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Crescent Point Energy

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FY2019 Annual Report · Crescent Point Energy
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ANNUAL REPORT 2019

 
 
 
 
 
2019 performance at a glance
Our business at a glance
Our market position
Our sectors
Chairman’s statement

Strategic report
2
4
6
7
8
12 Our business model and strategy
14 How we create value
16 Our stakeholders
18 Chief Executive’s review
22 Executive Committee
26 Key performance indicators
28 Regional review

28 North America
30 Europe
32 Rest of World

34 Business review
41 Risk management
42 Principal risks

46 People report
54 Corporate Responsibility report

Corporate governance
64 Governance and Directors’ report

66 Chairman’s letter
68 Board of Directors
72 Corporate Governance
82 Audit Committee report
90 Corporate Responsibility Committee report
94 Nomination Committee report
98 Directors’ Remuneration report
122 Other statutory disclosures

Financial statements
130 Directors’ responsibilities
131 Independent auditor’s report
138 Consolidated financial statements
144 Group accounting policies
154 Notes to the consolidated financial statements
225 Parent Company financial statements
227 Parent Company accounting policies
229 Notes to the Parent Company financial statements

Shareholder information
232 Shareholder information
235 Notice of Annual General Meeting

Glossary
246 Glossary of terms

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

Our 2019 Sustainability Report will be  
available online in early 2020

At Compass we are passionate about food.

This passion drives us to ensure we are at  
the forefront of our industry.

Our global scale allows us to identify market 
trends and to innovate accordingly – ensuring  
we provide great quality food services to  
millions of people around the world.

Through our Performance, People and Purpose 
strategy we are focused on delivering value  
to all our stakeholders.

30000

25000

20000

15000

10000

5000

0

85.20

68.16

51.12

34.08

17.04

0.00

2019 PERFORMANCE AT A GLANCE

Consistent performance

UNDERLYING  
REVENUE

£25,152m

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING PROFIT

£1,882m

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING MARGIN

7.4%

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2015

2016

2017

20181

2019

2015

2016

2017

20181

2019

2015

2016

2017

20181

2019

UNDERLYING BASIC  
EARNINGS PER SHARE

85.2p

.
.

2
2
5
5
8
8

.

9
7
7

.

3
2
7

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DIVIDEND  
PER SHARE

40.0p

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2015

2016

2017

20181

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Throughout the Strategic Report, and consistent with prior years, underlying and other alternative performance measures are used to describe the Group’s 
performance. These are not recognised under IFRS or other generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Executive Committee 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. Underlying and other alternative performance measures are defined in the 
glossary of terms on pages 246 and 247. A summary of the adjustments from statutory to underlying results is shown in note 34 on page 208 and further detailed 
in the consolidated income statement (page 138), reconciliation of free cash flow (page 143), note 2 segmental reporting (pages 161 to 164) and note 35 
organic revenue and organic profit (page 210).

1.  Restated upon adoption of IFRS 15.

2  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

STATUTORY  
REVENUE

£24,878m

STATUTORY  
OPERATING PROFIT

£1,601m

STATUTORY BASIC  
EARNINGS PER SHARE

70.0p

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2015

2016

2017

20181

2019

2015

2016

2017

20181

2019

2015

2016

2017

20181

2019

GLOBAL LOST TIME INCIDENT 
FREQUENCY RATE

GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY  
INCIDENT RATE

GREENHOUSE GAS  
INTENSITY RATIO2

-38%

(since 2015)

-35%

(since 2015)

9.1

0.40

0.35

0.30

0.25

0.20

0.15

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2018

2019

2.  The scope and methodology of our reporting has changed this year; therefore data is not comparable on a like for like basis. 

For more information about our disclosure on global GHG emissions for the financial year ended 30 September 2019, see page 60.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  3 

Strategic ReportOUR BUSINESS AT A GLANCE

We are the industry leader  
with a strategic focus on food

Food service is our core competence.  
We are the industry leader and create value 
for our clients and consumers by providing 
them with a range of dining solutions that are 
innovative, healthy and sustainable.

Our scale and focus on execution mean that we can provide our 
clients and consumers with the best value in terms of quality 
and cost as well as the most exciting and innovative solutions.

We have a global footprint and manage the business in 
three geographic regions. This gives us balanced exposure 
to developed markets in North America and Europe as well as 
emerging markets with exciting long term growth prospects.

4  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

45

55,000

Number of countries  
we operate in

Number of client 
locations we work in

600,000

Number of colleagues

5.5 billion

Number of meals  
served per year

NORTH AMERICA

Underlying revenue

£15,694m

(20181: £13,718m)

EUROPE

Underlying revenue

£5,854m

(20181: £5,762m)

REST OF WORLD

Underlying revenue

£3,604m

(20181: £3,667m)

62.4%

of Group total

23.3%

of Group total

14.3%

of Group total

1.  Restated upon adoption of IFRS 15.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  5 

Strategic Report 
OUR MARKET POSITION

Significant structural  
growth opportunity remains

We estimate that the addressable global food services market is 
currently worth in excess of £200 billion. We are the leading global 
food provider with around a 10% market share by sales. Approximately 
75% of the market is serviced by regional players or in-house 
providers, which means there is a significant structural growth 
opportunity for us.

GLOBAL FOOD SERVICES MARKET C. £200BN

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

Large 
players

Self 
operated

Compass 
Group

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Regional 
players

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ortunity

The market for food services continues to offer significant growth 
potential as we deliver a strong proposition across our core 
sectors and regions.

Compass provides outsourced food services around the world 
in a market worth over £200 billion. The five sectors in which we 
operate continue to offer substantial opportunities for growth.

Food service remains at the core of the Compass offer.  
Business & Industry accounts for around 40% 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 best-in-class service delivery supports 
continued revenue growth. In emerging markets, outsourcing 
rates are still only around 10%, providing a significant 
opportunity for future growth.

The Healthcare & Seniors and Education sectors also continue 
to grow, with less than half of the addressable global market 
currently outsourced. In Education, our expertise in nutrition 
means we are able to provide delicious food which supports 
learning at every stage of the education journey. In Healthcare, 
we work directly with healthcare providers to improve patient 

experiences and outcomes. At the same time, our hospital retail 
proposition makes life more comfortable for visitors.

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

The Defence, Offshore & Remote sector offers opportunities to 
build lasting strategic relationships with large local and 
international operators. Creating strong client relationships 
allows us to respond better to the complex needs of supporting 
their people. In addition to nutrition and physical wellbeing, our 
solutions focus on the social, emotional and environmental 
needs of people working away from home.

Supplementing our core food offer with targeted support 
services is attractive in certain markets and sectors, such as 
Healthcare & Seniors and Defence, Offshore & Remote. In these 
sectors, we are recognised for fulfilling the needs of clients who 
require services with uncompromising quality.

In the markets and regions in which Compass operates, we 
continue to build our business and reputation by focusing on our 
key strategic pillars of Performance, People and Purpose.

6  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
OUR SECTORS

Specialist sector knowledge  
is key to meeting clients’ needs 

The global food services market is large and disparate. That is why we 
structure our business to match the sectors in which our clients operate so 
that we get a deep understanding of their challenges. In this way, we can 
create innovative, bespoke offers that meet their specific requirements and, 
in doing so, truly differentiate ourselves.

DEFENCE, OFFSHORE & REMOTE

Through our established health and safety culture, 
we are a market leader in providing food and some 
support services to major companies in the oil, 
gas, mining and construction industries. For our 
defence sector clients we support their operations 
outside areas of conflict.

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

We help our clients drive productivity and 
engagement in the workplace by providing 
nutritious, well balanced food during the working 
day. We work with clients to build their employee 
propositions to attract and retain the best people.

SPORTS & LEISURE

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

39%

7%

13%

18%

% of Group 
underlying 
revenue

23%

HEALTHCARE & SENIORS

We are specialists in helping hospitals in 
the public and private sectors on their 
journey of managing efficiency and 
enhancing quality across a range of food 
and some support services. We have an 
increasing presence in the growing 
senior living sector.

EDUCATION

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 whilst contributing to a 
sustainable world.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  7 

Strategic ReportCHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Continued strong performance

STRATEGY
The Group has a clear and successful strategy which is focused 
on our core competence – food. We continue to drive our 
financial performance by delivering great food to clients and 
consumers combined with a rigorous focus on execution. Our 
strategy places Performance, People and Purpose as our main 
priorities as we continue to seek to create long term value for all 
our stakeholders by improving the quality and sustainability of 
our business.

Our 2019 performance reaffirms the Board’s confidence in our 
strategy and business model which are central to our long term 
success (see pages 12 to 15).

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY 
We have a strong commitment to corporate responsibility 
and continue to build on this strength by working more 
proactively with our clients and consumers. For example, on this 
year’s Stop Food Waste Day, thousands of our people in 38 
countries engaged with our customers to raise awareness of 
ways to minimise food waste. 

Our people are critical to our ability to achieve our goals in a 
responsible and sustainable manner. We recognise that they 
are key to delivering excellent food service and we are focused 
on developing career paths and providing flexibility for those 
who want to work in different roles across different sectors or 
countries. We have exceptional leaders and are proud of 
what we have achieved to date in our gender diversity. 
Although there is more to do, as at the year end we had 
36% female representation on the Compass Group Board 
and 38% on the Executive Committee.

See pages 48 to 63 and www.compass-group.com for more 
about our People and Corporate Responsibility activities.

GOVERNANCE AND THE BOARD
Companies today are judged by their integrity and 
trustworthiness as much as by their financial performance. One 
of my key responsibilities as Chairman is to set the tone for 
Compass and ensure good governance (see pages 64 to 127). In 
this I have been extremely well supported by the members of the 
Board. With their diverse backgrounds, they bring balance and a 
wealth of skills and experience to our organisation that 
complements the talents of our executive team. As part of our 
ongoing review of Board membership, we ensure that an 
appropriate number of independent non-executive directors is 
maintained through orderly succession without compromising 
the effectiveness of the Board and its committees. 

In April 2019, Karen Witts was appointed to the Compass Board 
as Group Chief Financial Officer. Karen, who joined us from 
Kingfisher PLC, has financial and operational expertise that is 
highly complementary to our team and brings with her a wealth 
of experience in retail and technology.

Paul Walsh
Chairman

A YEAR OF STRONG ORGANIC GROWTH
In 2019, Compass has continued to create value and delivered 
strong organic revenue growth of 6.4%, ahead of our target 
range of 4-6%. This was driven by a strong performance in North 
America and an acceleration in growth in Rest of World. Europe 
growth was good, although the first half performance was diluted 
by the more challenging macro environment in the second half. 
We maintained our strong Group margin at 7.4%. Details of 
our operational and financial performance can be found on  
pages 2 to 40.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues 
throughout Compass for their continued hard work and 
commitment over the last year. Once again, we owe our success 
to them. It is their passion for food and excellent customer 
service that drive the business forward. 

SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
As a result of our strong performance, the Board is 
recommending a 5.9% increase in the final dividend for the year 
to 26.9 pence per share (2018: 25.4 pence per share). This 
results in a total dividend for the year of 40.0 pence per share 
(2018: 37.7 pence per share), an increase of 6.1%. The final 
dividend will be paid on 24 February 2020 to shareholders on 
the register on 17 January 2020.

8  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

POSITION IN FTSE 100 INDEX AS AT  
30 SEPTEMBER 2019

16

(2018: 20)

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

Last 12 months

24.1%

Last 24 months

31.7%

Last 36 months

27.2%

-1.4%

0.5%

7.4%

Compass

FTSE 100

22.7%

32.2%

34.6%

COMPASS SHARE PRICE PERFORMANCE  
VS FTSE 100 INDEX (£)

2018

2019

22

20

18

16

14

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Compass

FTSE 100 (rebased)

I would like to thank all Board members for their valuable 
contributions as we continue to maintain oversight of the 
strategic, operational and compliance risks across the Group, 
define our path to success and uphold the high standards 
expected of us.

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK
Compass has had another strong year. Organic revenue growth 
was 6.4%, ahead of our target range, thanks to excellent growth 
in North America and an improving performance in Rest of 
World. There was good growth in our European business with 
strong performances in UK Defence and Sports & Leisure 
offsetting weak volumes in Business & Industry. The Group 
margin during 2019 was maintained despite this more 
challenging trading environment in Europe.

We are making good strategic progress through disciplined focus 
on our Performance, People and Purpose priorities and have 
continued to reshape our portfolio. Disposal proceeds have been 
reinvested in bolt-on acquisitions to further strengthen our food 
service offer and subsector approach, and in June we 
announced the proposed acquisition of Fazer Food Services, a 
leading food service business in the Nordics, which is a strong 
strategic fit with Compass. 

Despite this good performance, we are not immune to the macro 
environment. Deteriorating business and consumer confidence 
in Europe has impacted our Business & Industry volumes, new 
business activity and margin. Given these trends, we are taking 
prompt action in Europe and certain Rest of World markets to 
adjust our cost base. As well as offsetting short term margin 
pressures, by taking this action from a position of strength, we 
will be better placed to capitalise on future growth opportunities.

Our expectations for the Group in 2020 are positive although we 
remain cautious on the macro environment in Europe. The 
pipeline of new contracts in North America is strong and Rest of 
World is growing well, although we are seeing some hesitation in 
decision making in Europe. Thanks to the Group’s geographic 
and sectoral diversity, we are nevertheless confident of 
continued progress. As such, we expect organic growth to be 
around the mid-point of our 4-6% range whilst maintaining our 
strong margin1 as we mitigate the expected volume pressures 
through our cost actions. 

In the longer term, we remain excited about the significant 
structural growth opportunities globally, the potential for 
further revenue and profit growth, combined with further 
returns to shareholders.

Paul Walsh
Chairman

26 November 2019

1.  Pre IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. IFRS 16 will be adopted by the Group on 1 October 2019. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  9 

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
10  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

INNOVATION  
IN OUR FOOD OFFER 

Food service is a dynamic business that must 
continually evolve to keep pace with shifting 
behaviours, tastes and needs. Consumer 
habits are changing fast; we stay tuned in via 
our trends and insights platform and we are 
focused on delivering the best experience for 
our clients and consumers through 
technology, the use of artificial intelligence 
and innovative food offers.

