
–
28
226

70
88

473
–
–
62
(1)
(1)
(12)
521
521
–
(3)
101
–
86
705

84
26
–
(1)
(6)
103
103
31
(3)
–
21
152

418
553

973
191
(85)
–
–
2
47
1,128
1,128
240
(82)
1
(4)
190
1,473

417
126
(75)
–
18
486
486
155
(76)
(4)
84
645

642
828

1,678
222
(88)
62
(1)
1
29
1,903
1,903
267
(95)
102
(2)
317
2,492

668
173
(77)
(1)
10
773
773
210
(89)
(4)
133
1,023

1,130
1,469

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.

114 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

10  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
COST
At 1 October 2014
Additions1
Disposals
Business disposals – other activities
Business acquisitions 
Reclassified
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2015
At 1 October 2015
Additions1
Disposals
Business disposals – other activities
Business acquisitions 
Reclassified
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2016
DEPRECIATION
At 1 October 2014
Charge for the year 
Disposals
Business disposals – other activities
Reclassified 
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2015
At 1 October 2015
Charge for the year 
Disposals
Business disposals – other activities
Reclassified 
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2016
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2015
At 30 September 2016

LAND AND 
BUILDINGS 
£M

PLANT AND  
MACHINERY 
£M

FIXTURES AND  
FITTINGS 
£M

356
13
(21)
–
2
(1)
(10)
339
339
26
(19)
–
–
4
72
422

175
21
(18)
–
–
(1)
177
177
21
(13)
–
–
35
220

162
202

1,038
171
(104)
(1)
2
9
(15)
1,100
1,100
178
(87)
(3)
3
8
186
1,385

682
118
(92)
(1)
4
(7)
704
704
135
(74)
(2)
15
121
899

396
486

544
89
(40)
–
2
(1)
(29)
565
565
92
(41)
–
1
1
81
699

357
54
(35)
–
–
(17)
359
359
60
(37)
–
(1)
53
434

206
265

The net book value 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 2015
At 30 September 2016

1. Includes leased assets at a net book value of £2 million (2015: £2 million).

LAND AND  
BUILDINGS 
£M
6
6

PLANT AND  
MACHINERY 
£M
6
7

FIXTURES AND  
FITTINGS 
£M
1
1

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

TOTAL 
£M

1,938
273
(165)
(1)
6
7
(54)
2,004
2,004
296
(147)
(3)
4
13
339
2,506

1,214
193
(145)
(1)
4
(25)
1,240
1,240
216
(124)
(2)
14
209
1,553

764
953

TOTAL 
£M
13
14

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 115

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

11  EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTMENTS
Significant interests in associates are:

Twickenham Experience Limited2
Oval Events Limited3
AEG Facilities, LLC4
Thompson Hospitality Services, LLC4

COUNTRY OF 
INCORPORATION
England & Wales
England & Wales
USA
USA

2016
OWNERSHIP1
16%
25%
49%
49%

2015
OWNERSHIP1
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, rolled forward to 30 September.
3. Financial statements applied using the equity method relate to the year ended 31 January, rolled forward to 30 September.
4. Financial statements applied using the equity method relate to the year ended 31 December of the prior year, rolled forward to 30 September.

Significant interests in joint ventures are:

Quadrant Catering Ltd2
ADNH-Compass Middle East LLC
Express Support Services Limitada2

1. % ownership is of the ordinary share capital.
2. 49% ownership entitles Compass Group to 50% of voting rights.

COUNTRY OF 
INCORPORATION
England & Wales
United Arab Emirates
Angola

2016
OWNERSHIP1
49%
50%
49%

2015
OWNERSHIP1
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, except for Express Support Services 
Limitada which is to 31 December. 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
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:

2016 
£M

137
85
222
203
2
39
(34)
12
222

ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES
SHARE OF REVENUE AND PROFITS
Revenue
Expenses/taxation1
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

2016

JOINT 
VENTURES 
£M

ASSOCIATES 
£M

TOTAL 
£M

ASSOCIATES 
£M

2015

JOINT 
VENTURES 
£M

52
(37)
15

132
69
(7)
(57)
137

266
(242)
24

44
134
(10)
(83)
85

318
(279)
39

176
203
(17)
(140)
222

57
(42)
15

121
49
(5)
(42)
123

253
(229)
24

44
108
(8)
(64)
80

–

(26)

(26)

–

(22)

(22)

2015 
£M

122
81
203
189
2
39
(33)
6
203

TOTAL 
£M

310
(271)
39

165
157
(13)
(106)
203

1. Expenses include the relevant portion of income tax recorded by associates and joint ventures.

116 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

12  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

2016 
£M

2015 
£M

38
6
(2)
8
50

12
38
50

36
1
(1)
2
38

9
29
38

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

1. Categorised as ‘available for sale’ financial assets (IAS 39).
2. As per the fair value hierarchies explained in note 17, 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 20.

13  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 receivables1
Other receivables 
Less: Provision for impairment of other receivables
Net other receivables 
Accrued income 
Prepayments
Amounts owed by associates, joint ventures  

and related parties1

Trade and other receivables

1. Categorised as ‘loans and receivables’ financial assets (IAS 39).

2016

2015

CURRENT 
£M

NON-CURRENT 
£M

TOTAL 
£M

CURRENT 
£M

 NON-CURRENT 
£M

TOTAL 
£M

2,115
124
357
2,596

1,994
(60)
1,934
330
(6)
324
168
153

17
2,596

71
12
14
97

–
–
–
111
(22)
89
4
4

–
97

2,186
136
371
2,693

1,994
(60)
1,934
441
(28)
413
172
157

17
2,693

2,069
142
(96)
2,115

1,627
(57)
1,570
254
(9)
245
177
117

6
2,115

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

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 at 30 September 2016 were 41 days (2015: 42 days) on a constant currency basis.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 117

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

13  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES CONTINUED
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

TRADE RECEIVABLES
Gross trade receivables
Less: Provision for impairment of trade receivables
Net trade receivables

NOT YET 
DUE 
£M
1,577
(6)
1,571

NOT YET 
DUE 
£M
1,294
(2)
1,292

0-3  
MONTHS 
OVERDUE 
£M
316
(10)
306

0-3  
MONTHS 
OVERDUE 
£M
260
(9)
251

2016

3-6 
MONTHS 
OVERDUE 
£M
41
(13)
28

2015

3-6 
MONTHS 
OVERDUE 
£M
29
(9)
20

6-12 
MONTHS 
OVERDUE 
£M
21
(8)
13

6-12 
MONTHS 
OVERDUE 
£M
12
(10)
2

OVER 12 
MONTHS 
OVERDUE 
£M
39
(23)
16

OVER 12 
MONTHS 
OVERDUE 
£M
32
(27)
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

2016

2015

TRADE 
£M
57
26
(21)
(10)
2
6
60

OTHER 
£M
24
–
(1)
–
(2)
7
28

TOTAL 
£M
81
26
(22)
(10)
–
13
88

TRADE 
£M
75
18
(13)
(21)
–
(2)
57

OTHER 
£M
27
6
–
(2)
–
(7)
24

TOTAL 
£M
1,994
(60)
1,934

TOTAL 
£M
1,627
(57)
1,570

TOTAL 
£M
102
24
(13)
(23)
–
(9)
81

At 30 September 2016, trade receivables of £363 million (2015: £278 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.

14  INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES
NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Business acquisitions
Net movement
Currency adjustment
At 30 September

2016 
£M

282
3
13
49
347

2015 
£M

265
3
17
(3)
282

118 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

15  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash at bank and in hand
Short term bank deposits
Cash and cash equivalents1

1. 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

2016 
£M
291
55
346

2016 
£M
87
53
35
7
164
346

2015 
£M
224
59
283

2015 
£M
72
33
44
14
120
283

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

The Group’s policy to manage the credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents is set out in note 17. 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

GROSS 
£M
444
(125)

GROSS 
£M
328
(104)

2016

OFFSET 
£M
(98)
98

2015

OFFSET 
£M
(45)
45

NET 
£M
346
(27)

NET 
£M
283
(59)

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 119

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

16  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)1

1. Categorised as ‘other financial liabilities’ (IAS 39).

2016

CURRENT 
£M
27
255
35
–
317
4
321

NON-CURRENT 
£M
–
287
1,525
1,253
3,065
10
3,075

TOTAL 
£M
27
542
1,560
1,253
3,382
14
3,396

2015

CURRENT 
£M
59
78
107
–
244
3
247

NON-CURRENT 
£M
–
251
1,330
1,093
2,674
10
2,684

TOTAL 
£M
59
329
1,437
1,093
2,918
13
2,931

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.

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
Euro Eurobond
Euro Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond

NOMINAL 

VALUE REDEEMABLE
$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

INTEREST
6.72%
7.55%
3.31%
3.09%
3.98%
4.12%
3.54%
3.81%
3.64%

NOMINAL 

VALUE REDEEMABLE
€600m Feb 2019
€500m Jan 2023
£250m Jun 2026

INTEREST
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)

120 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

2016  
CARRYING 
VALUE 
£M
–
35
196
154
306
301
107
231
230
1,560

2016  
CARRYING 
VALUE 
£M
537
469
247
1,253

2016 
£M
317
287
733
154
–
1,891
3,382

2015  
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

16  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

€600m Eurobond Feb 2019
€500m Eurobond Jan 2023
£250m Eurobond Jun 2026
Bonds
Borrowings (excluding finance leases)

GROSS AND PRESENT VALUE OF FINANCE LEASE LIABILITIES
FINANCE LEASE PAYMENTS FALLING DUE:
Within 1 year
In 1 to 5 years
In more than 5 years

Less: Future finance charges
Gross and present value of finance lease liabilities

2016

2015

CARRYING 
VALUE 
£M
27
542
1,560

537
469
247
1,253
3,382

FAIR  
VALUE 
£M
27
542
1,601

557
475
300
1,332
3,502

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

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

2016

2015

GROSS 
£M

PRESENT 
VALUE 
£M

GROSS 
£M

PRESENT 
VALUE 
£M

5
9
1
15
(1)
14

4
9
1
14
–
14

4
7
3
14
(1)
13

2015

FINANCE  
LEASES 
£M
–
–
11
2
13

3
7
3
13
–
13

TOTAL 
£M
584
1,441
864
42
2,931

BORROWINGS BY CURRENCY
Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Other
Total

BORROWINGS 
£M
534
1,813
1,013
22
3,382

2016

FINANCE  
LEASES 
£M
–
–
10
4
14

TOTAL 
£M
534
1,813
1,023
26
3,396

BORROWINGS 
£M
584
1,441
853
40
2,918

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

2016 
£M
1,000

2015 
£M
1,000

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 121

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

17  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 15; debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in note 16; 
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 consolidated 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 in profit for the year (after tax)
Increase in total equity

AGAINST  
US DOLLAR 
£M
–
193

AGAINST  
EURO 
£M
5
29

AGAINST  
JAPANESE YEN 
£M
–
15

AGAINST  
US DOLLAR 
£M
–
164

AGAINST  
EURO 
£M
4
20

AGAINST  
JAPANESE YEN 
£M
–
11

2016

2015

122 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

17  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 £10 million (2015: loss of £6 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)
Increase/(decrease) in profit for the year (after tax)

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
Increase in interest rate
Floating rate exposure – cash/(debt)
Decrease in profit for the year (after tax)

STERLING 
£M
+1%
224
2

US DOLLAR 
£M
+1%
(1,133)
(9)

STERLING 
£M
+1%
45
–

US DOLLAR 
£M
+1%
(681)
(5)

2016

EURO 
£M
+1%
(125)
(1)

JAPANESE YEN 
£M
+1%
(81)
(1)

2015

EURO 
£M
+1%
(49)
–

JAPANESE YEN 
£M
+1%
(20)
–

OTHER 
£M
+1%
(167)
(1)

OTHER 
£M
+1%
(73)
(1)

TOTAL 
£M
n/a
(1,282)
(10)

TOTAL 
£M
n/a
(778)
(6)

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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 13.