One of the key trends currently shaping our 
industry is plant-based diets. Inspired by 
improving their health as well as doing 
something positive for the planet, consumers 
are increasingly embracing plant-based 
meals. Our culinary teams develop delicious 
and nutritious dishes that will appeal to both 
meat eaters and vegetarians, without 
compromising flavour or texture. Oat protein 
is an alternative protein source we are using 
across our recipe portfolio. Its versatility, 
taste and texture allows us to develop new 
flexitarian and vegan dishes influenced by 
on trend cuisines whilst offering a sustainable 
choice for our consumers. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  11 

OUR BUSINESS MODEL AND STRATEGY

A differentiated approach

A BUSINESS MODEL FOR GROWTH

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DVA N T A

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Our people  
and culture

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F FICIENCIE
S C ALE
D   E

A N

We drive growth by focusing on our clients. We sectorise and 
sub-sectorise our business to better understand the client’s 
needs which allows us to create bespoke and innovative 
solutions. We supplement our organic growth by making small 
and medium sized acquisitions that add innovation, capability 
and sector or market expertise in our existing markets.

We focus on operational execution and generate efficiencies by 
utilising our scale as a market leader, optimising our supply 
chain and diligently managing our food and labour costs through 
our Management and Performance (MAP) framework.

Strong cash generation enables us to reinvest in the customer 
proposition and capitalise on the significant growth opportunities 
in the market.

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

Our people lie at the heart of our business. Our aim is to nurture 
an engaged and highly capable workforce to win new business, 
manage our units efficiently and effectively, and deliver the 
healthiest, most innovative food solutions in a way that provides 
an exceptional experience to our clients and consumers.

A STRATEGY FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

FOCUS  
ON FOOD

PRIORITISE  
ORGANIC GROWTH

TARGETED  
APPROACH TO  
SUPPORT SERVICES

SELECT BOLT-ON  
ACQUISITIONS

Our priorities
Food is our focus and our core 
competence. We take a pragmatic 
and targeted approach to other 
support services, developing 
strategies on a country by 
country basis.

The desire for focus means we are 
also willing to exit countries which do 
not fit our long term aspirations. 

To drive growth
Our preference is to grow organically 
given that it yields the highest 
returns and leverages the significant 
structural growth opportunity in the 
global food services market. 

However, we also seek to invest in 
small to medium sized acquisitions, 
but only if they are attractive targets 
that have the right cultural fit and 
further strengthen our portfolio.

12  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

BEST-IN-CLASS  
EXECUTION, QUALITY  
AND INNOVATION

And deliver for clients
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.

 
 
Clare Hunt
Group Director of Strategy and M&A

WHAT AREAS OF THE BUSINESS DO YOU 
FOCUS ON?
We focus on how we can optimise our business 
model to be more efficient and drive growth. 
In particular, we look at how we can implement 
a more systematic approach to the ‘3 little Ps’ 
of pricing, purchasing and productivity across 
the Group.

WHAT OTHER OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE?
There’s so much going on in the food industry – it’s 
fascinating. For example, we’re looking a lot at 
online delivery at the moment, as well as working 
with some really innovative suppliers on ingredients 
and food preparation.

WHERE DOES M&A FIT?
We’re always on the lookout for acquisitions that 
can bring us great management teams and new 
capabilities. That could be presence in a new 
sub-sector, for example, or something that 
enhances our current offer.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  13 

Strategic ReportHOW WE CREATE VALUE

Long term stakeholder value

Our strategy is to focus on food, and 
our model for creating value remains 
unchanged. Its longevity is down to 
its simplicity and proven success.

Food is our focus and our core competence. We believe we can 
capture the longer term opportunities across the industry whilst 
delivering value to all our stakeholders. We do this by focusing 
on our three key strategic pillars.

The Performance pillar is focused on ensuring best-in-class 
execution across the entire Group. Our Management and 
Performance (MAP) framework remains the foundation of 
Compass’ performance. We are now codifying and sharing best 
practices across all our countries – with particular focus on 

pricing and customer experience (MAPs 1&2), purchasing 
(MAP 3) and productivity (MAPs 4&5) initiatives.

Our People pillar is focused on ensuring we have a dedicated 
and motivated workforce. Our 600,000 colleagues around the 
world are at the heart of our business and we believe the way we 
organise, engage and develop them is a critical competitive 
advantage (see pages 46 to 51 for more detail).

Finally, we believe that leading with purpose is the way to fulfil the 
true potential of the organisation. Under our Purpose pillar we 
support initiatives across the Group which improve the health and 
wellbeing of our people and consumers, are beneficial for the 
environment and are better for the communities with whom we 
engage (see pages 52 to 63 for more detail).

PEOPLE

PERFORMANCE

PURPOSE

Delivering better quality, more sustainable long term growth

We use the Management and Performance (MAP) framework across the business.

MAP 1: Client sales and marketing
MAP 1 is about winning new business and retaining our 
existing clients. We invest in sales and retention and are 
increasingly sectorising and sub-sectorising the business 
around the world to allow us to get closer to our customers.

MAP 2: Consumer sales and marketing
Like for like revenue consists of both volume and price. We 
are focused on attracting and satisfying 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 them 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 the percentage of above unit overheads 
considerably since 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 overheads low whilst we continue 
to grow revenue.

14  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

WHO WE CREATE VALUE FOR
We have a wide range of stakeholders that includes clients, consumers, colleagues, suppliers and shareholders as well as the 
communities in which we operate. We seek to create value for all our stakeholders and aim to engage with them and take into 
account their feedback to ensure (where possible) that we all benefit from Compass’ success.

CLIENTS & CONSUMERS
We have a diverse range of clients and an even wider range of 
consumers in terms of the employees, students, patients and 
sports fans that come to our restaurants and cafés at our 
client sites.

Across this extraordinarily diverse base, we are conscious of the 
need to offer all of our clients and consumers ‘value’ in price, 
quality and experience. We also work closely with them to 
promote and drive a nutritional health and wellness agenda that 
suits the needs of their specific organisation and paves the way 
for healthier, more balanced lifestyles.

INVESTORS
We create long term value for our investors by focusing on our 
core food business and delivering sustainable profit growth and 
strong cash generation. 

Having invested to support the long term growth prospects of the 
business (through capital expenditure up to 3.5% of sales and 
bolt-on M&A which achieve our returns criteria), we reward our 
shareholders with an ordinary dividend that grows in line with 
constant currency earnings. In addition, we seek to maintain net 
debt/EBITDA around 1.5x1 over time, and consequently return 
any surplus capital to shareholders via share buybacks or 
special dividends.

OUR PEOPLE
We are a people-powered business. Our 600,000 colleagues 
are fundamental to delivering high quality food and service and 
to maintaining our reputation.

Through our People initiatives we are seeking to provide our 
colleagues with an inclusive and stimulating work environment 
– one where they can develop and progress, have a good 
work-life balance and realise job satisfaction. 

During 2019, we launched our set of three Compass 
Commitments – Respect, Growth, Teamwork – which define 
what our people can expect when they work for us.

We also launched a global development programme for unit 
managers, Leadership in Action, which focuses on creating 
positive working environments in units and helping managers 
lead their teams more effectively.

See our People report on pages 46 to 51 for more information 
about these initiatives.

Our Purpose pillar and the initiatives we pursue are focused on 
two cornerstones: safety as care and a renewed commitment 
to sustainability.

CONSUMERS & COLLEAGUES
Caring for each other allows us to strengthen our performance  
in occupational and food safety. This caring attitude, coupled 
with internal and external initiatives to tackle issues such as 
mental health awareness, increasingly deliver value to both our 
colleagues and our consumers. We also have an opportunity to 
support these stakeholders in achieving healthier, more 
balanced lifestyles. The depth of expertise in the business allows 
us to educate our consumers about health and wellness and, 
through healthy menu offerings, encourage them to make better 
nutritional choices. 

SUPPLIERS
Our supply chain integrity requirements ensure we are 
supporting suppliers who share our values. We collaborate with 
our partners throughout the entire supply chain to deliver 
sustainable, scalable and secure solutions for food and its 
production. We source our food and non-food products in a 
sustainable manner. 

ENVIRONMENT
We are championing initiatives that help the environment. In 
2017, Compass founded Stop Food Waste Day – an annual 
global awareness programme which in 2019 reached 89 million 
on social media and an estimated 10 million people through 
food waste engagement activities. We are considering other new 
initiatives around packaging and plastics that are better for the 
environment and are seeking to persuade our consumers to 
adopt more sustainable behaviours, including plant-forward 
meals which are not only good from a nutritional perspective but 
are better for the environment. 

COMMUNITIES
Our success depends on the support and inclusion of the vibrant 
local communities which surround us. We look to give back by 
getting involved with community projects and initiatives that 
benefit the local area.

See our CR report on pages 52 to 63 for more information about 
our Purpose initiatives.

1.  Pre IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. IFRS 16 will be adopted by the Group on 1 October 2019. The Group expects between £950 million–£1,050 million of additional debt 

on its balance sheet on adoption.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  15 

Strategic ReportOUR STAKEHOLDERS

Engaging with our stakeholders

As a geographically and culturally diverse 
business with around 600,000 colleagues in 
45 countries, we have a global and diverse 
community of stakeholders, each with 
their own interests in and expectations of 
the Company.

The success of our strategy is reliant on the support and 
commitment of all our stakeholders. Having stakeholders who 
believe in our brand and share our values is therefore very 
important to us. We believe that together we are stronger, and 
that by working together we can achieve our common goal. That 
is why we are committed to maintaining strong, positive 
relationships with our stakeholders, built on a foundation of 
mutual respect, trust and understanding.

More detail about how we engage with our stakeholders can be 
found throughout the Report.

Our people

Our communities

Our clients

Our consumers

Our suppliers

Our shareholders

NGOs

Governments & regulators

n Colleagues who work in 
our business. 

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D

The people who live in the local 
communities around our sites 
and operations. 

The businesses and 
organisations for which we 
provide services around 
the world.

The people to whom we serve 
food and drink and provide 
support services.  

Our trusted partners who source, 

Individuals or institutions that own 

Non-governmental organisations 

Regional and national government 

produce and deliver products  

shares in Compass Group PLC.

(NGOs) which support us with 

bodies and agencies who 

knowledge and expertise on key 

implement and enforce applicable 

social, environmental and 

laws across our industry. 

•  fair employment and equal 

•  working within defined 

•  delicious, safe and  

•  engagement and teamwork
•  providing opportunities for 
development and growth

•  creating a respectful 

environment 

•  health and wellbeing

opportunities

•  local causes and issues

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Our people are at the heart of 
our business and key to our 
ongoing success.  We want our 
people to thrive in a fair and 
inclusive work environment.

There are many ways we 
engage, including engagement 
surveys, town hall meetings, 
Speak Up reports, internal social 
media channels and 
consultative bodies. 

To build trust by operating 
responsibly and sustainably, and 
addressing issues that are 
material to our communities. 
To provide training opportunities 
and support to local people 
currently not in education, 
training or employment. 

We operate many local 
employment programmes to 
recruit and develop local people 
to work in our sites. We partner 
with local charities and 
organisations to raise awareness 
and funds to help local causes. 

sectors, creating bespoke, 
innovative solutions to match 
specific market and client 
requirements

•  health, wellbeing and focused 

sustainable CR initiatives
•  technology and analytical 
innovation to support 
consumer solutions 

By understanding what is 
important to our clients, we 
ensure that our solutions are 
tailored to support their 
individual business objectives. 

We aim to have open and 
transparent relationships which 
are based on honesty and 
respect. We build relationships 
at all levels of our client 
organisations, sharing market 
trends and insight, developing 
strategic and operational plans, 
against which we regularly 
report. We hold independent 
client surveys which measure 
satisfaction levels. 

healthy food

•  staying ahead of changing 
consumer lifestyles and 
habits which impact how 
people want to eat and drink 
•  making sure that our food and 
beverage offer is sustainable 
and good for the planet  

We exist to serve people with 
nutritious food and drink, which 
helps them learn better, work 
better and recover better. We 
want our consumers to thrive 
and we create the environments 
to help them do that, at all 
life stages. 

We believe that engagement is a 
constant conversation with our 
consumers, listening carefully to 
how we can improve our service 
and find new ways to delight. We 
use a variety of methods 
including formal surveys, social 
listening, comment cards, 
workshops and observation. We 
combine analytical tools and 
common sense to get to 
actionable insights into our 
consumers’ preferences.  

16  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

and services.

•  food safety and authenticity

•  workplace health and safety

•  supply chain integrity

•  human rights 

economic issues.

•  human rights

•  climate change

•  animal welfare

•  social issues

•  financial performance 

and strategy

•  competitive positioning 

•  outlook 

•  ethical business practice

•  sound governance 

and leadership

•  consumer health and public 

health policies

•  food safety

•  workplace health and safety

•  human rights and 

climate change 

•  compliance with laws 

and regulations

To develop mutually beneficial 

As owners of the business we rely 

To develop meaningful and 

To communicate our views to 

and lasting partnerships aimed at 

on the support of our 

robust action plans on the key 

those who have the responsibility 

addressing shared challenges in 

shareholders, and their opinions 

social, environmental and 

for implementing policy, laws 

responsible and sustainable 

are extremely important to us. The 

economic issues that we can 

and regulations relevant to 

sourcing, and to communicate our 

views of our major shareholders 

positively impact.

our business. 

supply chain standards, 

are reported to, and discussed by, 

expectations and commitments. 

the Compass Group Board on a 

regular basis. 

Through a series of 

We have ongoing dialogue with 

Through a series of 

Through a series of industry 

communications, interactions 

our investors through one-to-one 

communications, interactions and 

consultations, forums and 

and formal reviews. In some of 

and group meetings, webcasts, 

regular meetings, industry forums 

conferences. 

our larger markets we also host 

conference calls and at our AGM. 

and conferences.

regular multi-stakeholder 

supplier conferences. 

The Group Investor Relations and 

Corporate Affairs Director has day 

to day responsibility for investor 

relations and the Group CEO and 

Group CFO dedicate significant 

time to engaging with our major 

shareholders. During 2019 we 

also conducted an investor survey. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WHAT MAKES COMPASS DIFFERENT IN THE EYES OF CLIENTS? 
We are unique in the marketplace in terms of our focus on food and multi 
sector operations. We are fortunate to serve a wide range of clients in our 
Business & Industry, Healthcare & Seniors, Education, Sports & Leisure and 
Defence, Offshore & Remote sectors. This means that we get valuable 
insight into consumer needs at multiple different life stages, seeing first 
hand what food habits each generation will take into the workplace. This 
helps us partner with our clients to build future-proof solutions. It also means 
we can translate insights and best practice between sectors, for example 
taking learnings from our work on mental health with Offshore clients and 
applying these to our Business & Industry clients who are increasingly 
focused on health and wellbeing in the workplace. 

WHAT EMERGING TRENDS DO YOU SEE AMONGST YOUR 
INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS? 
A key trend for our clients is the focus on enhancing the employee 
experience, delivering value to their employees and guests on a daily basis 
with growing emphasis on supporting their health and wellbeing. The other 
key focus is the use of technology to enhance the daily consumer journey 
and support operational excellence.