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.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 123

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

17  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 £3,092 million (2015: £2,613 million). A foreign exchange loss of 
£507 million (2015: loss of £18 million) 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 cashflows discounted at rates derived from market sourced data. 
There were no transfers between levels in either the year ended 30 September 2016 or 2015. 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

Total

2016

2015

CURRENT 
ASSETS

NON-CURRENT 
ASSETS

CURRENT 
LIABILITIES

NON-CURRENT 
LIABILITIES

CURRENT 
ASSETS

NON-CURRENT 
ASSETS 

CURRENT  

LIABILITIES

 NON-CURRENT 
LIABILITIES

–
–

2
2

74
–

110
184

–
(3)

(6)
(9)

–
(1)

–
(1)

2
–

17
19

58
–

–
58

–
(2)

(5)
(7)

–
(2)

(23)
(25)

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

2016

2015

FAIR VALUE 
SWAPS 
£M

CASH FLOW 
SWAPS 
£M

FAIR VALUE 
SWAPS 
£M

CASH FLOW 
SWAPS 
£M

20

694

823

–

–

–

485

34

141

351

20

658

700

–

–

1,537

1,011

1,378

–

390

22

73

236

721

124 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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17  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

EFFECTIVE CURRENCY DENOMINATION OF 
BORROWINGS AFTER THE EFFECT OF DERIVATIVES
Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Japanese Yen
Other
Total

1. Includes cross currency contracts.

2016

FORWARD
CURRENCY
CONTRACTS1
£M
(409)
373
(635)
156
476
(39)

EFFECTIVE  
CURRENCY OF  
BORROWINGS 
£M
125
2,186
388
156
502
3,357

GROSS  
BORROWINGS 
£M
584
1,441
864
–
42
2,931

2015

FORWARD
CURRENCY
CONTRACTS1
£M
(293)
406
(578)
125
389
49

EFFECTIVE 
CURRENCY OF  
BORROWINGS 
£M
291
1,847
286
125
431
2,980

GROSS  
BORROWINGS 
£M
534
1,813
1,023
–
26
3,396

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

OVER  
5 YEARS 
£M

2016

–
–
–
35
35
649
(20)
664

255
27
282
(649)
20
(347)

4
–
4
321

3
4
328

–
–
–
–
–
362
–
362

287
–
287
(362)
–
(75)

3
–
3
290

(3)
–
287

–
–
517
192
709
–
(582)
127

–
–
–
–
582
582

3
24
27
736

(35)
–
701

–
–
–
154
154
–
–
154

–
–
–
–
–
–

2
–
2
156

–
–
156

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

1
–
1
1

–
–
1

247
431
–
1,115
1,793
–
(935)
858

–
–
–
–
935
935

1
98
99
1,892

(145)
–
1,747

TOTAL 
£M

247
431
517
1,496
2,691
1,011
(1,537)
2,165

542
27
569
(1,011)
1,537
1,095

14
122
136
3,396

(180)
4
3,220

1. Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are reported via the currency translation gains/(losses) caption in note 25).
2. Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are reported via the other non-cash movements caption in note 25).

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 125

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

17  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST MATURITY
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
€500m Eurobond 2023
€500m 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 (asset)/liability
Gross debt excluding derivatives
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative financial instruments2
Forward currency contracts1
Gross debt

2016

LESS THAN  
1 YEAR 
£M
328
(27)

BETWEEN 1  
AND 2 YEARS 
£M
287
–

BETWEEN 2  
AND 3 YEARS 
£M
701
–

BETWEEN 3  
AND 4 YEARS 
£M
156
–

BETWEEN 4  
AND 5 YEARS 
£M
1
–

(1)
(7)
293

100

(538)

532
387

(1)
3
289

95

–

–
384

(1)
11
711

90

–

–
801

(1)
–
155

70

–

–
225

2015

(1)
–
–

63

–

–
63

OVER  
5 YEARS 
£M
1,747
–

(3)
47
1,791

TOTAL 
£M
3,220
(27)

(8)
54
3,239

204

622

–

(538)

–
1,995

532
3,855

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

–
–
–
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

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 25).
2. Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are reported via the other non-cash movements caption in note 25).

126 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

17  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST MATURITY
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 

18  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 payables
Deferred consideration on acquisitions1
Accruals2
Deferred income
Capital creditors
Trade and other payables

2015

LESS THAN  
1 YEAR 
£M
235
(59)

BETWEEN 1  
AND 2 YEARS 
£M
291
–

BETWEEN 2  
AND 3 YEARS 
£M
1
–

BETWEEN 3  
AND 4 YEARS 
£M
628
–

BETWEEN 4  
AND 5 YEARS 
£M
134
–

(1)
12
187

96

(912)

931
302

(1)
(2)
288

88

–

–
376

(1)
–
–

79

–

–
79

(1)
(25)
602

81

(251)

221
653

(1)
–
133

62

–

–
195

OVER  
5 YEARS 
£M
1,597
–

(5)
(23)
1,569

TOTAL 
£M
2,886
(59)

(10)
(38)
2,779

237

643

(399)

(1,562)

369
1,776

1,521
3,381

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

2016

2015

CURRENT 
£M

NON-CURRENT 
£M

TOTAL 
£M

CURRENT 
£M

NON-CURRENT 
£M

TOTAL 
£M

3,157
185
–
509
3,851

1,707
343
172
29
1,214
380
6
3,851

84
(13)
–
15
86

–
–
32
17
37
–
–
86

3,241
172
–
524
3,937

1,707
343
204
46
1,251
380
6
3,937

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

1. Categorised as ‘other financial liabilities’ (IAS 39).
2. Of this balance £577 million (2015: £415 million) is categorised as ‘other financial liabilities’ (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 at 30 September 2016 were 75 days (2015: 74 days) on a constant currency basis.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 127

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

19  PROVISIONS

PROVISIONS
At 1 October 2014
Reclassified1
Expenditure in the year2
Charged to income statement2
Credited to income statement 
Business disposals
Unwinding of discount on provisions
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2015
At 1 October 2015
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 2016

WORKERS’ 
COMPENSATION 
AND SIMILAR 
OBLIGATIONS  

£M
232
–
(54)
58
(12)
–
5
13
242
242
(48)
53
(8)
–
–
4
35
278

PROVISIONS IN 
RESPECT OF 
DISCONTINUED 
AND DISPOSED 
BUSINESSES 
£M
46
–
(1)
–
–
–
–
–
45
45
(1)
3
–
–
–
–
–
47

ONEROUS  
CONTRACTS 
£M
29
(1)
(11)
9
(6)
–
1
(1)
20
20
(9)
4
(2)
–
–
1
1
15

LEGAL AND  
OTHER CLAIMS 
£M
64
1
(15)
17
(16)
–
–
(7)
44
44
(9)
2
(2)
2
–
–
7
44

RE-
ORGANISATION 
£M
36
(1)
(20)
7
(4)
(2)
–
(2)
14
14
(5)
9
(4)
–
(1)
–
3
16

1. Including items reclassified between accrued liabilities and other balance sheet captions.
2. 2015 has been restated reflecting a split in workers’ compensation charged and paid.

PROVISIONS
Current
Non-current
Total provisions

OTHER 
£M
31
–
(6)
2
(4)
–
–
(1)
22
22
(7)
5
–
–
–
–
3
23

2016 
£M
143
280
423

TOTAL 
£M
438
(1)
(107)
93
(42)
(2)
6
2
387
387
(79)
76
(16)
2
(1)
5
49
423

2015 
£M
136
251
387

The provision for workers’ compensation and similar obligations relates mainly to the potential settlement of claims by employees 
in the US for medical benefits and lost wages associated with injuries incurred in the course of their employment, 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 discount rate applicable to the liability.

128 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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20  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 2% to 39% of pensionable salaries.

The contributions payable for defined contribution schemes of £100 million (2015: £84 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 former employee of the Group. The other five 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 2016. At the valuation date the total market value of the 
assets of the Plan was £2,233 million which represented 103% of the benefits that had accrued to members after allowing for 
expected future increases in earnings.

By agreement with the trustees, the Company is no longer funding any deficit. The next triennial valuation is due to be completed 
as at 5 April 2019. 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, is independent. 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 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.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 129

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

20  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED
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 £12 million in the year  
(2015: £11 million) to these arrangements.

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 pensions1

1. This assumption is now presented as a weighted average.

UK SCHEMES

USA SCHEMES

OTHER SCHEMES

2016
2.3%
3.1%
2.35%
3.1%
3.0%
2.7%

2015
3.8%
3.1%
2.35%
3.1%
3.0%
2.7%

2016
3.2%
2.1%
n/a
3.0%
2.1%
0.0%

2015
3.9%
2.1%
n/a
3.0%
2.1%
0.0%

2016
1.5%
1.5%
n/a
1.7%
0.2%
0.0%

2015
2.2%
1.4%
n/a
1.7%
0.2%
0.0%

The mortality assumptions used to value the current year UK pension schemes are derived from the S2PA generational mortality 
tables (2015: S1NA generation mortality tables) with improvements in line with the projection model prepared by the Continuous 
Mortality Investigation of the UK actuarial profession, with +0.2 years age rating for male non-pensioners, -0.2 years age rating 
for male pensioners (2015: no male rating adjustments) and -0.1 years age rating for all females (2015: +0.6 years age rating 
for all 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 19 years (2015: 18 years).

130 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

20  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED
Examples of the resulting life expectancies are as follows:

LIFE EXPECTANCY AT AGE 65
Member aged 65 in 2016 (2015)
Member aged 65 in 2041 (2040)

2016

2015

MALE
22.4
24.7

FEMALE
24.3
26.7

MALE
22.6
24.8

FEMALE
24.5
27.0

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 MP2015 
scale. Examples of the resulting life expectancies are as follows:

LIFE EXPECTANCY AT AGE 65
Member aged 65 in 2016 (2015)
Member aged 65 in 2041 (2040)

2016

2015

MALE
21.3
23.4

FEMALE
23.3
25.4

MALE
21.7
23.8

FEMALE
23.9
26.0

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

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 2016 IMPACT ON SCHEME DEFICIT 2015

ASSUMPTION
UK
Discount rate

Inflation

CPI Inflation

Increase by 0.5% Decrease by £227 million Decrease by £168 million
Increase by £179 million
Decrease by 0.5% Increase by £244 million
Increase by £120 million
Increase by 0.5% Increase by £154 million
Decrease by £98 million
Decrease by 0.5% Decrease by £126 million
Increase by 0.5%
Increase by £33 million
Increase by £41 million
Decrease by £28 million
Decrease by 0.5% Decrease by £31 million
Increase by £61 million
Increase by £98 million
Increase by 1 year
Life expectations from age 65
Life expectations – annual improvement rate  Increase by 0.25% per annum
Increase by £27 million
Increase by £43 million
USA AND OTHERS
Discount rate

Increase by 0.5% Decrease by £22 million
Increase by £23 million
Decrease by 0.5%
Increase by £5 million
Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by £5 million
Decrease by 0.5%
Increase by £9 million
Increase by 1 year

Decrease by £20 million
Increase by £17 million
Increase by £5 million
Decrease by £3 million
Increase by £6 million

Inflation

Life expectations from age 65

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.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 131

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

20  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED
ANALYSIS OF THE FAIR VALUE PLAN ASSETS
At 30 September 2016, 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:

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

2016

2015

UK 
£M

USA 
£M

OTHER 
£M

TOTAL 
£M

UK 
£M

USA 
£M

OTHER  

£M

TOTAL 
£M

134
–

688
1,108
–
–

524
–
–

166
–
–
–
3
2,623

183
–

–
–
–
–

154
–
9

–
–
–
–
46
392

13
15

–
–
–
32

–
2
–

1
14
7
10
3
97

330
15

688
1,108
–
32

678
2
9

167
14
7
10
52
3,112

238
–

538
818
–
–

387
–
–

152
–
–
–
4
2,137

151
–

–
–
8
–

107
–
7

–
–
–
–
27
300

11
12

–
–
–
27

–
2
–

1
12
9
9
2
85

400
12

538
818
8
27

494
2
7

153
12
9
9
33
2,522

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.