Sapna Sood
Group Director International Clients &  
Market Development

Our people

Our communities

Our clients

Our consumers

Our suppliers

Our shareholders

NGOs

Governments & regulators

n Colleagues who work in 

our business. 

The people who live in the local 

The businesses and 

The people to whom we serve 

communities around our sites 

organisations for which we 

food and drink and provide 

and operations. 

provide services around 

support services.  

Our trusted partners who source, 
produce and deliver products  
and services.

Individuals or institutions that own 
shares in Compass Group PLC.

the world.

Non-governmental organisations 
(NGOs) which support us with 
knowledge and expertise on key 
social, environmental and 
economic issues.

Regional and national government 
bodies and agencies who 
implement and enforce applicable 
laws across our industry. 

•  food safety and authenticity
•  workplace health and safety
•  supply chain integrity
•  human rights 

•  financial performance 

and strategy

•  competitive positioning 
•  outlook 
•  ethical business practice
•  sound governance 
and leadership

•  human rights
•  climate change
•  animal welfare
•  social issues

•  consumer health and public 

health policies

•  food safety
•  workplace health and safety
•  human rights and 
climate change 

•  compliance with laws 

and regulations

To develop mutually beneficial 
and lasting partnerships aimed at 
addressing shared challenges in 
responsible and sustainable 
sourcing, and to communicate our 
supply chain standards, 
expectations and commitments. 

Through a series of 
communications, interactions 
and formal reviews. In some of 
our larger markets we also host 
regular multi-stakeholder 
supplier conferences. 

As owners of the business we rely 
on the support of our 
shareholders, and their opinions 
are extremely important to us. The 
views of our major shareholders 
are reported to, and discussed by, 
the Compass Group Board on a 
regular basis. 

We have ongoing dialogue with 
our investors through one-to-one 
and group meetings, webcasts, 
conference calls and at our AGM. 
The Group Investor Relations and 
Corporate Affairs Director has day 
to day responsibility for investor 
relations and the Group CEO and 
Group CFO dedicate significant 
time to engaging with our major 
shareholders. During 2019 we 
also conducted an investor survey. 

To develop meaningful and 
robust action plans on the key 
social, environmental and 
economic issues that we can 
positively impact.

To communicate our views to 
those who have the responsibility 
for implementing policy, laws 
and regulations relevant to 
our business. 

Through a series of 
communications, interactions and 
regular meetings, industry forums 
and conferences.

Through a series of industry 
consultations, forums and 
conferences. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  17 

o

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t

p

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r

c

s

e

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s

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c

o

f

f

o

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a

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w

y

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W

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w

o

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•  engagement and teamwork

•  providing opportunities for 

development and growth

•  creating a respectful 

environment 

•  health and wellbeing

•  fair employment and equal 

•  working within defined 

•  delicious, safe and  

opportunities

sectors, creating bespoke, 

healthy food

•  local causes and issues

innovative solutions to match 

•  staying ahead of changing 

specific market and client 

requirements

•  health, wellbeing and focused 

sustainable CR initiatives

•  technology and analytical 

innovation to support 

consumer solutions 

consumer lifestyles and 

habits which impact how 

people want to eat and drink 

•  making sure that our food and 

beverage offer is sustainable 

and good for the planet  

Our people are at the heart of 

To build trust by operating 

By understanding what is 

We exist to serve people with 

our business and key to our 

responsibly and sustainably, and 

important to our clients, we 

nutritious food and drink, which 

ongoing success.  We want our 

addressing issues that are 

ensure that our solutions are 

helps them learn better, work 

people to thrive in a fair and 

material to our communities. 

tailored to support their 

better and recover better. We 

inclusive work environment.

To provide training opportunities 

individual business objectives. 

want our consumers to thrive 

and support to local people 

currently not in education, 

training or employment. 

and we create the environments 

to help them do that, at all 

life stages. 

There are many ways we 

We operate many local 

We aim to have open and 

We believe that engagement is a 

engage, including engagement 

employment programmes to 

transparent relationships which 

constant conversation with our 

surveys, town hall meetings, 

recruit and develop local people 

are based on honesty and 

consumers, listening carefully to 

Speak Up reports, internal social 

to work in our sites. We partner 

respect. We build relationships 

how we can improve our service 

media channels and 

consultative bodies. 

with local charities and 

at all levels of our client 

and find new ways to delight. We 

organisations to raise awareness 

organisations, sharing market 

use a variety of methods 

and funds to help local causes. 

trends and insight, developing 

including formal surveys, social 

strategic and operational plans, 

listening, comment cards, 

against which we regularly 

workshops and observation. We 

report. We hold independent 

combine analytical tools and 

client surveys which measure 

common sense to get to 

satisfaction levels. 

actionable insights into our 

consumers’ preferences.  

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

Optimising our performance

On a statutory basis, operating profit decreased by 5.4% as the 
impact of cost action charges offset higher profits and benefits 
of foreign exchange.

As a result of the business’ continued strong earnings growth 
and cash flow generation, we propose an annual dividend of 
40.0 pence per share, up 6.1% on the prior year.

Taking appropriate cost actions
We are seeing good performances across most of the Group, 
however we are not immune to macroeconomic challenges. 
Although our European business is in good shape, delivering 
organic revenue growth of 4.1%, as previously indicated we have 
been seeing pressures in the region, particularly in some of our 
largest markets. These pressures have been increasing during 
the year, impacting volumes in our Business & Industry sector, 
and consequently are having a significant impact on our 
European margin. Consumer confidence continues to decline 
and a number of key clients, notably in manufacturing, 
automotive and financial services, have reduced their 
headcount in recent months. 

Given this trading backdrop, we are taking prompt action to 
ensure we have the right sized labour model for the future. This 
will protect the profitability of the business and further 
strengthen our strong operational position, enabling us to 
continue to capitalise on the attractive growth opportunities we 
see in Europe. Although the vast majority of these actions are 
focused on Europe, they have also been extended to a limited 
number of countries in Rest of World. 

These cost actions will result in a total non-underlying charge for 
the Group of around £300 million, of which £190 million has 
been incurred in FY19, with the remainder expected to be 
incurred in FY20. Approximately £160 million of the total charge 
is cash, with £29 million having been spent in FY19. This mostly 
relates to removing some MAP 4 (in unit labour) and some MAP 
5 (overhead) costs, and has around a two year payback. The 
FY19 charge also includes a one-off non-cash charge of 
£120 million in respect of a change in the expected profitability 
of some of those contracts that have been affected by the recent 
deterioration in business and consumer confidence and that are 
now considered to be structurally loss making and where asset 
impairments have been taken. The run-rate for annual savings 
resulting from the cost actions is expected to be c. £90 million 
as we exit this year and have already been factored into the 
2020 guidance.

GROUP STRATEGY
Our refreshed strategy, announced 18 months ago, ensures that 
we further improve the long term quality and sustainability of our 
financial results. 

We remain focused on food, our core competency. The global 
food services market is estimated to be more than £200 billion. 
We see a large and exciting structural growth opportunity, with 
only about 50% of the market currently outsourced, of which 
approximately one third is in the hands of small and regional 
players. We have a good track record in winning first time 
outsourcing contracts.

Dominic Blakemore
Group Chief Executive Officer

2019 RESULTS
I am pleased to report that Compass had another strong year. 
My priority continues to be to drive the business forward and 
deliver the financial performance and value creation that our 
stakeholders have come to expect from Compass.

Revenue for the Group grew by 6.4% on an organic basis, as we 
continue to expand within the £200 billion global food services 
market. New business wins were 7.9% driven by strong MAP 1 
(client sales and marketing) performance in all regions. Our 
retention rate was maintained at 94.8% as a result of our 
ongoing focus and investment in service and quality. Like for like 
revenue grew by 3.7% reflecting sensible price increases and 
strong volume growth in Sports & Leisure, partially offset by 
weak Business & Industry volumes in Europe. On a statutory 
basis, revenue increased by 8.8%, including the positive impact 
from foreign currency translation.

Underlying operating profit increased by 4.7% (£84 million) on a 
constant currency basis. Operating profit margin remained at 
7.4% despite the more challenging trading environment in 
Europe. We continue to work hard to drive efficiencies across the 
business to offset cost pressures including the higher 
mobilisation costs from increased new business wins. We have 
maintained our focus on MAP 3 (cost of food) with ongoing 
initiatives such as supplier and product rationalisation, improved 
menu planning and food waste reduction programmes. 

Optimising MAP 4 (labour and in unit costs) and MAP 5 (above 
unit overheads) with initiatives around better labour scheduling, 
workforce management, work design, training and retention 
have become ever more important, particularly in markets such 
as Europe and the USA where labour inflation persists.

18  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

The large and disparate nature of the food services market 
makes it challenging to offer clients a one size fits all solution. 
Therefore, we segment the market into various sectors and 
subsectors using our portfolio of B2B brands. This allows us to 
get close to our clients, understand their needs and create 
different and exciting offers that meet their requirements and 
differentiate us from the competition.

Under the refreshed strategy we are codifying best practices and 
developing tools and templates to help us execute with more 
intensity and consistency across the Group. Our areas of focus 
are pricing, purchasing and productivity. We have begun with 
our larger markets and are rolling out initiatives depending on 
the maturity of their functions. We will continue to use MAP to 
ensure we have a disciplined focus on execution.

We are the largest player in the global market. As we continue to 
grow and increase our scale, we further extend our competitive 
advantage and our position as the most efficient provider. This 
allows us to offer our clients and consumers the most exciting 
and innovative solutions, as well as the best value. The ability to 
innovate is important to ensure we meet our clients’ and 
consumers’ rapidly evolving tastes and needs, and our 
decentralised structure means we are well placed to pilot 
concepts in local markets before expanding across the Group 
where appropriate. 

By stepping up the intensity with which we manage the 
business and with a disciplined focus on Performance, 
People and Purpose as our main strategic priorities, we are 
well placed to continue to create sustainable long term value 
for all of our stakeholders.

PERFORMANCE 
Portfolio
To continue to drive our performance we are actively managing 
our portfolio of businesses. Targeted and disciplined bolt-on 
acquisitions are an effective way to strengthen our capabilities, 
broaden our offering and increase our scale. M&A has also 
proven to be an extraordinary source of talent. During 2019 we 
invested £478 million, principally in North America. There 
remains a good pipeline of bolt-on opportunities across 
the Group. 

We have continued to make progress on our disposal 
programme and during the year completed several disposals 
that bring cumulative revenues now disposed or exited to c. 3% 
of Group revenue at an average margin of c. 4%. As previously 
indicated, the overall programme of up to £1.2 billion revenues 
is expected to be margin neutral. The programme will complete 
during 2020. 

MAP culture
For over 10 years, we have used our Management and 
Performance (MAP) framework to drive performance across 
the business. It is a simple framework that we all use to help us 
focus on a common set of business drivers, whether it is winning 
new business in the right sectors with the right terms (MAP 1), 
increasing our consumer participation and spend (MAP 2), 
reducing our food costs (MAP 3), our labour costs (MAP 4) or 
our overheads (MAP 5).

These initiatives are often supported through technology and 
digital capability – both in terms of driving efficiencies and 
optimising performance and also in developing products and 
services which improve the consumer experience. Our digital 
strategy is implemented locally in the most cost effective and 
relevant way for each market. We are making investment into 
systems and processes that will ultimately unlock more 
efficiencies and leverage scale across the business in the 
long term.

PEOPLE
People are our biggest source of competitive advantage. They 
are the key to delivering excellent food service to our clients and 
consumers together with strong financial results. We are in the 
process of further enhancing our employee proposition to ensure 
we have an engaged, high performing, and fulfilled workforce 
that truly reflects the diversity of the societies we live in and the 
communities we serve.

Our objective is to create an exceptional people business that is 
inclusive, engaged and committed to developing our people and 
providing them with the safest and fairest environment in which 
to work. We are launching initiatives and improving our 
processes to ensure we can:

•  attract and develop the best leaders
•  recruit, retain and develop the highest quality unit managers 

in the industry

•  have the best and most inclusive work places in the world with 

a fully engaged workforce, and

•  have a diverse workforce that mirrors the communities in 

which we operate

For example, in May we launched our unit manager 
development programme and to date around 2,000 unit 
managers have participated in the tailored offsite programme. 
We also launched the Compass Commitments of Respect, 
Growth and Teamwork – what people can expect when they  
are part of our business. In October, we conducted a global 
engagement survey to help us to identify areas where we  
need to take action to ensure people are experiencing 
our Commitments.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  19 

Strategic ReportCHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW (CONTINUED)

PURPOSE 
Our purpose is first and foremost a social purpose, the 
foundation of which is a safety culture built around caring for our 
people and our consumers – delivering personal and food 
safety. We are integrating our sustainability strategy into the 
business focused on:

•  increasing the role of health and wellbeing in our 

value proposition

•  taking targeted actions where we can make the greatest 

environmental difference, and

•  driving positive outcomes beyond our business to make the 
world a better place, such as our continued work with our 
suppliers to source products responsibly and our commitment 
to enrich local communities

We already have a strong commitment to corporate 
responsibility. We are now building on this existing strength 
and working more proactively with our clients and consumers 
in those areas. For example, this year’s Stop Food Waste Day, 
which Compass USA founded in 2017, extended across 
38 countries with awareness about the campaign reaching 
89 million people on social media. 

CASH, BALANCE SHEET AND RETURNS 
TO SHAREHOLDERS 
Excellent cash flow generation, a strong balance sheet and 
returns to shareholders continue to be an integral part of our 
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) grow the dividend in line with underlying constant 
currency earnings per share; (iii) pursue M&A opportunities; 
our preference is for small to medium sized bolt-on acquisitions, 
where we look for returns greater than the cost of capital by 
the end of year two; (iv) maintain strong investment grade 
credit ratings by returning any surplus cash to shareholders 
to target net debt to EBITDA of around 1.5x1.

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK
Compass has had another strong year. Organic revenue growth 
was 6.4%, ahead of our target range, thanks to excellent growth 
in North America and an improving performance in Rest of 
World. There was good growth in our European business with 
strong performances in UK Defence and Sports & Leisure 
offsetting weak volumes in Business & Industry. The Group 
margin during 2019 was maintained despite this more 
challenging trading environment in Europe.

We are making good strategic progress through disciplined focus 
on our Performance, People and Purpose priorities and have 
continued to reshape our portfolio. Disposal proceeds have been 
reinvested in bolt-on acquisitions to further strengthen our food 
service offer and subsector approach, and in June we 
announced the proposed acquisition of Fazer Food Services, a 
leading food service business in the Nordics, which is a strong 
strategic fit with Compass. 

Despite this good performance, we are not immune to the macro 
environment. Deteriorating business and consumer confidence 
in Europe has impacted our Business & Industry volumes, new 
business activity and margin. Given these trends, we are taking 
prompt action in Europe and certain Rest of World markets to 
adjust our cost base. As well as offsetting short term margin 
pressures, by taking this action from a position of strength, we 
will be better placed to capitalise on future growth opportunities.

Our expectations for the Group in 2020 are positive although 
we remain cautious on the macro environment in Europe. The 
pipeline of new contracts in North America is strong and Rest of 
World is growing well, although we are seeing some hesitation in 
decision making in Europe. Thanks to the Group’s geographic 
and sectoral diversity, we are nevertheless confident of 
continued progress. As such, we expect organic growth to be 
around the mid-point of our 4-6% range whilst maintaining our 
strong margin1 as we mitigate the expected volume pressures 
through our cost actions. 

In the longer term, we remain excited about the significant 
structural growth opportunities globally, the potential for 
further revenue and profit growth, combined with further 
returns to shareholders.

Dominic Blakemore
Group Chief Executive Officer

26 November 2019

1.  Pre IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. IFRS 16 will be adopted by the Group on 1 October 2019. The Group expects between £950 million–£1,050 million of additional debt 

on its balance sheet on adoption.

20  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  21 

Strategic ReportEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Delivering the Group’s strategy 

The Board has delegated day to day operational decisions to the Executive Committee which is the key management committee for 
the Group. The Executive Committee meets regularly, and develops the Group’s strategy, and reviews capital expenditure and 
investment budgets. 

3

6

1

4

2

5

1
2
3
4
5
6

Dominic Blakemore, Group Chief Executive Officer
Karen Witts, Group Chief Financial Officer
Gary Green, Group Chief Operating Officer, North America
Clare Hunt, Group Director of Strategy and M&A
Federico Tonetti, Group Safety and Sustainability Director
Venkie Shantaram, Regional Managing Director, Continental Europe

22  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

The Executive Committee is responsible for implementing Group policy, monitoring health and safety, financial, 
operational and quality of service performance, purchasing and supply chain issues, succession planning and 
governance matters.

7

8

9

10

11

12

Sandra Moura, Group Investor Relations & Corporate Affairs Director
Robin Mills, Managing Director, UK and Ireland

7 Mark van Dyck, Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific
8
9
10 Sapna Sood, Group Director International Clients & Market Development
11 James Meaney, Regional Managing Director, Latin America
12 Alison Yapp, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  23 

Strategic ReportEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (CONTINUED)

DOMINIC BLAKEMORE 
Group Chief Executive Officer
Joined the Board and Executive Committee in February 2012. Dominic 
previously held the roles of Group Finance Director and Group Chief 
Operating Officer, Europe. In October 2017, Dominic was appointed 
Deputy Group CEO. He assumed the role of Group CEO in January 2018.
Key skills and competencies
Dominic has extensive financial management experience in a number of 
international businesses together with general operational management 
experience. Dominic is a chartered accountant.
Previous experience
Dominic was formerly non-executive director of Shire plc and Chief 
Financial Officer of Iglo Foods Group Limited. Before joining Iglo Dominic 
was European Finance & Strategy Director at Cadbury Plc having 
previously held senior finance roles at that company. Prior to his role at 
Cadbury Plc, he was a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 

KAREN WITTS 
Group Chief Financial Officer
Joined the Board and Executive Committee as Group Chief Financial 
Officer in April 2019. 
Key skills and competencies
Karen is an experienced Chief Financial Officer with a strong background 
in finance and management across a variety of sectors in global 
organisations. Karen is a chartered accountant.
Previous experience
Karen joined Compass from Kingfisher PLC where she was Group Chief 
Financial Officer and a member of the board of directors for over six 
years. Prior to working at Kingfisher, Karen held senior finance positions 
at Vodafone Group PLC and BT PLC and was a former non-executive 
director of Wolseley plc. Karen’s early career included finance roles at 
Mars, Paribas, Grand Metropolitan and Ernst & Whinney. 

GARY GREEN 
Group Chief Operating Officer, North America
Joined the Board and Executive Committee in January 2007. Appointed 
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. Gary is a 
chartered accountant and in 2001 received an honorary doctorate from 
Johnson & Wales University in the USA.
Previous experience
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, North America.

JAMES MEANEY 
Regional Managing Director, Latin America
Joined the Group and Executive Committee in November 2017.

Key skills and competencies
Highly experienced in business development and leadership, 
James holds a Bachelor’s Degree in economics from Notre Dame 
University, an MBA from Harvard and completed INSEAD’s advanced 
management course.

Previous experience
James has spent the last 20+ years based in Brazil and led a number of 
communications and service based organisations in the region, most 
recently as Interim CEO at Aceco TI. 

ROBIN MILLS
Managing Director, UK & Ireland
Appointed to the Executive Committee in November 2015, having joined 
the Group in 2008. Appointed Managing Director, UK & Ireland in 
November 2019.
Key skills and competencies
Respected innovator with significant experience in people management 
and business operations.
Previous experience
Robin joined Compass as HR Director for UK & Ireland before becoming 
Managing Director of the education business in the UK, Chartwells and 
then Group Chief People Officer. Robin stood down as Group Chief 
People Officer on 25 November 2019 and was appointed Managing 
Director, UK & Ireland on the same day. Robin’s career in human 
resources includes roles at Scottish and Newcastle Breweries,  
Diageo plc and Woolworth’s (part of the Kingfisher PLC).

VENKIE SHANTARAM 
Regional Managing Director, Continental Europe
Appointed to the Executive Committee in January 2018, having joined 
Compass in July 2017. 

Key skills and competencies
A skilled business leader and innovator, Venkie has an MBA 
from INSEAD.

Previous experience
Venkie was a partner with McKinsey & Company, focusing on global 
energy clients, later holding Regional Managing Director positions for 
Aggreko plc in Europe and Asia. He was previously Regional Managing 
Director for Compass Central Asia, Middle East, Africa, Turkey & 
Southeast Asia Offshore & Remote.

24  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

MARK VAN DYCK 
Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific
Appointed to the Executive Committee in April 2016, having joined the 
Group in February 2013. 

CLARE HUNT 
Group Director of Strategy and M&A
Appointed to the Executive Committee in December 2018, having joined 
the Group in July 2011.

Key skills and competencies
Mark is highly experienced in international business leadership. He holds 
a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Administration and is a 
graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Previous experience
Mark held senior leadership roles for over 22 years in companies 
including LG Electronics, The Coca-Cola Company, Waterford 
Wedgwood, Cinzano, Allied Lyons and Gillette. The majority of his career 
has been spent in the service and consumer sectors with particular focus 
on the Asia Pacific region.

Key skills and competencies
Through her varied career, Clare has developed a range of skills across 
strategy, corporate finance and communications. She attended the 
Corporate Affairs Academy at Said Business School, University of Oxford 
and has a BA in Modern History from The University of Bristol. 

Previous experience
Before joining Compass, Clare was Co-Head of the Industrials practice at 
Finsbury, the strategic communications agency, and previously worked 
in corporate finance with J.P. Morgan Cazenove. Within Compass Clare 
held the role of Director of Communications before being promoted to 
Group Director of Strategy and M&A in January 2017.

SANDRA MOURA 
Group Investor Relations & Corporate Affairs Director
Appointed to the Executive Committee in February 2017, having joined 
the Group in October 2014.

Key skills and competencies
Highly experienced in investor relations and business finance. Sandra 
holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business 
and a BA in Economics from Brown University.

Previous experience
Prior to joining Compass, Sandra’s career in investor relations and 
financial analysis spanned the International Finance Corporation in 
Washington DC, and UK FTSE 100 companies Rexam plc and Diageo plc.

FEDERICO TONETTI 
Group Safety & Sustainability Director
Appointed to the Executive Committee in December 2018, having joined 
the Group in May 2018.

Key skills and competencies
Leader and innovator in the field of business sustainability. Federico 
holds a Masters Degree in Economics from Bocconi University (Milan) 
and post-graduate International MBA from IE Business School (Madrid).

Previous experience
Federico has 20 years’ experience in general management, global 
functional roles and sales and marketing positions for a variety of 
multi-national manufacturing organisations across eight different 
countries. Federico also spent four years at Bain & Company in 
Strategy Consulting. 

SAPNA SOOD 
Group Director of International Clients & Market 
Development
Appointed to the Executive Committee in October 2018, having joined 
the Group in September 2018.

Key skills and competencies
Sapna has in-depth experience of global business development, with a 
focus on international clients. She has an MBA from IMD Business 
School and a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from the 
University of Sydney.

Previous experience
Sapna held various senior positions in operations and supply chain in 
Australia, the USA, Singapore, Germany and China with BOC, following 
which she joined Lafarge SA as Senior Vice President of HSE, France.  
Prior to joining Compass, Sapna served as Country CEO for 
LafargeHolcim, Philippines.

ALISON YAPP 
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary
Joined the Group in August 2018. Appointed Group General  
Counsel and Company Secretary and joined the Executive Committee  
in October 2018.
Key skills and competencies
Alison is a solicitor with more than 25 years’ international experience in 
FTSE and NYSE listed companies across the services, industrial and 
engineering sectors. She has significant experience in strategic M&A, 
crisis and change management and holds an LLB (Hons) from The 
University of Bristol.
Previous experience
Alison was formerly Chief General Counsel and Company Secretary of 
Amec Foster Wheeler plc, Company Secretary and General Legal Counsel 
of Hays plc and Company Secretary and Group Legal Advisor of Charter 
plc. Prior to joining Charter, Alison held a number of senior legal roles at 
Johnson Matthey plc.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  25 

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 business.

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

See pages 12 to 15 and  
41 to 45 respectively.

Underlying operating margin
Underlying operating margin divides 
the underlying operating profit before 
share of profit after tax 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.

7.4%

2
7

.

2
7

.

4
7

.

4
7

.

4
4
7
7

.
.

STRATEGIC 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, 
sale and closure of businesses 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.

4
4
6
6

.
.

5
5

.

0
5

.

0
4

.

6.4%

6.4

8
5

.

0.0

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

20181

2019

1.  Restated upon adoption of IFRS 15.

Throughout the Strategic Report, and consistent with prior years, underlying and other alternative performance measures are used to describe the Group’s 
performance. These are not recognised under IFRS or other generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Executive Committee 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. Underlying and other alternative performance measures are defined in the 
glossary of terms on pages 246 and 247. A summary of the adjustments from statutory to underlying results is shown in note 34 on page 208 and further detailed 
in the consolidated income statement (page 138), reconciliation of free cash flow (page 143), note 2 segmental reporting (pages 161 to 164) and note 35 
organic revenue and organic profit (page 210).

26  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

FINANCIAL
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 
from continuing operations less operating 
profit of non-controlling interests before 
tax, 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 
bolt-on acquisitions.

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.

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.

19.5%

.

1
9
1

.

4
9
1

.

3
0
2

.

2
0
2

.
.

5
5
9
9
1
1

.
.

2
2
5
5
8
8

.

9
7
7

.

3
2
7

85.2p

.

1
1
6

.

7
3
5

85.20

68.16

51.12

34.08

17.04

0.00

£1,247m

4
7
9

8
0
9

2
2
7

7
7
4
4
2
2
1
1

,
,

1
4
1
1

.

1247.0

997.6

748.2

498.8

249.4

0.0

2015

2016

2017

20181

2019

2015

2016

2017

20181

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

1.  Restated upon adoption of IFRS 15.

NON-FINANCIAL
Health and safety
Global Lost Time Incident  
Frequency Rate
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 culture. It also lowers rates of 
absenteeism and costs associated with 
work related injuries and illnesses.

Food safety
Global Food Safety Incident Rate
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.

-38%

(since 2015)

-35%

(since 2015)

0.400

0.375

0.350

0.325

0.300

0.275

0.250

0.225

0.200

Environment
GHG intensity ratio
GHG intensity ratio relating to the top 25 
countries, which represent 96% of Group 
revenue. The scope and methodology of 
our reporting has changed this year, 
therefore the data is not comparable on a 
like for like basis. See page 60 for 
more details.

Why we measure
Since 2008, we have been measuring 
our carbon emissions to reduce our 
impact on the environment and increase 
operational efficiency.

9.1

1
1
9
9

.
.

7
7
6
6

.
.

7
7
6
6

.
.

0
0
6
6

.
.

3
3
6
6

.
.

10

8

6

4

2

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  27 

25

20

15

10

5

0

5.0

4.4

3.8

3.2

2.6

2.0

Strategic ReportREGIONAL REVIEW

North America

Our North American business, which now accounts for over 60% 
of Group revenue, delivered an excellent performance, with 
organic revenue growth of 7.7%. Growth was driven by good 
levels of new business and a strong retention rate across all 
sectors. As in previous years, around 40% of new business was 
from first time outsourcing, underlining the strong structural 
growth opportunities within our largest market. Like for like 
revenue growth benefited from pricing and positive trading 
volumes from our Sports & Leisure sector.

Strong growth in our Business & Industry sector was driven by 
continued good net new business and some like for like growth. 
New contract wins include the Canadian Imperial Bank of 
Commerce, American Airlines headquarters and Humana Inc. 

Solid organic revenue growth in our Healthcare & Seniors sector 
reflected good levels of new business. New contract wins include 

the Atrium Health and Lexington Health Network, as well as 
significant additional business with Tenet Healthcare. 

Our Education sector reported strong net new business 
including contract wins with New York University, Butler 
University and the Florence County Schools District. 

Our Sports & Leisure sector delivered a good organic 
performance with an excellent retention rate and like for like 
volume growth. Contract wins include Allegiant Stadium, home 
to the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Lexington Convention Center.

Underlying operating profit of £1,290 million increased by  
9.0% (£106 million) on a constant currency basis. Ongoing 
efficiency initiatives resulted in modest underlying margin 
progression for the year.

UNDERLYING  
REVENUE

£15,694m

ORGANIC  
REVENUE GROWTH

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING PROFIT

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING MARGIN

CONTRIBUTION  
TO GROUP REVENUE

+7.7%

£1,290m

8.2%

62.4%

(20181: £13,718m)

(2018: +7.8%)

(20181: £1,123m)

(20181: 8.2%)

(20181: 59.3%)

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Underlying

Change

2019

20181

Reported rates

Constant currency

Revenue

Operating profit

Operating margin

Region as a % of Group revenue

£15,694m £13,718m  

£1,290m

£1,123m  

8.2%

62.4%

8.2%  

59.3%  

14.4%

14.9%

–

8.5%

9.0%

Organic

7.7%

7.9%

UNDERLYING 
REVENUE BY 
SECTOR

  Business & Industry – 32%

  Healthcare & Seniors – 28%

  Education – 22%

Sports & Leisure – 16%

Defence, Offshore & Remote – 2%

1.  Restated upon adoption of IFRS 15.

28  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
Gary Green
Group Chief Operating Officer,  
North America

We have a passion for great food and creating inspiring dining choices for all our 
customers throughout our companies in North America. Innovation is a key driver 
across our business and is in everything we do, whether it’s technology, culinary or 
initiatives in sustainability and supply chain management. We don’t stand still and 
that’s the way we keep ahead of the competition.