MOVEMENTS IN THE FAIR VALUE  
OF PLAN ASSETS
At 1 October
Currency and other adjustments
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

UK 
£M
2,137
4
78

457
–
27
(80)

–
–
2,623

2016

2015

USA 
£M
300
54
12

22
23
17
(35)

(1)
–
392

OTHER 
£M
85
15
2

1
2
11
(11)

–
(8)
97

TOTAL 
£M
2,522
73
92

480
25
55
(126)

(1)
(8)
3,112

UK 
£M
1,944
–
76

155
–
30
(68)

–
–
2,137

USA 
£M
279
20
11

(14)
18
32
(29)

(2)
(15)
300

OTHER  

£M
84
(1)
2

4
2
12
(11)

–
(7)
85

TOTAL 
£M
2,307
19
89

145
20
74
(108)

(2)
(22)
2,522

132 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

20  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED

2016

2015

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
At 30 September

PRESENT VALUE OF DEFINED  
BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
Funded obligations
Unfunded obligations
Total obligations

UK 
£M
1,966
2
2
–
73

(19)
585
(98)
–
(80)
–
2,431

UK 
£M
2,379
52
2,431

USA 
£M
404
70
8
(1)
16

(3)
25
(3)
23
(35)
–
504

2016

USA 
£M
391
113
504

OTHER 
£M
161
30
7
–
4

(3)
16
–
2
(11)
(8)
198

OTHER 
£M
123
75
198

TOTAL 
£M
2,531
102
17
(1)
93

(25)
626
(101)
25
(126)
(8)
3,133

TOTAL 
£M
2,893
240
3,133

UK 
£M
1,920
(1)
2
–
75

–
38
–
–
(68)
–
1,966

UK 
£M
1,924
42
1,966

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

OTHER  

£M
167
(6)
6
–
4

2
3
2
2
(11)
(8)
161

TOTAL 
£M
2,477
20
16
–
94

5
30
2
20
(108)
(25)
2,531

OTHER  

£M
105
56
161

TOTAL 
£M
 2,339 
192
2,531

USA 
£M
390
27
8
–
15

3
(11)
–
18
(29)
(17)
404

2015

USA 
£M
310
94
404

2016

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

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
2,431
(2,623)
(192)

UK 
£M
1,966
(2,137)
(171)

USA 
£M
504
(392)
112

2015

USA 
£M
404
(300)
104

OTHER 
£M
198
(97)
101

OTHER 
£M
161
(85)
76

TOTAL 
£M
3,133
(3,112)
21

TOTAL 
£M
2,531
(2,522)
9

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, £38 million (2015: £29 million), may not be offset 
against pension obligations under IAS 19 and is reported within note 12.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 133

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

20  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED
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
73
(78)
(5)

2016

USA 
£M
8
(1)
7
16
(12)
4

OTHER 
£M
7
–
7
4
(2)
2

TOTAL 
£M
17
(1)
16
93
(92)
1

UK 
£M
2
–
2
75
(76)
(1)

2015

USA 
£M
8
–
8
15
(11)
4

(3)

11

9

17

1

12

OTHER  

£M
6
–
6
4
(2)
2

8

TOTAL 
£M
16
–
16
94
(89)
5

21

The Group made total contributions to defined benefit schemes of £55 million in the year (2015: £74 million) and expects to 
make total contributions to these schemes of £30 million in 2017.

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

2016 
£M

25
(626)
101
(500)
480
(20)

2015 
£M

(5)
(30)
(2)
(37)
145
108

21  SHARE CAPITAL
During the year, no options were granted under The Compass Group Share Option Plan 2010.

During the year, the Company purchased 8,671,579 equity ordinary shares in accordance with its share buyback programme 
(2015: 30,086,546). Of these 6,560,656 were held as treasury shares. £28 million was paid to acquire shares that were 
subsequently cancelled and £72 million was paid to acquire shares that are to be held as treasury shares. The total amount  
paid to acquire all the shares was £100 million which has been deducted from shareholders’ equity (2015: £328 million).

3,780,997 treasury shares were released in 2016 (2015: 756,579), leaving a balance held at 30 September 2016 of 
11,575,887 (2015: 8,796,228). Proceeds received from the reissuance of treasury shares to exercise share options were 
£3 million (2015: £1 million).

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

2016

2015

NUMBER OF SHARES

£M

NUMBER OF SHARES

£M

1,654,666,459

176
176
–
–
176

1,656,777,382

176
178
–
(2)
176

134 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

21  SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED
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
Repurchase of Ordinary and New Ordinary shares
At 30 September 

2016

2015

ORDINARY  
SHARES OF  
105⁄8P EACH
 1,656,777,382 
 – 
 – 
(2,110,923)
1,654,666,459

ORDINARY  
SHARES OF  
105⁄8P EACH
 1,673,886,784 
 1,821,725 
 1,602,612 
(20,533,739)
1,656,777,382

At 30 September 2016, employees held options over a total of 3,880,166 New Ordinary shares under the Group’s Executive and 
Management Share Option Plans as follows:

EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT  
SHARE OPTION PLANS
DATE OF GRANT:
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

EXERCISABLE

NUMBER OF SHARES

OPTION PRICE PER SHARE PENCE

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

35,258
28,660
127,606
285,097
2,310
360,016
1,555
453,000
1,500
1,057,596
63,197
1,363,596
100,775
3,880,166

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

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 and/or treasury 
shares used to satisfy the profit realised during the period of the option.

At 30 September 2016, employees also held awards under The Compass Group PLC Long Term Incentive Plan 2010 (LTIP 
2010) as follows:

VESTING DATE

NUMBER OF SHARES

PERFORMANCE TARGET

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

DATE OF AWARD:
29 November 2013
29 November 2013
9 July 2014
27 November 2014
6 February 2015
14 May 2015
25 November 2015
25 November 2015
12 May 2016
12 May 2016

1 October 2016
1 October 2016
1 October 2016
1 October 2017
1 October 2017
1 October 2017
1 October 2018
1 October 2018
1 October 2018
1 October 2018

The performance and vesting conditions are described in more detail in note 22.

771,791
13,556
1,265,406
99,312
728,799
1,269,574
48,922
740,667
1,484,607
50,544
6,473,178

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
50% AFCF/50%ROCE
33% TSR/33% AFCF/33%ROCE
50% AFCF/50%ROCE
33% TSR/33% AFCF/33%ROCE

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 135

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

22  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 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
Exercised 
Lapsed (following net settlement)
Expired
Lapsed
Outstanding at 30 September 
Exercisable at 30 September

2016

2015

NUMBER OF 
SHARE 
OPTIONS
9,799,188
(2,666,477)
(2,197,876)
–
(1,054,669)
3,880,166
3,779,391

WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE 
EXERCISE PRICE 
PENCE
674.02
558.33
732.60
–
845.77
673.66
667.04

NUMBER OF 
SHARE 
OPTIONS
15,296,670
(2,578,304)
(1,681,555)
(229,400)
(1,008,223)
9,799,188
5,649,174

WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE 
EXERCISE PRICE 
PENCE
623.07
462.68
603.06
229.25
661.03
674.02
529.85

INFORMATION RELATING TO ALL OPTION SCHEMES
The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year was 1,277.77 pence 
(2015: 1,096.06 pence).

The executive and management options outstanding at the end of the year have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 
5.3 years (2015: 6.2 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.

EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT  
SHARE OPTION PLANS
GRANTED ON:
29 November 2013

PERFORMANCE PERIOD

AFCF 

AFCF 

£M % OF AWARD

£M % OF AWARD

1 October 2013 – 30 September 2016

2,423

0%

2,679

100%

Performance targets applying to earlier grants under the Executive and Management Share Option Plans have been met at 78%.

TARGET

THRESHOLD

MAXIMUM

136 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

22  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED
LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
Full details of The Compass Group PLC Long Term Incentive Plan 2010 can be found in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on 
pages 58 to 79.

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 

PERFORMANCE TARGETS – LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
Total Shareholder Return (TSR)
Cumulative three year Adjusted Free Cash Flow (AFCF)
Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)
Outstanding at 30 September 

2016 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
5,621,322
2,324,740
(866,640)
(606,244)
6,473,178

2016 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
763,934
2,854,622
2,854,622
6,473,178

2015 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
5,176,571
2,352,851
(1,602,612)
(305,488)
5,621,322

2015 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
909,028
2,356,147
2,356,147
5,621,322

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

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.

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
AWARDED DURING THE  
YEAR COMMENCING:
1 October 2013
1 October 2014
1 October 2015

PERFORMANCE PERIOD

£M % OF AWARD

£M % OF AWARD

TARGET

THRESHOLD

AFCF 

MAXIMUM

AFCF 

1 October 2013 – 30 September 2016
1 October 2014 – 30 September 2017
1 October 2015 – 30 September 2018

2,423
2,231
2,220

0%
0%
0%

2,679
2,465
2,454

100%
100%
100%

Vesting of a proportion of LTIP awards is dependent on the achievement of the ROCE target over the performance period. 100% 
of that element of the award will vest if the maximum ROCE 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
AWARDED DURING THE  
YEAR COMMENCING:
1 October 2013
1 October 2014
1 October 2015

PERFORMANCE PERIOD

% % OF AWARD

% % OF AWARD

TARGET

THRESHOLD

ROCE 

MAXIMUM

ROCE 

1 October 2013 – 30 September 2016
1 October 2014 – 30 September 2017
1 October 2015 – 30 September 2018

18.4%
19.0%
18.7%

0%
0%
0%

20.1%
20.4%
19.7%

100%
100%
100%

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 137

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

22  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED
The fair value of awards subject to AFCF and ROCE 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 
forecasts. The AFCF performance targets relating to the LTIP awards made in the year commencing 1 October 2011 were met  
in full and the maximum number of shares available were released to participants. For awards made in the year commencing 
1 October 2012, the performance targets were not met in full such that for the AFCF performance target 78% of shares vested 
and for the ROCE performance target 74% of shares 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. For the element of awards made in the year commencing 1 October 2012, the Company’s 
TSR performance fell just outside the top quartile of the comparator group and as a result 85% of that element of the award 
vested. The weighted average share price at the date of release for LTIP awards released during 2016 was 1,080.00 pence 
(2015: 1,060.06 pence).

The LTIP awards outstanding at the end of the year have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.5 years 
(2015: 1.7 years).

For the year ended 30 September 2016, Board LTIP awards were made on 25 November 2015 and 12 May 2016 for which  
the estimated fair values were 611.01 pence and 1,022.20 pence respectively. Leadership LTIP awards were also made on 
25 November 2015 and 12 May 2016 for which the estimated fair values were 928.50 pence and 1,048.51 pence respectively. 
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 values were 663.40 pence, 630.36 pence and 708.41 pence respectively. These awards were all made 
under the terms of the 2010 LTIP.