We recognise that every client has unique food demands and that it will vary 
significantly across the different sectors in which we operate. We provide them with 
warm hospitality and excellent service, together with a wide variety of choice. Our 
scale as the leading player in the market enables us to offer this at the lowest cost.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  29 

Strategic ReportREGIONAL REVIEW (CONTINUED)

Europe

Organic revenue growth in Europe was 4.1% for the full year, 
although growth slowed in the second half. This included strong 
growth from new business, notably the UK Defence contracts in 
the first half and Puy du Fou in France in the fourth quarter, in 
addition to strong trading in the Sports & Leisure sector. This 
was partially offset by lower volumes in Business & Industry 
across key markets where we have seen reduced participation 
and lower consumer spend. 

Our new contract wins during the period include Landsec in the 
UK, Cercle National des Armées in Paris and Hôpitaux Robert 
Schuman in Luxembourg. Contract extensions include Chelsea 
Football Club in the UK.

Underlying operating profit declined on a constant currency 
basis by £26 million or 6.6%. The region delivered a good level of 
organic revenue growth overall, supported by a strong 
performance in Sports & Leisure, where increased revenues 
tend to have a lower drop through to profit. Our focus on 
efficiencies, pricing and portfolio management has only partially 
offset the weakness in Business & Industry volumes (which 
declined significantly in the fourth quarter), cost inflation, and 
the higher mobilisation costs (associated with the strong 
growth). In aggregate, the underlying operating margin declined 
by 60 basis points to 6.3%. 

UNDERLYING  
REVENUE

£5,854m

ORGANIC  
REVENUE GROWTH

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING PROFIT

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING MARGIN

CONTRIBUTION  
TO GROUP REVENUE

+4.1%

£368m

6.3%

23.3%

(20181: £5,762m)

(2018: +2.1%)

(20181: £395m)

(20181: 6.9%)

(20181: 24.9%)

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Underlying

Change

2019

20181

Reported rates

Constant currency

Revenue

Operating profit

Operating margin

Region as a % of Group revenue

£5,854m

£5,762m  

£368m

£395m  

6.3%

23.3%

6.9%  

24.9%  

1.6%

(6.8)%

(60)bps

1.6%

(6.6)%

Organic

4.1%

(8.0)%

UNDERLYING 
REVENUE BY 
SECTOR

  Business & Industry – 53%

  Healthcare & Seniors – 16%

  Education – 13%

Sports & Leisure – 10%

Defence, Offshore & Remote – 8%

1.  Restated upon adoption of IFRS 15.

30  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
Venkie Shantaram
Regional Managing Director, 
Continental Europe

Robin Mills
Managing Director,  
UK & Ireland

Despite macro headwinds in Europe, I believe that there 
are good opportunities to step up our performance in 
Continental Europe. The region has one of the most 
experienced leadership teams in Compass Group, with 
around 100,000 colleagues covering 21 countries.

As a team, we will be focusing equally on driving growth, 
improving operating performance, and putting the best 
people in place in leadership roles and in client units. I am 
confident that we can deliver strong and sustainable results.

The UK is the Group’s second largest market, after the  
USA, and has had a good year in terms of growth, having 
particularly benefited from increased volumes in our 
excellent Sports & Leisure business. This included an 
extension of our contract at Wimbledon, and operations at 
Tottenham Hotspurs’ new stadium and Twickenham’s 
redeveloped East Stand.

Although Business & Industry has been more challenging 
due to recent macro and political uncertainty, this is a  
key area of focus for us going forward. Based on our  
market leading position, talented people and clear strategy 
of delivering tasty and healthy food for our clients,  
we have a strong platform for future success.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  31 

Strategic ReportREGIONAL REVIEW (CONTINUED)

Rest of World

Organic revenue in our Rest of World region grew by 4.3%, 
including a strong performance in Turkey, India, Spanish 
speaking LATAM and our Offshore & Remote business outside 
Australia, notably Kazakhstan. 

The Business & Industry and Education sectors of the region 
continue to perform well and experienced good growth. New 
business wins include Bloomberg in Hong Kong, Mercedes Benz 
in Brazil and Bursa City Hospital in Turkey. We continue to retain 
contracts including Victoria Zoos in Australia, Mondelez in 
Argentina and Amazon in India. 

As expected, our Offshore & Remote business returned to 
growth in the second half of the year as we lapped the large 
Australian construction project that moved to production 
towards the end of 2018. Across the region we have continued 
to win and retain contracts. 

Underlying operating profit improved by 5.9% (£16 million)  
on a constant currency basis, with the underlying operating 
margin improving in part due to portfolio management and 
implementation of pricing, purchasing and productivity 
initiatives. We remain focused on best practice sharing and 
driving efficiencies across the business.

UNDERLYING  
REVENUE

£3,604m

ORGANIC  
REVENUE GROWTH

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING PROFIT

UNDERLYING  
OPERATING MARGIN

CONTRIBUTION  
TO GROUP REVENUE

+4.3%

£285m

7.9%

14.3%

(20181: £3,667m)

(2018: +2.9%)

(20181: £276m)

(20181:7.5%)

(20181:15.8%)

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Underlying

Change

2019

20181

Reported rates

Constant currency

Revenue

Operating profit

Operating margin

Region as a % of Group revenue

£3,604m

£3,667m  

£285m

£276m  

7.9%

14.3%

7.5%  

15.8%  

(1.7)%

3.3%

40bps 

0.8%

5.9%

Organic

4.3%

7.4%

UNDERLYING 
REVENUE BY 
SECTOR

  Business & Industry – 42%

Healthcare & Seniors – 14%

Education – 7%

Sports & Leisure – 8%

Defence, Offshore & Remote – 29%

1.  Restated upon adoption of IFRS 15.

32  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
Mark van Dyck
Regional Managing Director, 
Asia Pacific

James Meaney
Regional Managing Director,  
Latin America

Asia Pacific is a hugely exciting market for us, as it includes 
the more developed markets of countries like Australia and 
Japan, where we have a very strong presence, and the high 
growth economies of the emerging markets such as India 
and China.

As these economies mature and the demand for outsourced 
quality food service propositions increases, we’re extremely 
well placed to capitalise on the huge growth opportunities 
available in these markets based on our depth of expertise 
and market positioning. 

We have made good progress advancing our strategic 
priorities of Performance, People and Purpose and are 
starting to see the benefits of this focus in our region. 
For example, in Argentina we delivered strong growth and a 
good profit margin despite the challenging macroeconomic 
environment. In Chile, where our mining sector is particularly 
strong, we are encouraged by significant wins in this sector. 

With regard to People, we welcomed eight new members to our 
leadership team and put 700 of our unit managers through 
leadership training. We have made important advances in our 
Purpose agenda with all safety KPIs improving, largely due to a 
commitment to preventative safety walks, and we partnered 
with clients and local suppliers in Colombia and Brazil for 
award-winning sustainable local sourcing programmes. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  33 

Strategic ReportBUSINESS REVIEW

Strong organic revenue growth

Karen Witts
Group Chief Financial Officer

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
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
Full year dividend per ordinary share

2019 has been another strong year  
with organic revenue growth of 6.4%, 
underlying margin of 7.4% and an increase  
in free cash flow of 9.3%.

2019

20181

Increase/ 
(decrease)

25,152 
25,152 
24,878 
6.4%

1,882 
1,882 
1,601 

23,795
23,147
22,872
5.5%

1,798
1,744
1,693

5.7%
8.7%
8.8%

4.7%
7.9%
(5.4)%

7.4%

7.4%

–

1,772 
1,772 
1,469 

85.2p
85.2p
70.0p

1,247 
40.0p

1,681
1,630
1,523

80.4p
77.9p
71.3p

1,141
37.7p

5.4%
8.7%
(3.5)%

6.0%
9.4%
(1.8)%

9.3%
6.1%

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated upon adoption of IFRS 15. 

Definitions of underlying measures of performance can be found in the glossary on pages 246 and 247.

34  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEGMENTAL PERFORMANCE

North America
Europe 
Rest of World
Total

North America
Europe
Rest of World
Unallocated overheads
Total before associates
Associates
Total

Underlying revenue1

Underlying revenue growth2

2019 
£m

15,694 
5,854 
3,604 
25,152 

20183
£m  

Reported 
rates

Constant 
currency

13,718  
5,762  
3,667  
23,147  

14.4%
1.6%
(1.7)%
8.7%

8.5%
1.6%
0.8%
5.7%

Organic

7.7%
4.1%
4.3%
6.4%

Underlying operating profit1

  Underlying operating margin1

2019 
£m

1,290 
368 
285 
(80)
1,863 
19 
1,882 

20183
£m  

1,123  
395  
276  
(70)  
1,724  
20  
1,744  

2019 
£m

8.2%
6.3%
7.9%

20183
£m

8.2%
6.9%
7.5%

7.4%

7.4%

STATUTORY AND UNDERLYING RESULTS

Revenue

Operating profit
Net loss on sale and closure of businesses
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

2019

20183

Statutory 
£m
24,878 

Adjustments  
£m
274

Underlying  
£m  
25,152   

Statutory  
£m
22,872

Adjustments  
£m
275

Underlying  
£m
23,147

1,601
(7)
(125)
1,469
(351)
1,118 
(8)
1,110 
1,586 
70.0p

281 
7 
15
303 
(62)
241 
–
241 
–
15.2p

1,882   
–  
(110)  
1,772   
(413)  
1,359   
(8)  
1,351   
1,586   
85.2p  
2,459   
853   
1,247   

1,693
(58)
(112)
1,523
(385)
1,138
(8)
1,130
1,584
71.3p

51
58
(2)
107
(3)
104
–
104
–
6.6p

1,744
–
(114)
1,630
(388)
1,242
(8)
1,234
1,584
77.9p
2,265
813
1,141

1.  Definitions of underlying measures of performance can be found in the glossary on pages 246 and 247.
2.  Reconciliation between the different growth rates is provided in note 35.
3.  Prior year comparatives have been restated upon adoption of IFRS 15.

Further details of the adjustments can be found in the consolidated income statement, note 2 segmental reporting and note 34 
statutory and underlying results.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  35 

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As at the balance sheet date, the Group has further classified 
certain businesses as held for sale as these disposals are highly 
probable and expected to be completed within 12 months.

Finance costs
Net finance costs increased to £125 million (2018: £112 million), 
mainly due to the change in fair value of certain derivatives. 

Tax charge
Profit before tax was £1,469 million (20181: £1,523 million) 
giving rise to an income tax expense of £351 million (20181:  
£385 million), equivalent to an effective tax rate of 23.9%  
(20181: 25.3%). 

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share were 70.0 pence (20181: 71.3 pence), 
a decrease of 1.8% as the impact of the cost action programme 
offset higher profits and foreign exchange benefits.

UNDERLYING RESULTS
We track our performance against underlying and other 
alternative performance measures, which we believe best 
reflect our strategic priorities of growth, efficiency and 
shareholder returns.

A summary of adjustments from statutory results to underlying 
results is shown in note 34 on pages 208 and 209 and further 
detailed in the consolidated income statement (page 138), 
reconciliation of free cash flow (page 143), note 2 segmental 
reporting (pages 161 to 164) and note 35 organic revenue and 
organic profit (page 210).

Revenue
On an organic basis, revenue increased by 6.4%. New business 
wins were 7.9%, driven by strong performance across the 
regions. Our retention rate was 94.8% as a result of our ongoing 
focus and investment in service and quality. Like for like revenue 
growth was 3.7%, reflecting sensible price increases and strong 
volume growth in Sports & Leisure, partially offset by weak 
Business & Industry volumes in Europe.

Operating profit
Underlying operating profit was £1,882 million (20181: £1,744 
million), an increase of 7.9%. If we restate 2018’s profit at the 
2019 average exchange rates, it would increase by £54 million 
to £1,798 million. On a constant currency basis, underlying 
operating profit has therefore increased by £84 million, or 4.7%.

Operating margin
With very strong revenue growth the operating profit margin 
remained unchanged from the prior year at 7.4% as we continue 
to work hard to drive efficiencies across the business through our 
MAP framework.

Finance costs
The underlying net finance cost was £110 million (2018: £114 
million). For 2020, we expect an underlying net finance cost of 
around £110 million.

BUSINESS REVIEW (CONTINUED)

ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
The Group has applied the new accounting standards IFRS 15 
‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ and IFRS 9 ‘Financial 
instruments’ in the current year. Comparatives for 2018 have 
been restated to reflect the impact of IFRS 15, resulting in a net 
increase in operating profit and decrease in revenue of less than 
1%. The adoption of IFRS 9 has not had a material impact and 
the Group has adjusted opening retained earnings to reflect an 
additional provision for impairment of trade receivables using 
the expected credit loss model.

The Group will adopt IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ from 1 October 2019. The 
Group’s estimate of the financial impact of these changes on the 
consolidated balance sheet is the recognition of an additional 
lease liability between £950 million and £1,050 million. Under 
our chosen transition option, the results for the 2019 financial 
year will not be restated. The net impact of IFRS 16 on the 
consolidated income statement is expected to be immaterial.

STATUTORY RESULTS
Revenue
On a statutory basis, revenue was £24,878 million (20181: 
£22,872 million), representing growth of 8.8%, mainly driven by 
organic growth and partially by foreign exchange benefits. 

Operating profit
Operating profit was £1,601 million (20181: £1,693 million), 
a decrease of 5.4% over the prior year as the impact of the 
cost action programme offset higher profits and foreign 
exchange benefits.

Statutory operating profit includes non-underlying items of £281 
million (2018: £51 million). The most significant non-underlying 
items are explained further below; for a full list refer to note 34.

Deteriorating business and consumer confidence in Europe has 
impacted our Business & Industry volumes, new business 
activity and margin. Given these trends, we are taking prompt 
action in Europe and certain Rest of World markets to adjust our 
cost base. As a result, the Group’s income statement includes a 
cost action programme charge of £190 million. Included within 
this amount, there is a one-off non-cash charge of £120 million 
in respect of a change in the expected profitability of some of 
those contracts that have been affected by the recent 
deterioration in business and consumer confidence and that 
are now considered to be structurally loss making and where 
asset impairments have been taken. Of the £190 million 
non-underlying charges, £29 million has been paid in the year 
to 30 September 2019. 

Net loss on sale and closure of businesses
As a result of the strategic review of the business, the Group is 
in the process of selling or exiting its operations in a number of 
countries, sectors or businesses in order to simplify its portfolio. 
The Group has successfully completed the sale of several 
businesses, including its operations in South Africa, Vision 
Security Group in the UK, Sports & Leisure in Japan and part of 
its US laundries business. As a result, the Group has recognised 
a net gain of £50 million on the sale and closure of businesses 
(2018: £3 million loss), including price adjustments to disposals 
completed in prior years. This gain was offset by £57 million exit 
costs and asset write downs relating to committed or completed 
business exits (2018: £55 million).

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated upon adoption of IFRS 15.

36  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

The final dividend of 26.9 pence will be paid gross and  
a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) will be available.  
The last date for receipt of elections for the DRIP will be 
3 February 2020.

Share buyback programme
The Group did not buy any shares during the period under the 
share buyback programme (2018: £nil). The directors’ authority 
to purchase the Company’s shares in the market was renewed 
by the shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting 
held on 7 February 2019.

Share price
The market price of the Group’s ordinary shares at the close of 
the financial year was 2,093.00 pence per share (2018: 
1,706.00 pence per share).

UNDERLYING FREE CASH FLOW
Underlying free cash flow totalled £1,247 million (2018:  
£1,141 million), an increase of 9.3%, which includes the benefit 
of approximately 3.8% from currency translation. Underlying 
free cash flow conversion was 66% (20181: 65%).

Gross capital expenditure of £853 million (2018: £813 million) 
is equivalent to 3.4% (20181: 3.5%) of underlying revenues. 
We continue to deliver strong returns on our capital expenditure 
across all regions. In 2020, we expect capital expenditure to be 
up to 3.5% of revenue. 

The working capital inflow, excluding provisions and pensions, 
was £59 million (20181: £126 million inflow).This inflow was 
better than expected due to favourable timing.

The outflow related to post employment benefit obligations  
net of service costs was £15 million (2018: £8 million).  
Following the completion of the triennial valuation of the 
Compass Group Pension Plan (UK), which continues to have  
a funding surplus, we expect a total outflow for the Group  
of around £20 million in 2020.

The net interest outflow was £107 million (2018: £95 million).

The underlying cash tax rate was 19% (20181: 20%).

ACQUISITIONS
The total cash spent on acquisitions in the year, net of cash 
acquired, was £478 million (2018: £452 million), comprising 
£449 million of bolt-on acquisitions and investments in 
associates, £33 million of contingent consideration relating to 
prior years’ acquisitions, offset by £4 million of cash acquired 
net of acquisition transaction costs.

The Group made several bolt-on acquisitions during the year, 
including the purchase of Client Rewards for an initial 
consideration of £164 million ($209 million). Client Rewards is 
an Iowa based company, that provides procurement and supply 
chain management services.

Tax charge
On an underlying basis, the tax charge was £413 million (20181: 
£388 million), equivalent to an effective tax rate of 23.3% 
(20181: 23.8%). The rate reduction primarily reflects the full 
year impact of the reduction in the US federal tax rate 
introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, whilst the prior year 
comparative only includes nine months of benefit. The tax 
environment continues to be very uncertain, with more 
challenging tax authority positions and investigations globally. 
Our current expectations are that the 2020 effective tax rate will 
increase to around 24%.

Earnings per share
On a constant currency basis, the underlying basic earnings per 
share increased by 6.0% to 85.2 pence (20181: 80.4 pence).

SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
Dividends
Our dividend policy is to grow the dividend in line with growth in 
underlying constant currency earnings per share.

In determining the level of dividend in any year in accordance 
with the policy, the Board also considers a number of other 
factors that influence the proposed dividend, which include but 
are not limited to:

•  the level of available distributable reserves in the  

Parent Company

•  future cash commitments and investment needs to sustain 

the long term growth prospects of the business

•  potential strategic opportunities
•  the level of dividend cover

Further surpluses, after considering the matters set out above, 
are distributed to shareholders over time by way of special 
dividend payments, share repurchases or a combination of both.

Compass Group PLC, the Parent Company of the Group, is a 
non-trading investment holding company which derives its 
distributable reserves from dividends paid by subsidiary 
companies. The level of distributable reserves in the Parent 
Company is reviewed annually and the Group aims to maintain 
distributable reserves that provide adequate cover for dividend 
payments. The distributable reserves of the Parent Company 
include the balance on the profit and loss account reserve, 
which at 30 September 2019 amounted to £1,252 million.

The Group is currently in a strong position to continue to fund its 
dividend, which continues to be well covered by cash generated 
by the business. Details of the Group’s going concern 
assessment can be found on page 40.

The ability of the Board to maintain its future dividend policy will 
be influenced by a number of the principal risks identified on 
pages 41 to 45 that could adversely impact the performance of 
the Group, although we believe we have the ability to mitigate 
those risks as outlined on pages 42 to 45.

It is proposed that a final dividend of 26.9 pence per share be 
paid on 24 February 2020 to shareholders on the register on 17 
January 2020. This will result in a total dividend for the year of 
40.0 pence per share (2018: 37.7 pence per share), a year on 
year increase of 6.1%. The dividend is covered 2.1 times on an 
underlying earnings basis and 2.0 times on a cash basis.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  37 

Strategic ReportBUSINESS REVIEW (CONTINUED)

DISPOSALS
As a result of the strategic review of the business, the Group is in 
the process of selling or exiting its operations in a number of 
countries, sectors or businesses in order to simplify its portfolio. 
The Group has successfully completed the sale of several 
businesses, including its operations in South Africa, Vision 
Security Group in the UK, Sports & Leisure in Japan and part of 
its US laundries business. As at the balance sheet date, the 
Group has further classified certain businesses as held for sale, 
as these disposals are highly probable and are expected to be 
completed within 12 months. The Group received £101 million 
(2018: £39 million) in respect of disposal proceeds net of 
exit costs.

FINANCIAL POSITION
Net debt
The ratio of net debt to market capitalisation of £33,273 million 
as at 30 September 2019 was 9.8% (2018: 12.5%). Net debt 
decreased slightly to £3,272 million (2018: £3,383 million). The 
ratio of net debt to EBITDA was 1.3x. This is lower than our 
target as we are waiting for EU competition clearance for the 
proposed acquisition of Fazer Food Services. Our leverage policy 
is to maintain strong investment grade credit ratings, returning 
any surplus cash to shareholders to target net debt to EBITDA of 
around 1.5x2.

The Group generated £1,247 million of underlying free cash flow 
(2018: £1,141 million), including investing £806 million in net 
capital expenditure, and spent £377 million on acquisitions net 
of disposal proceeds. £403 million was paid in respect of the 
final dividend for the financial year 2018 and £208 million was 
paid for the interim 2019 dividend.

The remaining £148 million movement in net debt related 
predominantly to foreign currency translation and other 
non-cash movements. 

Return on capital employed
Return on capital employed was 19.5% (20181: 20.2%) based on 
net underlying operating profit after tax at the underlying 
effective tax rate of 23.3% (20181: 23.8%). This decrease reflects 
the short term impact of the recent acquisition activity of the 
Group. The average capital employed was £7,380 million  
(20181: £6,539 million).

Post employment benefit obligations
The Group has continued to review and monitor its pension 
obligations throughout the period, working closely with the 
trustees and members of all schemes around the Group to 
ensure proper and prudent assumptions are used and adequate 
provisions and contributions are made.

During the year we completed the triennial actuarial valuation for 
the Compass Group Pension Plan (UK). This valuation showed a 
net surplus of £142 million on the scheme’s funding basis. As a 
result, there is no requirement to agree a recovery plan with 
the trustees. 

The Lloyds Banking Group’s High Court hearing on Guaranteed 
Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation was published on 
26 October 2018. As a result, and based on actuarial advice, 
the Group has recognised £12 million of pre-tax past service 
costs in the consolidated income statement. This non-cash 
charge has been excluded from the Group’s underlying 
operating profit.

The Compass Group Pension Plan (UK) surplus of £448 million 
(2018: £346 million) and the £259 million (2018: £224 million) 
deficit in the rest of the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes 
reflect the results of the triennial valuation of the UK plan and the 
actuarial gains and losses that have occurred since the prior year 
IAS 19 actuarial valuation. 

The total pensions charge for defined benefit contribution 
schemes in the year was £126 million (2018: £110 million) and 
£33 million (2018: £24 million) for defined benefit schemes.

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated upon adoption of IFRS 15.
2.  Pre IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. IFRS 16 will be adopted by the Group on 1 October 2019. The Group expects between £950 million–£1,050 million of additional debt 

on its balance sheet on adoption.

FINANCING – MATURITY PROFILE OF PRINCIPAL BORROWINGS
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2019 (£m)

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

162

323

250

250

243

300

442

442

664

324

286

0

200

US$ Private Placement

€ Bond

400

£ Bond

600

800

1000

1.  Based on nominal value of borrowings in place as at 30 September 2019, converted at foreign exchange rates on the balance sheet date and maturing

in the financial year ending 30 September.

2.  The average life of the Group’s principal borrowings is 5.4 years (2018: 5.4 years).

38  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The Group manages its liquidity, foreign currency exposure and 
interest rate 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 operations through cash generated by 
the business and 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. 

In August 2019 the Group completed the refinancing of its 
Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility (SRCF). The new £2 billion 
SRCF matures in August 2024 and replaces the £1 billion SRCF 
and £690 million bilateral loans due to mature in June 2021 and 
December 2020 respectively. The new SRCF contains no 
financial covenants.

The maturity profile of the Group’s principal borrowings at 
30 September 2019 shows that the average period to maturity 
is 5.4 years (2018: 5.4 years). The Group’s undrawn committed 
bank facilities at 30 September 2019 were £2,000 million 
(2018: £1,690 million).

Foreign currency risk
The Group’s policy is to balance 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 borrowings, convert these to the required currency.

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

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. For the second and third 
year, interest rates are fixed within ranges of 30%–70% and 
0%–40% respectively.

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 in the 
Group and its operations.

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

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

In an increasingly complex international corporate tax 
environment, a degree of tax risk and uncertainty is, however, 
inevitable. Tax risk can arise from differences in interpretation 
of regulations, but most significantly where governments apply 
diverging standards in assessing intragroup cross border 
transactions. This is the situation for many multinational 
organisations. We manage and control these risks in a proactive 
manner and, in doing so, exercise our judgement and seek 
appropriate advice from relevant professional firms. Tax risks 
are assessed as part of the Group’s formal governance process 
and are reviewed by the Board and the Audit Committee on a 
regular basis.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Board takes a proactive approach to risk management with 
the aim of protecting its employees and customers and 
safeguarding the interests of the Group, 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 41 to 45.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Details of transactions with related parties are set out in  
note 31 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.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  39 

Strategic ReportBUSINESS REVIEW (CONTINUED)

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.

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 the 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 2016, 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 42 to 45 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 2022. 

The directors have determined that a three year period to 
30 September 2022 is an appropriate period over which to 
provide its viability statement. This is the period reviewed by the 
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 8.5% of Group 
revenue. We are, as part of our strategy, always focussed on 
productivity and purchasing initiatives which help us to manage 
our cost base. In more adverse conditions, we can if necessary 
take further radical action to reduce labour cost. 

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.

Karen Witts
Group Chief Financial Officer

26 November 2019

The Strategic Report, as set out on pages 1 to 63, has been 
approved by the Board.

On behalf of the Board

Alison Yapp
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

26 November 2019

40  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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.

Risk management is an essential element of business 
governance and, as set out in the Corporate Governance section, 
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.

RISK GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
The Group runs a formal risk management process, as part of 
which the Group’s Principal Risks (highlighted on pages 42 to 
45) are assessed and prioritised, with the Board having overall 
responsibility for risk management. 

Risks are reviewed by country and regional leadership teams on 
an ongoing basis and are assessed to identify and document 
corresponding mitigating actions. Risk updates form an integral 
part of periodic management reviews and are also reviewed by 
other members of the Group’s senior leadership and the Group’s 
Risk and Governance Committees. Additional reviews are 
performed by Group Internal Audit. This bottom up and top 
down approach provides awareness and agreement on key risks 
facing the Group. 

The Board reviews a Major Risk Assessment report, including 
principal risks and areas of emerging risks, which is formally 
reviewed twice a year.

OUR PRINCIPAL RISKS
The tables on pages 42 to 45 set out the principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the business at the date of this Report and 
any changes to the status of the risks since 2018. 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. 

There is still significant uncertainty about the potential 
withdrawal from the EU, the timeframe, the outcome of 
negotiations about future arrangements between the UK and the 
EU, and the period for which existing EU laws for member states 
continue to apply to the UK. The Board views the potential 
impact of Brexit as an integral part of its principal risks rather 
than as a stand-alone risk. 

We have identified a potential impact on our food supply chain in 
the UK relating to Brexit through potential increased import 
costs from weaker sterling, compounded by potential new 
import duties and tariffs, and on our labour force in the way of 
staff shortages and salary cost pressures.

In addition, whilst significant changes to produce standards and 
legislative requirements more generally are not anticipated in 
the short term, they could impact the Group if introduced in 
future. We are taking actions to assess and mitigate against any 
impact of Brexit, including engaging with key suppliers and 
wholesalers to identify Brexit readiness, stock levels, labour 
strategies and remediation plans. 

Where possible, we seek to absorb price increases through 
operational efficiencies, and cost indexation in our contracts 
also gives us the contractual right to review pricing with 
our clients. 

We are experiencing a challenging macroeconomic environment 
in some of our regions and as a result, we are taking prompt 
action to ensure that we have the right sized labour model for 
the future.

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. 

In accordance with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2016, 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 statements 
can be found on page 40 of the Strategic Report.

As a global business operating in countries and regions with 
diverse economic and political conditions, the Group’s 
operations and earnings may be adversely affected by political 
or economic instability, including instability caused by the 
implementation of the UK’s decision to exit the European Union 
(EU) (Brexit).

All risks disclosed in previous years can be found in the annual 
reports available on our website 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 42 to 45 on those risks that are currently 
considered to be more significant to the Group.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  41 

Strategic ReportPRINCIPAL RISKS

Risk and Trend

Description

Mitigation

All management meetings throughout the Group feature a 
health and safety update as one of their first substantive 
agenda items.

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.

A substantial refresh of the Group’s global safety standards 
and Supply Chain Integrity standards is ongoing and new 
Allergen Management Plans based on good practice are 
expected to be launched in 2020.