For the year ended 30 September 2016, two LTIP awards were made on each of 25 November 2015 and 12 May 2016 for 
which the estimated fair values were 611.01 pence and 928.50 pence; and 1,022.20 pence and 1,048.51 pence respectively. 
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 values were 663.40 pence, 630.36 pence and 708.41 pence respectively.

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

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 

RESTRICTED SHARES (PHANTOM AWARDS)
Outstanding at 1 October
Vested and released
Outstanding at 30 September 

2016
17.1%
1.6%
2.5%
2.9 years

2015
14.9%
0.7%
2.3%
2.9 years
1,203.76p 1,130.31p

2016 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
287,206
83,286
(34,001)
(10,000)
326,491

2016 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
–
–
–

2015 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
347,270
79,502
(114,566)
(25,000)
287,206

2015 
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.

138 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

F
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22  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED
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

2016
16.6%
1.6%
2.5%
2.2 years

2015
14.8%
0.5%
2.5%
1.8 years
1,184.40p 1,064.00p

The weighted average share price at the date of release for restricted share awards released during 2016 was 1,209.19 pence 
(2015: 1,093.05 pence).

DEFERRED ANNUAL BONUS PLAN
Certain senior executives participate in the Deferred Annual Bonus Plan. Awards made before 30 September 2014 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 and profit growth. 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 £0.1 million (2015: £0.8 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 and either cumulative PBIT or unit profit 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 570,678 (2015: 491,588) 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

2016
16.3%
1.8%
2.6%
3.0 years

2015
14.8%
0.6%
2.5%
3.0 years
1,117.00p 1,060.00p

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 139

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

22  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 
and cumulative PBIT 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

2016 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
615,614
–
(17,415)
598,199

2015 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
563,070
108,494
(55,950)
615,614

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

2016 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
161,002
(41,733)
–
119,269

2015 
NUMBER OF 
SHARES
277,466
(88,528)
(27,936)
161,002

The fair value of bonus shares awarded is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model; however, no new awards were 
made in either 2016 or 2015.

The weighted average share price at the date of release for share bonus awards released during 2016 was 1,152.34 pence. No 
awards were released during 2015. The share bonus awards have all vested, although certain executives have elected to defer 
taking their entitlements for a further period of up to 1.0 years (2015: 1.3 years), the weighted average deferral period being 
0.7 years (2015: 1.0 years).

INCOME STATEMENT EXPENSE
The Group recognised an expense of £16 million (2015: £15 million) in respect of equity-settled share-based payment 
transactions and £nil (2015: £nil) in respect of cash-settled share-based payment transactions.

23  BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
The Group has completed a number of infill acquisitions in several countries for a total consideration of £186 million, of which 
£155 million was paid in the year. In addition, the Group paid a further £30 million deferred consideration relating to prior years.

Acquisition transaction costs expensed in the year ended 30 September 2016 were £2 million (2015: £2 million).

In the period from acquisition to 30 September 2016, the acquisitions contributed revenue of £129 million and operating profit 
of £8 million to the Group’s results.

If the acquisitions had occurred on 1 October 2015, it is estimated that the combined sales of Group and equity accounted joint 
ventures for the period would have been £19,947 million and total Group operating profit (including associates) would have  
been £1,410 million.

140 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

24  RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO CASH GENERATED BY OPERATIONS

RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO CASH GENERATED BY OPERATIONS
Operating profit from operations 
ADJUSTMENTS FOR: 
Acquisition transaction costs
Amortisation of intangible assets
Amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition
Share-based payments expense – non-controlling interest call option
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
(Profit)/loss 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
Cash generated by operations

2016 
£M
1,370

2
179
31
1
216
(1)
(19)
(39)
16
1,756
(13)
(93)
118
1,768

2015 
£M
1,222

2
147
26
–
193
3
(56)
(59)
15
1,493
(17)
(128)
128
1,476

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25  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.

NET DEBT
At 1 October 2014
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
Other non-cash movements
At 30 September 2015
At 1 October 2015
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash outflow from repayment of bank loans
Cash outflow from repayment of loan notes
Cash inflow/(outflow) 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 gains/(losses)
Other non-cash movements
At 30 September 2016

GROSS DEBT

CASH AND 
CASH 
EQUIVALENTS 
£M
408
(103)
–
–

BANK 
OVERDRAFTS 
£M
(37)
–
–
–

BANK AND 
OTHER 
BORROWINGS 
£M
(2,786)
–
(259)
250

TOTAL  
OVERDRAFTS 
AND 
BORROWINGS 
£M
(2,823)
–
(259)
250

FINANCE 
LEASES 
£M
(17)
–
–
–

DERIVATIVE  
TOTAL  
FINANCIAL 
GROSS  
INSTRUMENTS 
DEBT 
£M
£M
61 (2,779)
–
(259)
250

–
–
–

NET 
DEBT 
£M
(2,371)
(103)
(259)
250

–

–

–
(22)
–
283
283
10
–
–

–

–

–
53
–
346

(21)

(15)

(36)

–

–
(1)
–
(59)
(59)
–
–
–

42

–

–
(10)
–
(27)

–

–

–
(22)
(27)
(2,859)
(2,859)
–
195
114

–
(23)
(27)
(2,918)
(2,918)
–
195
114

(378)

(336)

–

–

–
(402)
(25)
(3,355)

–
(412)
(25)
(3,382)

–

5

(2)
1
–
(13)
(13)
–
–
–

–

3

(2)
(2)
–
(14)

(39)

(75)

(75)

–

5

5

(2)
–
(24)
(2)
25
(2)
45 (2,886)
45 (2,886)
–
195
114

–
–
–

(2)
(46)
(2)
(2,603)
(2,603)
10
195
114

142

(194)

(194)

–

3

3

–
(34)
23

(2)
(448)
(2)
176 (3,220)

(2)
(395)
(2)
(2,874)

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 141

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

25  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
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

26  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

PERFORMANCE BONDS, GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES
Performance bonds, guarantees and indemnities (including those of associated undertakings)1

2016 
£M
(1)
(24)
(25)
23
(2)

2016 
£M
366

2015 
£M
(1)
(26)
(27)
25
(2)

2015 
£M
349

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 28.

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.

142 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

27  CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
Contracted for but not provided for 

2016 
£M
328

2015 
£M
230

The majority of capital commitments are for intangible assets.

28  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 1 and 5 years 
Falling due in more than 5 years 
Total

2016

OPERATING LEASES

LAND AND  
BUILDINGS 
£M
59
154
108
321

OTHER  
ASSETS 
£M
68
114
14
196

OTHER 
OCCUPANCY 
RENTALS 
£M
74
117
69
260

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

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29  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 VENTURE
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 13 and 18. 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.

30  POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
There are no material post balance sheet events.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 143

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

31  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

2016

2015

1.94
5.19
1.88
1.28
159.94
12.01
20.88
12.00
1.40
4.16
5.22
1.42

1.70
4.22
1.71
1.16
131.54
10.38
17.86
11.13
1.26
3.90
4.77
1.30

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. 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.

144 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

32  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC
All companies listed below are owned by the Group and all interests are in 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 Serviços e Alimentação Ltda

Compass Group Canada Ltd.  

Groupe Compass Canada Ltée (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

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

Compass Group Holdings Spain, S.L.

Eurest Colectividades S.L. 

Compass Group (Schweiz) AG

Restorama AG

Sofra Yemek Űretim 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 (ii)

Bon Appétit Management Co. (viii)

Compass Group USA Investments Inc.

Compass Group USA, Inc. (viii)

Crothall Services Group

Flik International Corp.

Foodbuy, LLC

Levy Restaurants LP

Morrison Management Specialists, Inc.

Restaurant Associates Corp.

Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events, LLC

COUNTRY OF  
INCORPORATION

%  
HOLDING

Australia

Brazil

Canada

France

France

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Italy

Japan

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

South Africa

South Africa

Spain

Spain

Switzerland

Switzerland

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

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

100

100

100

100

90

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

F
I
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A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

Food and support services

Holding company

Food and support services

Holding company

Food and support services

Food and support services

Support services 

Holding company

Food and support services

Food and support services

Food service

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

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 145

 
 
COUNTRY OF  
INCORPORATION

% 
HOLDING

COUNTRY OF  
INCORPORATION

% 
HOLDING

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Compass Catering SA

Compass Catering y Servicios Chile Limitada

Compass Servicios SA

Scolarest SA

Compass (China) Management Services Co., Ltd 

Shanghai Eurest Food Technologies Service Co., Ltd. 

Chile

Chile

Chile

Chile

China

China

Compass Group Services Colombia S.A.

Colombia

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

32  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC CONTINUED

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Eurest Algerie SPA (ii)

Servicios Compass de Argentina S.A.

Compass Australia PTY Ltd (ii)

Compass (Australia) Catering & Services PTY Ltd

Compass Group B&I Hospitality Services PTY Ltd

Algeria

Argentina

Australia

Australia

Australia

Compass Group Defence Hospitality Services PTY Ltd

Australia

Compass Group Education Hospitality Services PTY Ltd Australia

Compass Group Healthcare Hospitality Services PTY Ltd Australia

Compass Group Management Services PTY Ltd

Compass Group Relief Hospitality Services PTY Ltd

Australia

Australia

Compass Group Remote Hospitality Services PTY Ltd

Australia

Delta Facilities Management PTY Ltd

Delta FM Australia PTY Ltd

Delta Force Personnel Pty Ltd

Compass Group Retail Services Pty Ltd

Eurest (Australia) Food Servides – NSW Pty Ltd

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Eurest (Australia) Food Services – Wollongong PTY Ltd

Australia

Eurest (Australia) Food Services PTY Ltd

Eurest (Australia) Licence Holdings PTY Ltd

Eurest (Australia) PTY Ltd

Eurest (Australia) – Victoria PTY Ltd

Heritage Catering & Services PTY Ltd

LAPG Education PTY Ltd

LAPG PTY Ltd

Life’s A Party Group PTY Ltd

Life’s A Party PTY Ltd

MBM Integrated Services Pty (ii)

Omega Security Services PTY Ltd

Restaurant Associates (Australia) PTY Ltd

Sargem PTY Ltd

Compass Group Austria Holdings One GmbH (xii)

Compass Group Austria Holdings Two GmbH (xii)

Eurest Restaurationbetriebs GmbH (xii)

Kunz Gebäudereinigung GmbH (xii)

Select Service Partner Gastronomiebetrieb GmbH (ii)

C.A.P.S. (Bangladesh) Limited (ii)

Compass Group Belgilux S.A.

Compass Group Service Solutions S.A.

F.L.R. Holding S.A.