The Group aims to mitigate this risk by efficient, time critical 
resource management, mobilisation of existing, experienced 
employees within the organisation, improved use of 
technology such as apps and social media, and by offering 
training and development programmes.

HEALTH AND SAFETY 

Health and 
Safety 

2019 
2018 

Compass feeds millions of consumers and 
employs hundreds of thousands of people 
around the world every day. For that reason, 
setting the highest standards for food hygiene 
and safety is paramount.

Health and safety breaches could cause 
serious business interruption and could result 
in criminal and civil prosecution, increased 
costs and potential damage to our reputation.

PEOPLE

Recruitment

2019
2018

Failure to attract and recruit people with the 
right skills at all levels could limit the success 
of the Group. 

The Group faces resourcing challenges in 
some of its businesses due to a lack of 
industry experience amongst candidates and 
appropriately qualified people, and the 
seasonal nature of some of our business.

The risk in this area has increased due to the 
continued economic and political conditions 
where a combination of high employment 
and a shortage in the resource pool has made 
the labour market more competitive.

Retention 
and 
Motivation

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

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

The Group has a number of well established initiatives which 
help us to monitor the level of engagement and to respond to 
our people’s needs.

2019 
2018 

KEY

  Purpose 
People 
Performance 
  Increased risk 
  Static risk

42  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
Risk and Trend

Description

Mitigation

CLIENTS AND CONSUMERS

Sales and 
Retention

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

2019
2018

The potential loss of material client contracts in an 
increasingly competitive market is a risk to 
the business.

Bidding

2019 
2018

Service 
Delivery and 
Contractual 
Compliance 

2019 
2018

Competition 
and 
Disruption

2019 
2018 

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

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 the loss of 
business and/or claims.

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.

The emergence of new industry participants 
using disruptive technology could adversely 
affect our business.

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 or group of clients.

We are using technology to support the delivery of 
efficiencies and to contribute to growth through, for 
example, cashierless and cashless payment systems 
and the use of artificial intelligence. This benefits our 
clients and consumers and positively impacts retention 
and new business wins. 

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

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 aim to minimise this and to respond to new market 
and consumer food services trends by continuing to 
promote our differentiated propositions and by focusing 
on our strengths, such as flexibility in our cost base, 
quality, value of service and innovation.

We are using our knowledge and experience and 
continue to invest in technology which will help us to 
counter any potential risk and to capitalise on the 
opportunities created.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  43 

Strategic ReportPRINCIPAL RISKS (CONTINUED)

Risk and Trend

Description

Mitigation

ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

Economy

2019 
2018 

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

We are, as part of our strategy, always focused on 
productivity and purchasing initiatives which help us to 
manage our cost base. 

Continued worsening of economic conditions 
has increased the risk to the business in some 
jurisdictions, notably in Europe.

In more adverse conditions, we can, if necessary, take 
further radical action to reduce labour costs.

Cost Inflation

2019 
2018 

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.

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

Political 
Stability

2019 
2018 

Increases in inflation continue to intensify cost 
pressures in some locations.

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 decision 
to leave the EU.

We have identified a potential impact on our food 
supply chain in the UK relating to Brexit through 
potential increased import costs from weaker 
sterling, compounded by potential new import 
duties and tariffs, and on our labour force in the way 
of staff shortages and salary cost pressures.

Political instability around the world remains a risk 
as a result of geopolitical tensions.

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.

We are taking actions to assess and mitigate against any 
impact of Brexit, including engaging with key suppliers 
and wholesalers to identify Brexit readiness, stock levels, 
labour strategies and remediation plans.

Where possible, we seek to absorb price increases 
through operational efficiencies, and cost indexation in 
our contracts also gives us the contractual right to review 
pricing with our clients.

We are also working on our recruitment and retention 
strategies to mitigate any impact on our labour supply.

44  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Risk and Trend

Description

Mitigation

COMPLIANCE AND FRAUD

Compliance 
and Fraud

2019 
2018 

Ineffective compliance management with 
increasingly complex laws and regulations, or 
evidence of fraud, bribery and corruption 
could have an adverse effect on the Group’s 
reputation. It could also result in an adverse 
impact on the Group's performance, and a 
reduction in the Company's share price and/or 
a loss of business. 

A failure to manage these risks could 
adversely impact the Group's performance if 
significant financial penalties are levied or a 
criminal action or other litigation is brought 
against the Company or its directors.

International 
Tax

2019 
2018 

The international corporate tax environment 
remains complex and an increase in audit 
activity from tax authorities means that the 
potential for tax uncertainties and disputes 
remains high. 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

2019 
2018 

The digital world creates increasing risk for 
global businesses including, but not limited to, 
technology failures, loss of confidential data 
and damage to brand reputation through, for 
example, the increased and instantaneous 
use of social media.

Disruption caused by the failure of key 
software applications, security controls or 
underlying infrastructure could delay day 
to day operations and management 
decision making.

The use of sophisticated phishing and 
malware attacks on businesses has risen over 
the last year with an increase in the number 
of companies suffering operational disruption 
and loss of data. 

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 undertakes a robust risk management assessment 
that helps properly identify major risks and ensures the 
internal control framework remains effective through regular 
monitoring, testing and review. Emerging regulatory and 
compliance risks are included in this process to enable 
visibility and planning to address them.

A strong culture of integrity is promoted through our Ethics 
and Compliance programme and our Speak Up helpline. All 
alleged breaches of our Codes, including any allegations of 
fraud, are investigated and dealt with appropriately.

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

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 relevant laws and 
disclosure requirements.

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 continually assess our cyber risk and manage the maturity 
of our enterprise infrastructure, platforms and security 
controls to ensure we can effectively defend against any 
current or future cyber attacks.

We also have in place appropriate crisis management 
procedures to handle issues in the event of our defences 
being breached. This is supported by using industry 
standard tooling, experienced professionals and partners 
and regular compliance monitoring to evaluate and mitigate 
potential impacts. 

The Group relies on a variety of IT platforms to manage and 
deliver services and communicate with our clients, 
consumers, suppliers and employees. Our decentralised 
model and infrastructure helps to mitigate propagation of 
attacks across the Group's technology estate.

We continue to be focused on the need to maximise the 
effectiveness of our information systems and technology as a 
business enabler and have increased our investment in 
technology and people to strengthen our platforms and 
enhance our cyber security defences to mitigate the risk of 
technology failure and data loss.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  45 

Strategic Report46  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP 

Our people feel proud to work for Compass 
and want to do the best job they can. They 
know their contribution will be recognised  
and they will get opportunities to learn and 
grow through apprenticeships, on the job 
training, culinary sessions and leadership 
development programmes.

We have undertaken many initiatives in 
our markets to gain valuable insights into 
employee engagement and satisfaction.  
As a result, we have shared our commitment 
to help our people and offer even more 
opportunities for them to develop and 
progress their careers with us. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  47 

PEOPLE REPORT

Strengthening our people commitment

At Compass, our people are  
fundamental to the continued success  
of our business, and our desire to  
support and encourage them through  
global initiatives and investment is  
greater than ever.

DEVELOPING OUR UNIT MANAGERS
To provide the best service for our customers, we need to help our 
unit managers develop their own skills and grow the skills of their 
teams. This year, we launched our global unit manager 
development programme, Leadership in Action, which focuses on 
creating positive working environments in units and helping 
managers lead their teams even more effectively.

This is a global programme which is being delivered in every 
country in the Group. Since its launch in May 2019, around 
2,000 unit managers have participated in the two day face to face 
training programme in their home country and local language. 
By the end of next year, we anticipate that approximately 
10,000 unit managers will have attended the course, which 
represents around a quarter of the unit managers in Compass.

This programme makes a major contribution to the development 
of one of our key populations and further underpins our focus on 
people at all levels.

Robin Mills
Group Chief People Officer (to 25 November 2019)

During the last year we placed increasing focus and resources 
on those parts of our People agenda which we believe create the 
culture and leadership which gives us our competitive edge.

Our areas of focus remain recruiting and developing the very 
best leaders, having the most talented unit managers in our 
sector, and building engaging and inclusive environments in 
which every member of our team can be their best by being 
themselves at work.

We have continued to improve the quality of leadership in the 
business by raising the standards of assessment and onboarding 
of new entrants and promotees to our global leadership team. 
This ensures that only individuals of the highest calibre join our 
most senior leadership population. 

We remain committed to developing our teams and supporting 
their career progression through the business. We continue 
to enhance the diversity balance of our most senior teams, 
and have increased year on year the proportion of roles being 
filled by women.

48  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

THE COMPASS COMMITMENTS
As the competition for talent increases, particularly for the real 
heroes of our business, our front line teams, chefs and back of 
house colleagues, the experience our people have when working 
for us is vital. We wanted to make a commitment to every person 
in the business so that they understand what they can expect 
when working for Compass – a base line that guarantees them a 
positive experience.

Last year, we spent time understanding what was important to 
our people and what helped them to feel engaged and to give of 
their best. We compiled over 1,000 hours of conversation with 
our colleagues, their leaders and even family members speaking 
about the experiences which helped them to feel engaged and 
committed to Compass and those experiences which challenged 
them. We brought together the common themes and messages 
in order to create an engagement framework that would reflect 
what our people need and value.

This resulted in the launch of our three Compass Commitments:

Respect – we treat each other fairly and with respect

Growth – we have the opportunity to develop and progress 

Teamwork – we work as part of a positive and caring team

We have launched the Commitments in each country,  
translated into local languages, supported by local initiatives to 
bring them alive. To embed them in the business, the heart of 
the Leadership in Action programme is focused on enabling and 
empowering the attendees to create plans to bring these 
sentiments to life in their own units.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT SURVEY
We recognise that if we really want to make the Commitments a 
daily reality everywhere, we need to know where to focus and 
which parts of the business require more support. To provide us 
with this insight we launched our first global engagement survey 
for three years.

The survey is designed to track our people’s experience 
against the Commitments. Their responses enable us to create 
an action planning framework which will help us to deliver on 
the Commitments and ensure all our colleagues have a 
positive experience.

The results will be shared with all colleagues, and our managers  
will receive anonymised reports for their teams right down to 
unit level.

Survey statistics

41

Number  
of languages

258,258

Global  
participation 

4.1

Global engagement 
index score

84%

People who agreed 
that the Company 
embraces diversity 
and inclusion

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  49 

Strategic ReportPEOPLE REPORT (CONTINUED)

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Our work on diversity and inclusion goes from strength to 
strength. Our Group CEO, Dominic Blakemore, has set the tone 
from the top by incorporating diversity and inclusion as key 
priorities within our People agenda. Our diversity and inclusion 
strategy is set around a framework of three pillars: People, 
Culture and Community. These focus on our approach to 
managing our people, the inclusive culture we seek to create 
which enables all our people to thrive, and how we can leverage 
diversity and inclusion for wider impact in our communities. 

We have an ambition to achieve an improved diversity balance at 
senior leadership levels. In terms of gender balance, our 
progress continues to track positively as our statistics on gender 
balance set out below demonstrate.

Improving the balance of our leadership requires close attention 
to succession planning so we can build a balanced pipeline of 
talent for the future. Since the introduction of a policy which 
requires a more equal weighting of participants in our 
development curriculum, we have further increased the number 
of potential female leaders participating in programmes such as 
SPOTlights, our global programme for emerging talent. 

In March 2019, we signed the Women in Hospitality, Travel and 
Leisure 2020 charter and we are delighted to become a lead 
supporter of this initiative. 

COMPASS GROUP BOARD: FEMALE

2017

2018

2019

18%

27%

36%

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: FEMALE

11%

2017

2018

2019

25%

38%

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: FEMALE

2017

2018

2019

SENIOR MANAGEMENT2: FEMALE

2017

2018

2019

28%

30%

31%

24%

26%

27%

1.  The percentages disclosed for 2019 are stated as at 30 September 2019.
2.  Senior management is defined as our global leadership team and 

statutory directors of corporate entities whose financial information is 
consolidated in the Group’s accounts in this Annual Report. See page 
125 for more details.

50  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

PEOPLE
Our UK business has teamed up with Mumsnet, 
the UK’s largest network for parents, to launch a 
groundbreaking ‘Leadership Accelerator Programme’  
for maternity returners, focused on advancing women  
into leadership positions. 

CULTURE
In a number of our markets, such as Australia, Japan  
and the USA, we are proud of the employee action 
councils on diversity and inclusion (DIACs). These are 
groups of colleagues working together to advance our 
inclusion agenda.

COMMUNITY
We are passionate about our work in local communities. In 
Australia, we have partnered with local employment 
service providers to actively recruit people who identify as 
having a disability to support their development into 
careers in hospitality. 

We have been recognised for the progress we have made in 
diversity and inclusion this year. We became global diversity 
champions for Stonewall as we work to create an LGBT-inclusive 
workplace. And we are delighted that our business in the USA 
has been recognised in the Forbes 2019 list of Best Employers 
for Diversity. 

Under our Culture pillar, we have continued to focus on creating 
an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. We began our 
rollout of an unconscious bias training workshop, starting with 
the Executive Committee and cascading the session through a 
number of country leadership teams. During 2020, we will 
continue to roll out this training across the business. The 
importance of inclusion is also a core component of our 
Leadership in Action programme so we ensure a consistent 
message is heard across our business.

Incorporating a set of inclusion related questions into the 
engagement survey gives us the data to track our progress 
towards an ever more inclusive workplace. By combining core 
biographical details and answers to key questions related to 
inclusion, we will be able to identify locations where colleagues 
require more support to create more inclusive environments as 
well as those with great practices to share.

There is still much more to do, but as we continue to embed 
our strategy, we are confident that we are heading in the 
right direction.

 
OUR VALUES GUIDE OUR ACTIONS  
AND BEHAVIOURS

OPENNESS, TRUST AND INTEGRITY
We set the highest ethical and 
professional standards at all times. We 
want all our relationships to be based on 
honesty, respect, fairness and a 
commitment to open dialogue and 
transparency.

PASSION FOR QUALITY
We are passionate about delivering 
superior food and service and take pride 
in achieving this. We look to replicate 
success, learn from mistakes and develop 
the ideas, innovation and practices that 
will help us improve and lead our market.

WIN THROUGH TEAMWORK
We encourage individual ownership, but 
work as a team. We value the expertise, 
individuality and contribution of all 
colleagues, working in support of each 
other and readily sharing good practice in 
pursuit of shared goals.

RESPONSIBILITY
We take responsibility for our actions, 
individually and as a Group. Every day, 
everywhere we look to make a positive 
contribution to the health and wellbeing 
of our customers, the communities we 
work in and the world we live in.

CAN-DO SAFELY
We take a positive and commercially 
aware ‘can-do’ approach to the 
opportunities and challenges we face; we 
always put safety first in everything we do.