Clean Mall Serviços Ltda

GRA Serviços LTDA

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Austria

Austria

Austria

Austria

Austria

Bangladesh

Belgium

Belgium

Belgium

Brazil

Brazil

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Eurest Services Congo SARL (ii)

ESS Design & Build Ltd (ii)

Eurest (Cyprus) Ltd (ii)

Eurest Support Services (Cyprus) International Ltd

Eurest, spol. s.r.o 

Scolarest-Zařízení Školního Stravování spol. s.r.o

Compass Group Danmark A/S

Compass Group Finland OY

7000 Set Meal SAS

Academie Formation Groupe Compass SAS

Caterine Restauration SAS

Compass Food Trucks France SAS

Centrale Restauration Martel SAS

Culinaire Des Pays de L’Adour SAS

Eurest International SNC

Eurest Sports & Loisirs SAS

Evhrest SAS

Levy Restaurants France SAS

Mediance SAS

Memonett SAS

Occitanie Restauration SAS

Oceane de Restauration SAS

Servirest SAS

SHRM Angola SA (ii)

Société De Prestations En Gestion Immobiliere SAS

Société International D’Assistance SA (ii)

Société Nouvelle Lecocq SAS

Sogirest SAS

Sud Est Traiteur SAS

Eurest Support Services Gabon SA (ii)

Eurest Bremen GmbH

Eurest Sűd GmbH

Eurest West GmbH & Co. KG 

LPS Event Gastronomie GmbH

Compass Group Holdings (BVI) Limited

British Virgin Islands 100

Menke Menue GmbH

Compass Group (Cambodia) Co Ltd (ii)

Eurest Cameroun SARL (ii)

Eurest Camp Logistics Cameroun SARL (ii)

2529541 Ontario Inc.

Canteen of Canada Ltd

Compass Canada Support Services Ltd (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

Compass Group Ontario Ltd

Crothall Services Canada Inc (iii) (iv)

East Coast Catering (NS) Limited

East Coast Catering Limited (iii) (iv) (viii)

Great West Catering Ltd

Groupe Compass (Québec) Ltée (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

Long Harbour Catering LP (xi)

Long Harbour Catering Ltd

Tamarack Catering Ltd

Town Square Food Services Ltd

Heriot Limited (ii)

Cadelsur SA

Cambodia

Cameroon

Cameroon

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Cayman Islands

Chile

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

146 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

M.S.G. Frucht GmbH

Orgamed Betriebsgesellschaft fűr  
Zentralsterilisationen GmbH 

Plural Gebäudemanagement GmbH

Plural Personalservice GmbH 

Plural Servicepool GmbH 

SB Verwaltungs GmbH (ii)

Compass Group Finance Ltd

Compass Group Hong Kong Ltd

Encore Catering Ltd

Shing Hin Catering Group Ltd

Eurest Étteremüzemeltető Korlátolt  

Felelősségű Társaság (ii)

Compass Group (India) Support Services Pvt Ltd

Compass India Support Services Private Limited

Amstel Limited (ii)

Catering Management Ireland Ltd (ii)

Cheyenne Ltd (ii)

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

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

Gabon

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Guernsey

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hungary

India

India

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

32  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC CONTINUED

COUNTRY OF  
INCORPORATION

% 
HOLDING

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

COUNTRY OF  
INCORPORATION

% 
HOLDING

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

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 (ii)

Zadca Ltd (ii)

Consolidated Services Ltd

Queens Wharf Insurance Services Ltd (viii)

Eishoku-Medix, Inc.

Eurest Japan, Inc.

Fuyo Inc

Marunouchi Polestar Co., Ltd

MFS, Inc.

Nihon Kyushoku Service, Inc.

Seiyo Food-Compass Group Holdings, Inc.

Sun Food, Inc.

Malakand Unlimited

Too ESS Support Services LLP

Too Eurest Support Services Kazakhstan LLP

Kenya Oilfield Services Ltd (ii)

Automat’ Services SARL

Eurest Luxembourg SA

IMMO Capellen SA

Innoclean SA

Novelia Senior Services SA

Compass Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd

S.H.R.M. Sdn Bhd (ii)

Compass Group Mauritius Ltd

Eurest Proper Meals de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (iii) (iv)

Eurest S.A. de C.V. (iii) (iv)

Food Works of Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (ii) (iii) (iv)

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Isle of Man

Isle of Man

Japan

Japan

Japan

Japan

Japan

Japan

Japan

Japan

Jersey

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Malaysia

Mauritius

Mexico

Mexico

Mexico

Food Works Services of Mexico, S. de R.L. De C.V. (ii) (iii) (iv) Mexico

Servicios Corporativos Eurest-Proper  
Meals de Mexico S.A. De C.V. (iii) (iv)

Aurora Holdco B.V.

CGI Holdings (2) B.V.

Compass Group Holding B.V. (ii)

Compass Group International 10 B.V. (ii)

Compass Group International 2 B.V.

Compass Group International 3 B.V.

Compass Group International 4 B.V.

Compass Group International 5 B.V.

Compass Group International 6 B.V. (ii)

Compass Group International 9 B.V.

Compass Group International ESS Shanghai B.V.

Compass Group International Finance 1 B.V.

Compass Group International Finance 2 B.V.

Compass Group Shanghai Eurest B.V. (ii)

Compass Group Vending Holding B.V.

Compass Hotels Chertsey B.V.

Eurest Support Services (ESS) B.V.

Eurest Support Services Sakhalin B.V. (ii)

Famous Flavours B.V.

Stitching Forte International

Xandrion B.V.

Eurest Caledonie SARL (ii)

Compass Group New Zealand Ltd

Crothall Services Group Ltd (ii) 

Eurest NZ Ltd (ii)

Mexico

Netherlands

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

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

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 Holding Norge A/S

ESS Mobile Offshore Units A/S

ESS Support Services A/S

Eurest A/S

Norway

Norway

Norway

Norway

Eurest (PNG) Catering & Services Ltd (ii)

Papua New Guinea

Compass Group Philippines Inc (ii)

Eurest Poland Sp. z.o.o.

Eurest (Portugal) – Sociedade Europeia  

de Restaurantes, Lda

Eurest Catering & Services Group Portugal,  

Restaurantes Lda

Eurest Holding, SGPS, Unipessoal Lda

Eurest ROM SRL

Aurora Rusco OOO

Compass Group Rus OOO

Compass Group (Singapore) PTE Ltd (iii) (iv)

Compass Group Asia Pacific PTE Ltd

Consolidated Service (SE Asia) PTE Ltd

SHRM Far East Pte Ltd (ii)

Eurest spol. s.r.o 

Firhold (Proprietary) Ltd (ii)

Makhugiso Investments (Proprietary) Ltd (viii)

Asistentes Escolares, S.L.

Eurest Catalunya, S.L.U.

Eurest Club de Campo, S.L.U.

Eurest Euskadi S.L.U.

Eurest Servicios Feriales, S.L.U.

Levy-Compass Group Holdings S.L.

Medirest Social Residencias, S.L.U.

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 Co., Ltd (viii)

Eurasia Holdings Co., Ltd

Eurasia Services Co., Ltd

Eurasia Management (Thailand) Co., Ltd

Euroserve Gűvenlik A.ş.

Euroserve Hizmet ve işletmecilik A.ş.

Compass Camea FZE

14Forty 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)

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Portugal

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Russia

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Slovakia

South Africa

South Africa

Spain

Spain

Spain

Spain

Spain

Spain

Spain

Sweden

Sweden

Switzerland

Switzerland

Switzerland

Switzerland

Thailand

Thailand

Thailand

Thailand

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

Capitol Catering Management Services Limited (x)

United Kingdom

Carlton Catering Partnership Limited (ii) (iii) (x)

Castle Independent Limited (x)

Cataforce Limited (ii)

Caterexchange Limited (ii)

Caterskill Group Limited (ii)

Caterskill Management Limited (ii)

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

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 2016 147

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

32  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC CONTINUED

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

COUNTRY OF  
INCORPORATION

% 
HOLDING

CCG (UK) Ltd (ii) (x)

Chalk Catering Ltd (ii)

Chartwells Limited (ii)

Circadia Limited (ii)

Cleaning Support Services Limited (ii)

Coffee Partners Limited (ii) (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 (i)

Compass Group Finance No.3 Limited

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

Compass Group Finance No.4 Limited (i) (iii) (iv) (viii)

United Kingdom

Compass Group Finance No.5 Limited (xii)

Compass Group Medical Benefits Limited (ii)

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Compass Group North America Investments No.2

United Kingdom

Compass Group North America Investments Limited

United Kingdom

Compass Group Pension Trustee Company Limited (ii)

United Kingdom

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)

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

148 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

COUNTRY OF  
INCORPORATION

% 
HOLDING

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Compass Services for Hospitals Limited (ii) (viii)

Compass Services Group Limited (ii)

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 (ii) (x)

Cygnet Food Holdings Limited (ii)

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)

Foodbury Europe Limited (iii) (iv)

Funpark Caterers Limited

Gogmore 

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

Goodfellows Catering Management Services Limited (x)

United Kingdom

Gruppo Events Limited (ii) (x)

Hallmark Catering Management Limited (ii) (x)

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Hamard Catering Management Services Limited (ii) (vii)

United Kingdom

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)

Nextonline Limited

NLC (Holdings) Limited (ii)

NLC (Wembley) Limited (ii)

P&C Morris (Catering) Ltd (ii) (vii)

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

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

32  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC CONTINUED

COUNTRY OF  
INCORPORATION

% 
HOLDING

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

COUNTRY OF  
INCORPORATION

% 
HOLDING

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

P&C Morris Catering Group Limited (x)

Payne & Gunter Limited (x)

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

PDM Training and Compliance Services Limited (ii)

United Kingdom

Pennine Services Limited (ii)

Peter Parfitt Leisure Overseas Tavel Limited

Peter Parfitt Sport Limited (ii) (vii) (x)

PPP Infrastructure Management Limited

Prideoak Limited (ii)

QCL Limited (ii) (x)

Quaglino’s Limited 

Reliable Refreshments Limited (ii)

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 (ii)

Solutions on Systems Ltd (ii)

Summit Catering Limited (x)

Sunway Contract Services Limited (x)

Sutcliffe Catering Midlands Limited (ii)

Sutcliffe Catering South East Limited (ii)

Sycamore Newco Limited (ii) (viii)

The Bateman Catering Organization Limited (ii)

The Cuisine Centre Limited (ii) (x)

The Excelsior Insurance Company Limited

THF Oil Limited (ii)

Tunco (1999) 103 Limited (ii)

Vendepac Holdings Limited (ii) (viii)

Vision Security Group Limited

Vision Security Group Systems Limited

VSG Holdings Limited (ii)

VSG Investments Limited (ii)

VSG Payroll Services Limited (ii)

VSG Staff Hire Limited (ii)

VSG Systems Direct Limited (ii)

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.

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

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

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.

Concierge Consulting Services, LLC

Convenience Foods International, Inc.

Crothall Facilities Management, Inc.

Crothall Healthcare Inc.

Crothall Laundry Services Inc.

CulinArt Group Inc.

CulinArt, Inc.

CulinArt of California,Inc.

Curiology, LLC

Custom Management Corporation Of Pennsylvania (ii)

Cuyahoga Dining Services, Inc.

E15, 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 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)

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.

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

USA

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

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 2016 149

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

32  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC CONTINUED

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Restaurant Associates Events Corp.

Restaurant Associates LLC

Restaurant Associates, Inc.

Restaurant One Limited Partnership

Restaurant Services Inc

Sacco Dining 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

University Food Services, Inc.

University Food Services, LLC

Vendlink, LLC

Visinity, LLC

Williamson Hospitality Services, Inc.

Yorkmont Four, Inc.

COUNTRY OF  
INCORPORATION

% 
HOLDING

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS

COUNTRY OF 
INCORPORATION OR 
ESTABLISHMENT

% 
HOLDING

Express Support Services, Limitada

ESS Eastern Guruma PTY Ltd

ESS Gumala PTY Ltd

ESS Kokatha PTY Ltd (ii)

ESS NYFL PTY Ltd

ESS Thalanyji PTY Ltd

ESS Larrakia PTY Ltd

Convention Centre Management PTY Ltd

ESS-AZ LLC

Compass Botswana (PTY) Ltd

Compass Group Sports and Entertainment (xi)

ECC – ESS Support Services (xi)

2265668 Ontario Limited (iv)

ECC – Mi’kmaq Support Services (xi)

Popular Point Camp Services (xi)

Amik Catering LP (xi)

Clearwater Catering Limited (vi)

Dene West Limited Partnership (xi)

ESS – DNDC Support Services (xi)

Angola

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Azerbaijan

Botswana

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

ESS – Duncan’s and Paddle Prairie Support Services (xi)

Canada

ESS – East Arm Camp Services (xi)

ESS – Kaatodh Camp Services (xi)

ESS – Loon River Support Services (xi)

ESS – Na Cho Nyak Dun Camp Services (xi)

ESS – Ochapowace Support Services (xi)

ESS – Pessamit Camp Services (xi)

ESS – Wapan Manawan Services de Soutien (xi)

ESS/Dease River Development Corporation (xi)

ESS Duncan’s Support Services (xi)

ESS Haisla Support Services (xi)

ESS HLFN Support Services (xi)

ESS KNRA Support Services (xi)

ESS Komatik Support Services (xi)

ESS Liard First Nation Support Services (xi)

ESS McKenzie Support Services (xi)

ESS Okanagan Indian Band Support Services (xi)

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

150 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

49

60

60

60

60

60

50

40

50

45

67

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

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS

COUNTRY OF 
INCORPORATION OR 
ESTABLISHMENT

% 
HOLDING

ESS Tataskweyak Camp Services (xi)

ESS/Bushmaster Camp Services (xi)

ESS/Fort a la Corne Support Services (xi)

ESS/McLeod Lake Indian Band Support Services (ix)

ESS/Mosakahiken Cree Nation Support Services (ix)

ESS/Nuvumiut Support Services (xi)

ESS/Takla Lake Support Services (xi)

ESS/WEDC Support Services (xi)

First North Catering (xi)

Labrador Catering Inc

Labrador Catering LP (xi)

Naskapi Catering Inc (iii)

Naskapi Catering Inc LP (xi)

Shanghai ESS Support Services Co Ltd (ii)

PF Eurest Føroyar

Compass Egypt for Hotel & Food Services

Sopregim SAS

Akzente Catering Offenburg GmbH

Klinik Gastronomie Eppendorf GmbH

HSW Hausirtschaftsdienste Sűd-West GmbH

Lubinis – orgaMed Steriglut GmbH 

Chiyoda Kyushoku Services Co., Ltd

Seiyo General Food Co., Ltd

KazMunaiGas Service – Compass LLP

Too Eurest Support Services Company B LLP 

Compass Lesotho (PTY) Ltd

Geria SA

Compass Group (PTY) Ltd 

Compass Malawi (Pty) Ltd (ii)

Restomas Sdn Bhd (ii)

Em-ssis Services Sdn Bhd (ii)

Urusan Bakti Sdn Bhd (ii)

Eurest (Malta) Ltd (ii)

Eurest Support Services (Mauritius) (Pty) Ltd (ii)

Eurest Monaco S.A.

Eurest Support Services Mozambique Ltda (ii)

Compass Group International Coöperatief W.A. (xi)

Compass Group International Finance C.V. (xi)

Forplejningstjenester A/S

Gress-Gruppen A/S

Eurest OKAS Catering Ltd (ii)

Eurest Lotic (PNG) JV Ltd (ii)

Compass Catering Service LLC

Compass Arabia LLC

Compass Game Park Services (Proprietary) Ltd

Eurest Support Services Africa (Proprietary) Ltd (ii)

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

China

Denmark

Egypt

France

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Japan

Japan

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Lesotho

Luxembourg

Malawi

Malawi

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia

Malta

Mauritius

Monaco

Mozambique

Netherlands

Netherlands

Norway

Norway

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

South Africa

Hlanganani Fidelity Joint Venture (Proprietary) Limited (ii) South Africa

Isikhonyane Cleaning (Proprietary) Ltd

Lwezi Cleaning (Proprietary) Limited (ii)

Macand Enterprises 008 (Proprietary) Ltd (ii)

Ramiweb (Proprietary) Ltd

Siyeza Cleaning Services (Proprietary) Limited (ii)

Siyeza Contract Cleaning Services  

(Proprietary) Limited (ii)

Siyeza Labour Outsourcing Services  

(Proprietary) Limited (ii)

Success Valet & Cleaning Services  

(Proprietary) Limited (ii)

Supercare Financial Services (Pty) Ltd

Supercare Hygiene (Pty) Ltd

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

24

24

83

51

50

80

74

49

49

49

90

50

60

50

75

25

75

75

70

60

50

51

75

99.99

45

100

100

33.33

33.33

55

50

20

30

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

32  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC CONTINUED

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS

COUNTRY OF 
INCORPORATION OR 
ESTABLISHMENT

% 
HOLDING

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS

COUNTRY OF 
INCORPORATION OR 
ESTABLISHMENT

% 
HOLDING

Supercare Services (Pty) Ltd (iii) (iv)

South Africa

Supercare Training Solutions (Proprietary) Limited (ii)

South Africa

Supervision Food Services (Boputhatswana) Pty Ltd (ii)

South Africa

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)

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

Maabokgoro-KSS Catering Services (Proprietary) Ltd (ii)

South Africa

Women’s Sunshine (Pty) Ltd (ii)

Bafokeng Hospitality Services (Pty) Ltd (ii)

KKS Daluxolo Food Services (Proprietary) Ltd

UJU ESS Services (Pty) Ltd

Gourmet on Wheels, S.L.U.

Compass Swaziland (Pty) Limited

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

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

Spain

Swaziland

Tanzania

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

Chartwells Hounslow (Feeding Futures) Limited (iii) (iv)

United Kingdom

75

75

75

75

56

52

52

52

52

41

38

38

38

37

37

37

60

75

75

50

50

50

50

50

75

Eat Dot Limited (ii) (iii)

United Kingdom

57.05

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)

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

49

25

25

25

23

Millennium Stadium Experience Limited (iii) (iv)

United Kingdom

16.5

Twickenham Experience Limited (iii) (iv) (v)

United Kingdom

B & I Catering, LLC

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

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

16

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

Convention Hospitality Partners

KIJIK/ESS, LLC

Wolfgang Puck Catering at the Capital Wheel, 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/Gana-a’Yoo Joint Venture

AEG Facilities, LLC

Thompson Facilities Services LLC

Thompson Hospitality Services, LLC

WP Casual Catering, LLC

Chicago Resturant Partners, LLC

Kimco Facilities Holdings, LLC

Kimco Facility Services LLC

Kimco Holdings, LLC

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

Eurest Support Services Zambia Ltd (ii)

Kagiso Khulani Supervision Zambia Ltd (ii)

Zambia

Zambia

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

80

80

67.5

67

62

51

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

49

49

49

45

42

20

20

20

75

74

CLASSIFICATIONS KEY

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

Directly owned by Compass Group PLC

Dormant/non-trading

A Ordinary shares

B Ordinary shares

C Ordinary and/or Special shares

D and/or E Ordinary shares

(vii) Deferred shares

(viii) Preference including cumulative, non-cumulative and redeemable shares

(ix)

(x)

(xi)

Redeemable shares

Agent

No share capital, share of profits

(xii)

Limited by guarantee

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 151

 
 
PARENT COMPANY  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
153  Parent Company balance sheet
154  Parent Company statement of changes in equity
155  Parent Company accounting policies

 NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS
157  Profit and loss account disclosures
157  Investments in subsidiary undertakings
157  Debtors
158  Creditors
159  Provisions for liabilities and charges
159 

 Maturity of financial liabilities, other creditors and 
derivative financial instruments
159  Derivative financial instruments
159  Share capital
159  Contingent liabilities

152 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET

For the year ended 30 September 2016

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 22 November 2016 and signed on their behalf by

Richard Cousins, Director 
Johnny Thomson, Director

NOTES 

2016 
£M

2015 
£M

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

2

3

3

4

4

5

8

1,003

992

11,322
184
29
11,535

10,501
58
30
10,589

(7,290)

(6,338)

4,245

4,251

5,248

5,243

(3,060)
(31)

(2,699)
(28)

2,157

2,516

176
182
295
193
1,311
2,157

176
182
295
179
1,684
2,516

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 153

 
 
PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended 30 September 2016

CAPITAL AND RESERVES
At 1 October 2014
Issue of shares (for cash)
Repurchase of ordinary and new ordinary share capital
Issue of treasury shares to satisfy employee 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
At 1 October 2015
Share buyback1
Fair value of share-based payments
Release of LTIP award settled by issue of shares
Issue of treasury shares to satisfy employee scheme  

awards exercised

Dividends paid to Compass shareholders
Profit for the financial year
At 30 September 2016

1. Including stamp duty and brokers’ commission.

SHARE 
CAPITAL 
£M
178
–
(2)

SHARE  
PREMIUM  
ACCOUNT 
£M
174
2
–

CAPITAL 
REDEMPTION  
RESERVE 
£M
293
–
2

SHARE-BASED 
PAYMENT 
RESERVE 
£M
170
–
–

PROFIT 
AND LOSS 
RESERVE 
£M
1,135
–
(328)

–
–
–
–
–
176
176
–
–
–

–
–
–
176

–
–
6
–
–
182
182
–
–
–

–
–
–
182

–
–
–
–
–
295
295
–
–
–

–
–
–
295

–
15
(6)
–
–
179
179
–
16
(2)

–
–
–
193

1
–
–
(457)
1,333
1,684
1,684
(100)
–
–

3
(496)
220
1,311

TOTAL 
£M
1,950
2
(328)

1
15
–
(457)
1,333
2,516
2,516
(100)
16
(2)

3
(496)
220
2,157

154 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

PARENT COMPANY ACCOUNTING POLICIES

For the year ended 30 September 2016

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 are prepared in accordance with 
the historical cost convention, except as described in the 
accounting policy on financial instruments, Financial Reporting 
Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101),  
and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom laws.  
In preparing these financial statements, the Company applies  
the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the 
EU (Adopted IFRSs), but makes amendments where necessary 
in order to comply with the Companies Act 2006 and has  
set out below where advantage of the FRS 101 disclosure 
exemptions has been taken. These financial statements thus 
present information about the Company as an individual 
undertaking, not as a Group undertaking. In the transition to 
FRS 101, the Company has applied IFRS 1 whilst ensuring 
that its assets and liabilities are measured in compliance with 
FRS 101.

These financial statements have been prepared on a going 
concern basis. This is discussed in the Finance Director’s 
statement on page 25.

B  EXEMPTIONS
The Company’s financial statements are included in the 
Compass Group PLC consolidated financial statements for the 
year ended 30 September 2016. As permitted by section 408 
of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has not presented 
its own profit and loss account.

In these financial statements, the Company has applied the 
exemptions under FRS 101 in respect of the 
following disclosures:

•  a cash flow statement and related notes
•  transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries
•  capital management
•  as required by IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’ and  

IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instrument Disclosures’
•  the effect of new but not yet effective IFRSs
•  compensation of key management personnel

C  CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
As stated above, these are the Company’s first financial 
statements prepared in accordance with FRS 101.

The Company has adopted the accounting requirements of  
the reduced disclosure framework under FRS 101 in these 
financial statements, with a transition date of 1 October 2014. 
Given the Company previously applied the fair value provisions 
of historic UK GAAP, the adoption of FRS 101 had no material 
impact to previously reported amounts in profit or equity and 
as such, in line with the requirements of FRS 101, the 
Company has not prepared a statement of transition.

The Company’s financial statements still meet the requirements 
of the Companies Act 2006 including giving a true and fair 
view of the Company’s assets, liabilities, financial position and 
profit or loss.

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

The Company has informed its shareholders and has received 
no objections to the use of FRS 101.

With the exception of the adoption of FRS 101, the Company 
has not applied any accounting standards for the first time in 
the year ended 30 September 2016.

D  INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS
Investments are stated at cost less provision for any 
impairment. In the opinion of the directors, the value of such 
investments is 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.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 155

 
 
Parent Company Accounting policies continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

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 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.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when 
the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions and 
derecognised when it ceases to be party to such provisions. 
Such assets and liabilities are classified as current if they are 
expected to be realised or settled within 12 months of the 
balance sheet date. If not, they are recognised as non-current.

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 temporary 
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 the  
non-market based vesting conditions.

Fair value is measured using either the binomial distribution  
or Black-Scholes option 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 22 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

156 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 30 September 2016

1  PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT DISCLOSURES
The Company profit on ordinary activities after tax was £220 million (2015: £1,333 million).

The Company had no direct employees in the course of the year (2015: none).

AUDIT SERVICES
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements
Fees payable for other services

2  INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS
COST
At 1 October
Share-based payments to employees of subsidiaries
Recharged to subsidiaries during the year
At 30 September
PROVISIONS
At 1 October and 30 September
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September

2016 
£M
1
–

2016 
£M

993
16
(5)
1,004

2015 
£M
1
–

2015 
£M

986
15
(8)
993

F
I
N
A
N
C
I
A
L
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

1

1

1,003

992

The principal subsidiary undertakings are listed in note 32 to the consolidated financial statements.

3  DEBTORS

DEBTORS
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Other debtors
Derivative financial instruments (note 7)
Deferred taxation
Total

MOVEMENT IN DEFERRED TAX ASSET
At 1 October
Credit to profit and loss account
At 30 September

FALLING DUE 
WITHIN 
1 YEAR 
£M
11,319
–
2
1
11,322

2016

FALLING DUE 
AFTER MORE 
THAN 1 YEAR 
£M
–
–
184
–
184

FALLING DUE 
WITHIN 
1 YEAR 
£M
10,480
1
19
1
10,501

2015

FALLING DUE 
AFTER MORE 
THAN 1 YEAR 
£M
–
–
58
–
58

TOTAL 
£M
11,319
–
186
1
11,506

TOTAL 
£M
10,480
1
77
1
10,559

2016 
NET 
SHORT TERM 
TEMPORARY 
DIFFERENCES 
£M
1
–
1

2015 
NET 
SHORT TERM 
TEMPORARY 
DIFFERENCES 
£M
–
1
1

The deferred taxation 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 2016 157

 
 
FALLING DUE 
WITHIN 
1 YEAR 
£M
34
50
84

2015

FALLING DUE 
AFTER MORE 
THAN 1 YEAR 
£M
–
251
251

107
–
107

7
49
22
6,069
6,338

TOTAL 
£M
34
301
335

1,437
1,093
2,530

32
49
22
6,069
9,037

2015 
CARRYING 
VALUE  
£M
107
36
170
132
262
250
66
216
198
1,437

2015 
CARRYING 
VALUE  
£M
458 
386 
249 
1,093

1,330
1,093
2,423

25
–
–
–
2,699

2016 
CARRYING 
VALUE  
£M
–
35
196
154
306
301
107
231
230
1,560

2016 
CARRYING 
VALUE  
£M
537 
469 
247 
1,253

Notes to the Parent Company financial statements continued

For the year ended 30 September 2016

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 taxation
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Total

FALLING DUE 
WITHIN 
1 YEAR 
£M
80
250
330

2016

FALLING DUE 
AFTER MORE 
THAN 1 YEAR 
£M
–
281
281

35
–
35

9
45
32
6,839
7,290

1,525
1,253
2,778

1
–
–
–
3,060

TOTAL 
£M
80
531
611

1,560
1,253
2,813

10
45
32
6,839
10,350

The Company has fixed term, fixed interest private placements denominated in US dollar and sterling.

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 
Euro Eurobond
Euro Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Total

NOMINAL 

VALUE REDEEMABLE
$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

INTEREST
6.72%
7.55%
3.31%
3.09%
3.98%
4.12%
3.54%
3.81%
3.64%

NOMINAL 

VALUE REDEEMABLE
€600m Feb 2019
€500m Jan 2023
£250m Jun 2026

INTEREST
3.13%
1.88%
3.85%

158 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

5  PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES

PROVISIONS
At 1 October 2014 and 30 September 2015
At 1 October 2015
Charged to profit and loss account
At 30 September 2016

LEGAL AND 
OTHER CLAIMS 
£M
28
28
3
31

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

2016

2015

BANK 
OVERDRAFTS 
AND LOANS
(NOTE 4)
£M
281
–
–
281
330
611

LOAN NOTES 
AND BONDS
(NOTE 4)
£M
–
887
1,891
2,778
35
2,813

OTHER1
(NOTE 7)
£M
(3)
(35)
(145)
(183)
7
(176)

BANK 
OVERDRAFTS 
AND LOANS
(NOTE 4)
£M
251
–
–
251
84
335

LOAN NOTES 
AND BONDS
(NOTE 4)
£M
36
760
1,627
2,423
107
2,530

TOTAL 
£M
278
852
1,746
2,876
372
3,248

OTHER1
(NOTE 7)
£M
1
–
(34)
(33)
(12)
(45)

TOTAL 
£M
288
760
1,593
2,641
179
2,820

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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

2016

2015

FINANCIAL 
ASSETS
(NOTE 3)
£M

FINANCIAL 
LIABILITIES
(NOTE 4)
£M

FINANCIAL 
ASSETS
(NOTE 3)
£M

FINANCIAL 
LIABILITIES
(NOTE 4)
£M

74
–

112
186

–
(4)

(6)
(10)

60
–

17
77

–
(4)

(28)
(32)

8  SHARE CAPITAL
Details of the share capital, share option schemes and share-based payments of Compass Group PLC are shown in notes 21 and 
22 to the consolidated financial statements.

9  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Guarantees and indemnities (including subsidiary undertakings’ overdrafts)

2016 
£M
440

2015 
£M
387

Details regarding certain contingent liabilities which involve the Company are set out in note 26 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 159

 
 
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 Annual Report  
and/or a copy of the Notice of Annual General Meeting 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 2016 Annual Report and 
the Notice of Meeting are available at www.compass-group.com.

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 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 the DRIP in respect of the 2016 final 
dividend is 26 January 2017.

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.

160 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

•  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 are 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
•  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, 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 or online  
at www.actionfraud.police.uk.

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SHARE DEALING
The Company’s shares can be traded through most banks, 
building societies, stockbrokers or ‘share shops’. In addition,  
the Company’s registrar 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, by email: help@sharegift.org 
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: mps@dma.org.uk.

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

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 161

 
 
Shareholder information continued

ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARD (FRS) 
101: REDUCED DISCLOSURE FRAMEWORK
As notified to shareholders in the Company’s 2015 Annual 
Report, following the publication of FRS 100 Application of 
Financial Reporting Requirements by the Financial Reporting 
Council, the Company was required to change its accounting 
framework for its Company financial statements, previously  
UK GAAP, for the financial year commencing 1 October 2015. No 
written objections to the proposed use of disclosure exemptions 
for the financial year commencing 1 October 2015 were received 
from a shareholder or shareholders holding in aggregate 5% or 
more of the total allotted shares in Compass Group PLC. The 
directors therefore implemented FRS 101 for the financial year 
commencing 1 October 2015.

The Board considers that it continues to be in the best interests 
of the Group for Compass Group PLC to continue to adopt 
FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework for the financial  
year commencing 1 October 2016.

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 31 January 2017.

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

Ex-dividend date for  
2016 final dividend
Record date for 2016 final dividend
2017 Annual General Meeting
2016 final dividend payment
Half year financial results
Ex-dividend date for  
2017 interim dividend
Record date for 2017  
interim dividend
2017 interim dividend payment

*  Provisional dates.

19 January 2017
20 January 2017
2 February 2017
20 February 2017
10 May 2017*

22 June 2017*

23 June 2017*
24 July 2017*

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 1024.50 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.

162 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

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 sixteenth Annual General 
Meeting of Compass Group PLC (the Company) will be  
held at 12 noon on Thursday 2 February 2017 at the Live 
Room, Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Twickenham 
Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, Middlesex 
TW2 7BA in order to transact the following business:

To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following Resolutions, 
of which Resolutions 20 to 23 will be proposed as special 
resolutions and all other Resolutions will be proposed as 
ordinary resolutions.

16.  To authorise the Audit Committee to agree the  

auditor’s remuneration.

17.  That the authority conferred by Article 138 of the Company’s 
Articles of Association be and is hereby increased from 
£1,500,000 to £2,250,000.

18.  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:

18.1  make donations to political parties or independent 

election candidates;

18.2  make donations to political organisations other than 

political parties; and
18.3  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 18.

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1.  To receive and adopt the Directors’ Annual Report and 
Accounts and the Auditor’s Report thereon for the  
financial year ended 30 September 2016.

19. 

 19.1 

2.  To receive and adopt the Directors’ Remuneration Report  

for the financial year ended 30 September 2016.

3.  To declare a final dividend of 21.1 pence per ordinary share in 

respect of the financial year ended 30 September 2016.

4.  To elect Stefan Bomhard as a director of the Company.

5.  To re-elect Dominic Blakemore as a director of the Company.

6.  To re-elect Richard Cousins as a director of the Company.

7.  To re-elect Gary Green as a director of the Company.

8.  To re-elect Johnny Thomson as a director of the Company.

9.  To re-elect Carol Arrowsmith as a director of the Company.

10.  To re-elect John Bason as a director of the Company.

11.  To re-elect Don Robert as a director of the Company.

12.  To re-elect Nelson Silva as a director of the Company.

13.  To re-elect Ireena Vittal 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.

 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, 1 May 2018; and for 
that period the section 551 amount shall be £58,236,688.

19.2  In addition, the section 551 amount shall be increased 
by £58,236,688, 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:

19.2.1 

19.2.2 

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.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 163

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS
20.  To authorise the directors, subject to the passing of 

Resolution 19, 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, 
1 May 2018 to allot equity securities (as defined in the 
Companies Act 2006) for cash under the authority given  
by that resolution and/or to sell ordinary shares held by  
the Company as treasury shares for cash as if section  
561 of the Companies Act 2006 did not apply to any such 
allotment or sale, such authority to be limited:

20.1  to allotments for rights issues and other pre-emptive 

issues; and

20.2   to the allotment of equity securities or sale of treasury 

shares (otherwise than under paragraph 20.1 above)  
up to a nominal amount of £8,735,344 being not  
more than 5% of the issued ordinary share capital 
(excluding treasury shares) of the Company as at 
1 December 2016, being the last practicable date  
prior to the publication of this Notice,

such authority to expire at the end of the next Annual 
General Meeting of the Company, or, if earlier, at the close of 
business on 1 May 2018, but in each case, prior to the expiry 
the Company may make offers, and enter into agreements, 
which would, or might require equity securities to be allotted 
(and treasury shares to be sold) after the authority expires 
and the Board may allot equity securities (and sell treasury 
shares) under any such offer or agreement as if the authority 
had not expired.

21.  To authorise the directors, subject to the passing of 

Resolution 19, and in accordance with the power conferred 
on the directors by Article 13 of the Company’s Articles of 
Association and in addition to any authority granted under 
Resolution 20 to allot equity securities (as defined in the 
Companies Act 2006) for cash under the authority given by 
that Resolution and/or to sell ordinary shares held by the 
Company as treasury shares for cash as if section 561 of the 
Companies Act 2006 did not apply to any such allotment or 
sale, such authority to be:

21.1   limited to the allotment of equity shares or sale of 

treasury shares up to a nominal amount of £8,735,344 
being not more than 5% of the issued ordinary share 
capital (excluding treasury shares) of the Company as 
at 1 December 2016, being the last practicable date  
prior to the publication of this Notice;

21.2   used only for the purposes of financing (or refinancing, 
if the authority is to be used within six months after the 
original transaction) a transaction which the Board of 
the Company determines to be an acquisition or other 
capital investment of a kind contemplated by the 
Statement of Principles on Disapplying Pre-Emption 
Rights most recently published by the Pre-Emption 
Group prior to the date of this Notice,

such authority to expire at the end of the next Annual 
General Meeting of the Company or, if earlier, on 1 May 2018, 
but in each case, prior to its expiry the Company may make 
offers, and enter into agreements, which would, or might 
require equity securities to be allotted (and treasury shares 
to be sold) after the authority expires and the Board may 
allot equity securities (and sell treasury shares) under any 
such offer or agreement as if the authority had not expired.

22.  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:

22.1  the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares 

hereby authorised to be purchased is 164,430,000;

22.2  the minimum price (excluding expenses) which  
may be paid for each ordinary share is 105⁄8 pence;
22.3  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
22.4  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 1 August 2018, 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).

164 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23.  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 
21 December 2016 
Registered Office: 
Compass House  
Guildford Street 
Chertsey  
Surrey KT16 9BQ

Registered in England and Wales No. 4083914

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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 2016.

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 58 to 79 of the 2016 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 2017 AGM. A copy of the Remuneration 
Policy in force is set out on pages 62 to 68 of the 2016 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 2016  
will be paid on 20 February 2017 to shareholders on the  
register at the close of business on 20 January 2017, 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 38 to 40 of the 2016 Annual Report.

In line with the provisions of the Company’s Articles of 
Association, Stefan Bomhard, who was appointed by the Board 
since the date of the last AGM, will submit himself for election  
by shareholders. Details of his appointment are given on page 55.

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 
themselves for annual re-election by shareholders.

Having conducted an external evaluation during the year, it is 
the view of the external facilitators and 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.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 165

 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

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. 
KPMG LLP were first appointed by shareholders as the 
Company’s auditor at the 2015 AGM.

RESOLUTION 17 – ARTICLE 138 AUTHORITY
The Company’s Articles of Association provide that the ordinary 
remuneration of non-executive directors (including the 
Chairman) shall not exceed in aggregate £1,500,000 per annum 
or such higher amount as the Company may from time to time 
determine by ordinary resolution. To ensure that the directors 
do not inadvertently breach the existing £1,500,000 aggregate 
(which was first set in 2008) and to ensure that the Company  
is able to continue to recruit and retain suitable candidates, it is 
proposed that the authority granted to the directors by Article 
138 be increased to £2,250,000.

RESOLUTION 18 – 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 2018 (2018 AGM) (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 19 – DIRECTORS’ AUTHORITY TO ALLOT SHARES
The purpose of Resolution 19 is to renew the directors’ power  
to allot shares. Resolution 19.1 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 £58,236,688. 
This represents 548,110,000 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 2016 (being the  
last practicable date prior to the publication of this Notice).  
The Company currently holds 9,856,681 shares in treasury. The 
authority would, unless previously renewed, revoked or varied 
by shareholders, remain in force up to the conclusion of the 2018 
AGM of the Company or 1 May 2018, whichever is earlier.

In accordance with the Investment Association Share Capital 
Management Guidelines (the Guidelines), Resolution 19.2 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 £58,236,688 (representing 548,110,000 ordinary shares of 
105⁄8 pence each). Such additional authority will be valid until  
the conclusion of the 2018 AGM.

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 19 is equal to 
approximately two thirds of the issued ordinary share capital of 
the Company (excluding treasury shares) as at 1 December 2016, 
being the last practicable date prior to publication of this Notice.

Resolutions 1 to 19 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.

RESOLUTIONS 20 AND 21 –  
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.

In 2015, the Pre-Emption Group (which represents the 
Investment Association and the Pension and Lifetime Savings 
Association) published a revised statement of principles for  
the disapplication of pre-emption rights (the Principles). The 
Principles provide that a general authority for the disapplication 
of pre-emption rights over approximately 5% of the Company’s 
issued ordinary share capital should be treated as routine. This 
general authority, which the directors have sought and received 
in previous years, is dealt with under Resolution 20.

Subject to the passing of Resolution 19, Resolution 20 seeks to 
replace the authority conferred on the directors at the 2016 
AGM to allot ordinary shares, or grant rights to subscribe for,  
or convert securities into, ordinary shares or sell treasury  
shares for cash (other than pursuant to an employee equity 
incentive share scheme) up to an aggregate nominal value of 
approximately 5% 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. Other than in connection with a rights, scrip 
dividend, or other similar issue, the authority contained in this 
Resolution 20 would be limited to a maximum nominal amount 
of £8,735,344.

166 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

RESOLUTION 22 – 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 164,430,000 shares (just under 10% 
of the issued ordinary share capital as at 1 December 2016, 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.

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 
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 normally be used to 
satisfy the Company’s obligations under the Company’s 
employee equity incentive schemes.

From 1 October 2015 to 31 March 2016, the Company 
repurchased 6,560,656 ordinary shares of 105⁄8 pence for a 
consideration of £72.7 million (including expenses). These 
shares were subsequently transferred to be held in treasury  
for the purpose of satisfying the Company’s obligations under 
employee equity incentive schemes. From 1 April 2016 to 
30 September 2016 and from 1 October 2016 up to the date of this 
Notice, 2,110,923 and 376,622 ordinary 105⁄8 pence shares were 
repurchased for a consideration of £27.5 million and £5.2 million 
(including expenses) respectively, and subsequently cancelled. 
Shares held in treasury are not eligible to participate in 
dividends and do not carry any voting rights.

As at 1 December 2016 (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 9,500,000 shares which represent 0.57% 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 0.64% of the Company’s issued ordinary share  
capital (excluding treasury shares).

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The Pre-Emption Group further provides that the Company  
may, as a routine, seek to disapply pre-emption rights over the 
equivalent of approximately an additional 5% of the issued 
ordinary share capital of the Company, so long as certain criteria 
are met.

Subject to the passing of Resolution 19, Resolution 21 seeks  
to replace the authority conferred on the directors at the 2016 
AGM to allot ordinary shares, or grant rights to subscribe for,  
or convert securities into, ordinary shares or sell treasury  
shares for cash (other than pursuant to an employee equity 
incentive share scheme) up to an aggregate nominal value of 
approximately 5% 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, 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 21 
would be limited to a maximum nominal amount of £8,735,344.

These together represent 164,430,000 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 2016 (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 2018 or on 1 May 2018, if earlier.

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 the authorities sought by Resolutions 
19, 20 and 21, 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.

Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 167

 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

RESOLUTION 23 – 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 clear 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 clear 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 20 to 23 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 31 January 2017.

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 31 January 2017. 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.

168 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
 
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.

(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 close of 
business on Tuesday 31 January 2017 or, in the event that  
the Meeting is adjourned, in the Register of Members at the 
close of business two days 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 close of business on Tuesday 31 January 2017 
or, in the event that the Meeting is adjourned, at close of 
business two days 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 21 December 2016, 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.

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, the Register of Directors’ Interests 
and the Company’s Articles of Association 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, 
Surrey 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.

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Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 169

 
 
 
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 confirms 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.

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.

Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

TOTAL VOTING RIGHTS
As at 1 December 2016 (being the last practicable date prior  
to the publication of this Notice), the Company’s issued share 
capital comprised 1,644,334,486 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 2016 
were 1,644,334,486 (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 21 December 2016.

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 on the next page 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  
2016 so that you can refer to them at the Meeting. 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.

170 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

VENUE ARRANGEMENTS
For your personal safety and security, all hand baggage may  
be subject to examination. Please note that electronic devices 
such as 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 25 January 2017.

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 2016 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 2016 Annual Report and this Notice are available at  
www.compass-group.com. 

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For more information of how to get to the AGM venue go to www.twickenhamexperience.com.

WHITTON DENE

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CAR PARK ENTRANCE

MAIN CAR PARK (PARKING 
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RFU RUGBY STORE

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Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016 171

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Constant currency
Underlying revenue
Underlying operating profit – Group

Underlying operating profit – Region

Underlying operating margin – Group

Underlying operating margin – Region

Underlying net finance cost
Underlying profit before tax
Underlying basic earnings per share
Underlying depreciation and amortisation
Underlying EBITDA

Underlying tax
Underlying effective tax rate
Underlying cash tax
Underlying cash tax rate
Underlying free cash flow

Underlying gross capex
Organic revenue growth

Organic operating profit growth

Like for like revenue growth

Specific adjusting items

EM & OR restructuring
ROCE

NOPAT

Capital employed

Net debt

172 Compass Group PLC Annual Report 2016

Restates the prior year results to the current year’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 the specific adjusting items, as listed below.
Includes share of profit before tax of joint ventures but excludes the specific 
adjusting items, as listed below, profit after tax of associates and EM & OR 
restructuring.
Based on underlying revenue and underlying operating profit excluding share of 
profit after tax of associates.
Based on underlying revenue and underlying operating profit excluding share of 
profit after tax of associates and EM & OR restructuring.
Excludes specific adjusting items.
Excludes specific adjusting items.
Excludes specific adjusting items and the tax attributable to those items.
Excludes specific adjusting items.
Based on underlying operating profit, adding back underlying depreciation  
and amortisation.
Excludes tax attributable to specific adjusting items.
Based on underlying tax charge and underlying profit before tax.
Tax payments made in respect of underlying tax.
Based on underlying cash tax and underlying profit before tax.
Adjusted for cash restructuring costs in the year relating to the 2012 and 2013 
European exceptional programme.
Includes Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures’ capex spend.
Calculated by adjusting underlying revenue for acquisitions (excluding current  
year acquisitions and including a full period in respect of prior year acquisitions), 
disposals (excluded from both periods) and exchange rate movements (translating 
the prior period at current year exchange rates) and compares the current year 
results against the prior year. In addition, where applicable, a 53rd week has  
been excluded from the current year underlying revenue.
Calculated by adjusting underlying operating profit for acquisitions (excluding 
current year acquisitions and including a full period in respect of prior year 
acquisitions), disposals (excluded from both periods) and exchange rate movements 
(translating the prior period at current year exchange rates) and compares the 
current year results against the prior year. In addition, where applicable, a  
53rd week has been excluded from the current year underlying operating profit.
Calculated by adjusting organic revenue growth for new business wins and lost 
business.
•  amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition
•  acquisition transaction costs
•  adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition
•  share-based payments expense relating to non-controlling interest call options
•  tax on share of profit of joint ventures
•  profit/(loss) on disposal of businesses
•  other financing items
Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring.
ROCE divides the net operating profit after tax (NOPAT) by the 12 month average 
capital employed.
Calculated as underlying operating profit from continuing operations less operating 
profit of non-controlling interests before tax, net of income tax at the underlying rate 
of the year.
Based on the 12 month average net assets adjusted for net debt, post employment 
benefit obligations net of associated deferred tax, amortised intangibles arising on 
acquisition, impaired goodwill and excluding the Group’s non-controlling partners’ 
share of net assets and net assets of discontinued operations.
Overdrafts, bank and other borrowings, finance leases and derivative financial 
instruments, net of cash and cash equivalents.

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 Guidance 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 Black Sun Plc.

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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