LOOKING AHEAD
Our organisational model remains unchanged. We keep roles 
clear and focus authority and accountability as close to the front 
line as possible, enabling and empowering our people to take 
responsibility for their own outcomes. 

We use some simple and common systems and a strong  
focus on values to help people to do the right things.

We continue to believe that our people and our culture  
provide our competitive edge, and that we must continue  
to invest and focus our energy on our colleagues, their 
leadership, skills and levels of engagement. By doing so,  
we will continue to create workplaces that people are attracted 
to join and love to be part of. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  51 

Ireena Vittal
Non-Executive Director 
Designated NED for workforce engagement

HOW DO THE VIEWS OF THE WORKFORCE  
HELP THE BOARD?
Our people are essential to the continued success of our 
business and we want them to have the opportunity to 
develop their careers and grow with us. Their day to day 
experience and understanding of the needs of our clients 
and consumers mean they are uniquely placed to help us 
identify opportunities and issues. Knowing how our 
workforce feels about key topics helps the Board remain 
connected to what’s important to them and to understand 
how we can best support their personal growth. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR WORKERS  
TO HAVE A VOICE?
Contributing to decisions is important for an individual’s 
wellbeing and motivation, especially if it can mean 
improving their experience at work. Having a voice also 
gives people the opportunity to make sure we know what 
matters most to them, use their skills and develop their 
experience to support job satisfaction. Everyone is a part 
of the business and it makes sense that everyone can 
contribute their views. 

HOW WILL YOU HELP RAISE THE VOICE  
OF EMPLOYEES IN COMPASS?
By making sure we engage with our people and ask them 
to give us feedback on the areas we know are key to our 
strategy. Knowing how our people feel and what they think 
about what we are doing will help us determine what 
adjustments we should consider making. We will do this in 
a structured way and in consideration of what our people 
care about most.

HOW DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE HELP YOU  
IN THIS NEW ROLE?
I have worked across many industry sectors and with 
global workforces and have been involved in solving a 
cross section of business and societal challenges. I’m 
delighted to be able to bring this experience to develop 
the engagement agenda at Compass. 

Strategic Report52  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

SOURCING RESPONSIBLY

Serving safe and nutritious meals for our 
clients and consumers requires a robust 
supply chain of trusted partners to source, 
produce and deliver ingredients and products 
against the exacting standards we set.

Our Global Supply Chain Integrity Standards 
provide us with a robust framework which 
drives consistency in the procurement of safe, 
legal and authentic food. In 2019, we 
simplified the standards to make them more 
user-friendly for our procurement teams.

We are working towards increasing the 
transparency of our supply chain, to identify 
potential risks and opportunities and thereby 
create more positive impacts for people, 
animals and the planet we share.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  53 

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

Our approach to corporate  
responsibility and sustainability

Last year, we launched our new sustainability 
strategy focusing around three key pillars: 
Health and wellbeing, Environmental game 
changers and Better for the world. 

Federico Tonetti
Group Safety and Sustainability Director

During 2019, we have worked closely with our clients, 
consumers and partners to deliver healthy, nutritious food, 
reduce food waste, raise awareness of healthy eating, advocate 
more responsible sourcing and much more. 

Compass Group supports the United Nations’ Sustainable 
Development Goals (UNSDGs) and our sustainability strategy is 
aligned with several of the goals. See pages 62 and 63 for further 
details on our commitment to the UNSDGs. 

We report to a number of sustainability indices including 
the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and the Carbon 
Disclosure Project. 

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
As a responsible business, we regularly engage with our 
stakeholders. We ensure that we stay up-to-date on issues that 
matter most to our different stakeholder groups, to us as a 
business, and to our industry. Our stakeholder groups include 
our clients, consumers, colleagues, suppliers and shareholders, 
as well as the communities in which we operate. We also engage 
with a number of not-for-profit organisations with expertise in 
different segments of the food supply chain.

We respect feedback from all our stakeholder groups and take 
their views into consideration in our decision-making processes. 

For more information about our engagement with our 
stakeholders, please see pages 16 and 17.

Visit our website at www.compass-group.com for more information about our approach to CR and sustainability 
Our 2019 Sustainability Report will be available online in early 2020

54  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

MATERIALITY ANALYSIS 
In 2019, we undertook a materiality assessment to establish 
which sustainability issues matter most to our stakeholders and 
the business. Through this assessment, we considered the 
importance of all environmental and social topics that could 
impact our business, directly or indirectly, and affect our ability 
to create value over the short, medium and long term. We also 
assessed material issues based on their relevance to our 
strategic plans and objectives. Assessing their importance and 
impact provides a guide to strategically managing the risks and 
opportunities they represent. 

We engaged third party experts to support our assessment, 
analysing internal and external information and gathering 
thousands of data points. The data used was wide ranging 
and included:

•  a review of key client and supplier sustainability strategies 
•  study of relevant NGO and academic reports
•  analysis of various relevant responsible business benchmarks
•  engaging with hundreds of our colleagues, including 

senior leadership

•  reviewing our existing policies, programmes and practices 

As a result of this process, we identified our most important 
issues, as shown in the materiality matrix below.

The top seven priority issues identified are:

•  the safety of the food we serve and of our people 
•  the communities in which we operate, charities we work with 

and partnerships we form 

•  food waste
•  single-use plastics
•  the treatment and wellbeing of our people
•  talent attraction and development
•  nutrition and healthy lifestyle

Some issues like food waste, safety and talent attraction  
were universally recognised as being of the highest importance. 
Other topics, like single-use plastics and promoting fruit  
and vegetable consumption, were more important in some 
markets than others. You will find more information in the 
following pages and in our 2019 Sustainability Report,  
at www.compass-group.com. 

Medium 
impact

Lower 
impact

Higher 
impact

Energy 
Use

Sourcing 
Responsibly

Supply Chain 
Integrity

Human 
Rights

Climate 
Adaptation

Water

l

r
e
d
o
h
e
k
a
t
s
o
t
e
c
n
a
t
r
o
p
m

I

Local 
Communities

Single-Use 
Plastics

Food Waste

Food & People 
Safety

Employee 
Health

Diversity and 
Inclusion

Nutrition

Talent Attraction/
Development

Healthy 
Lifestyle

Mental 
Health

Plant 
forward

Packaging

Biodiversity

Importance to Compass Group

People

Safety

Health and Wellbeing

Better for the World

Environment

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  55 

Strategic Report 
 
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY (CONTINUED)

Our sustainability strategy

Knowing where our business can have the biggest impact and 
taking account of what matters most to our stakeholders, 
alongside industry trends, is important to us. Last year, we 
formulated our sustainability strategy. In 2019, we reviewed and 
confirmed this using our materiality analysis.

We centre our strategy on three key pillars: 

•  Health and Wellbeing – helping people to make better  
nutrition choices, follow healthier lifestyles and support  
good mental health

•  Environmental Game Changers – reducing food waste and 
single-use plastics, and promoting plant-forward meals 
•  Better for the World – sourcing responsibly, enriching local 

communities and collaborating for big change

None of this work would be possible without our people and 
prioritising safety. That is why Safety and People come first, 
underpinning the foundations of our strategy. 

For our People report, see pages 46 to 51. 

SUSTAINABILITY PRIORITIES

HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Nutrition, health and happiness  
at the heart of our value proposition

ENVIRONMENTAL GAME CHANGERS
Targeted action where we can make  
an enhanced impact

BETTER FOR THE WORLD
Driving positive impact far  
beyond our business

Better nutrition choices

Food waste

Sourcing responsibly

Mental health

Single-use plastics

Enriching local communities

Healthy lifestyle

Plant-forward meals

Collaborating for big change

SAFETY CULTURE 
Turning safety from compliance  
to caring for each other

Safety leadership

Sharing learning

Simplification

56  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

SAFETY CULTURE
Having a culture where safety is 

treated as a value is fundamental to our 
success. Our people serve millions of 
consumers every day, and we work hard to 
keep everyone safe

We believe that caring for ourselves and each other is what will 
drive us to further improve our global performance in both 
personal and food safety.

We take the utmost care to reduce the risk of incidents and 
injuries in the working environment, and to make sure that we 
maintain the highest standards of food hygiene and safety.

Personal safety
Over the last year, we have moved further towards a 
collaborative model, creating a stronger safety culture. We 
wanted to remind our people of the reasons why it is important 
to stay safe: that their family, friends, colleagues and community 
rely on them.

Our new See, Care, Share programme encourages 
interdependence (as defined by the Bradley curve), meaning our 
people are genuinely invested in keeping themselves and others 
safe. We also encouraged our leaders to share the lessons 
learned from any safety incidents. Using real examples, our 
leaders can help to make a human connection and remind 
people of just how important safety is. Our people are taking 
greater personal accountability for worker safety and food safety 
practices, not because someone else is telling them to but 
because they care about each other.

Sadly, during the year there were two fatalities in the Group, an 
incident in our South African business and a road traffic 
accident in our USA business. In each instance, a full 
investigation was conducted and the outcome reported to the 
directors and senior executives.

GLOBAL LOST TIME 
INCIDENT FREQUENCY 
RATE

-38%

(since 2015)

GLOBAL LOST  
TIME INCIDENTS

-33% 

(since 2015)

0
0
1
4

,

7
6
1
4

,

8
2
5
3

,

3
7
9
2

,

6
6
6
6
7
7
2
2

,
,

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Food safety
Over the last year, we have further developed and simplified 
our processes, making it easier for our procurement and front 
line teams to understand the standards we expect them to 
meet. In 2020, we will be launching a newly updated and more 
user-friendly version of our Global Supply Chain Integrity 
Standards, as well as launching our first Global Allergen 
Management Plan, which will detail minimum standards for all 
our countries to adopt from farm to fork, to reduce the risk of 
consumer allergic reactions. 

By embracing partnerships and technology solutions, we have 
continued to invest in both simplifying and improving our 
operational food safety management systems around the world. 
For example, through our Primary Authority partnership 
arrangement in the UK with Luton Borough Council 
Environmental Health Department, we have redesigned our food 
safety management and upgraded the key policies and 
procedures that underpin it. In Canada, we have partnered with 
Food Allergy Canada (a non-profit consumer advocate) to ensure 
our allergen management programme continues to embrace 
industry leading practices. Our Canadian business has also 
introduced several new technology based systems including 
automated monitoring and alarms for cold chain management, 
electronic HACCP monitoring, improved associate education 
programmes, product recall effectiveness tracking, internal 
self-audits, incident investigations and crisis management.

GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY  
INCIDENT RATE

GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY  
INCIDENTS

-35%

(since 2015)

-18%

(since 2015)

9
4
7
1

,

8
8
7
1

,

4
8
6
1

,

3
7
4
1

,

9
9
3
3
4
4
1
1

,
,

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Sharing learning
Our health and safety experts all around the world are often 
dealing with similar issues. During the year we held two safety 
summits for our leaders to come together to collaborate and 
support each other. Key priorities for our safety agenda were 
discussed and the strategic direction set alongside the creation 
of a library of resources. 

We also leverage technology to make our knowledge 
management more effective across the Group.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  57 

Strategic ReportCORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY (CONTINUED)

HEALTH AND WELLBEING 
Helping our consumers eat and live 
well is key to our social purpose 

With our scale and scope we can help consumers make 
healthier choices. We have a large team of nutritionists and 
dieticians who continually work with clients and consumers 
across various geographies to ensure we serve healthy options 
and encourage healthier lifestyles. 

Better nutrition choices
Our teams work hard to improve the culinary offer by responding 
to consumer feedback as well as running pilots, ad hoc research 
and teaching kitchens on nutrition. For example, we conducted 
a study in a school in the UK to improve take up of healthy 
options through messaging and investigated the use of choice 
architecture or ‘nudges’ of behaviour to encourage students to 
make the healthier choice. Raising awareness of healthy eating 
resulted in a 25% increase in the uptake of oily fish. 

In India, our Stealth Health programme has replaced over 
70 customers’ favourites with healthier – yet still delicious – 
alternatives (for example using complex carbohydrates instead 
of white rice). In Germany, we introduced a new range of no 
sugar and no sweetener desserts, using natural ingredients like 
fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt and vegan alternatives, and 
superfoods like chia, quinoa and goji berries. Similarly, in 
Denmark we introduced small, plated portions in our 
unrestricted buffets, which in some cases led to a 50% decrease 
in quantities consumed. 

Healthy lifestyle 
In 2019, we introduced further initiatives to promote 
healthy lifestyles. 

For example, in the UK, our Nourished Life website  
(www.nourishedlife.co.uk) and related social media channels 
offer tips for healthier living, including better sleep, recipes, 
and an ‘ask our experts’ column. This website won Footprint 
Media’s Health & Vitality Honours Award for Communication 
and Engagement. 

In the Netherlands, our 360 Lifestyle digital platform provides 
advice from experts in the fields of nutrition, lifestyle, mind and 
sport. This helps people to understand the nutritional values of 
the products in our restaurants, as well as how to prepare 
healthy meals at home, and live healthier lives.

We also help our clients to introduce healthy living programmes 
into their operations. For example, in January 2019, at a large 
insurance company client in North America, Eurest launched  
its first certified Wellness Center for Excellence. The team 
promote wellness programmes and new, healthy food options 
each month.

Mental health
We believe that protecting the mental health of employees 
should be a priority for all responsible businesses. Our goal is to 
provide supportive and understanding work environments for 
our people, helping them to identify and address stress, anxiety 
and depression. 

In 2019, we launched four pilots (three in the UK and one in 
Australia) with Medibio, the first data driven, biometric, mental 
health monitoring and management programme in the world. 
The results so far have been encouraging in helping our people 
manage their mental health proactively and we are planning 
more pilots during 2020. 

In the UK, we sponsor a mental health awareness magazine 
called MindSet, which is available in print and online, offering 
advice, signposting and support covering a range of mental 
health issues.

Compass Australia won the Mines and Metals Association Mental 
Health Award 2019 for its continuing efforts in mental health, 
such as its awareness and listening campaign #gotyourback. 

In Canada, we launched Just Now, a mental health programme 
designed to raise awareness and help break the stigma of talking 
about mental illness. The initiative includes mental health first 
aid training, comprising a toolkit of resources, and a support 
programme for our people and their families who may be 
impacted. In addition, our Thinking Ahead, Giving Back 
programme in Canada provides 10,000 hours of community 
support, helping students to deal with mental health issues, 
depression and bullying. 

58  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

ENVIRONMENTAL GAME CHANGERS
As a leading food service business, 
we focus on where we can have the 
biggest positive impact on the global food 
system and the environment 

Food waste
According to the United Nations, each year, an estimated 
one third of all food produced ends up going to waste. That is 
equivalent to 1.3 billion tonnes, worth around $1 trillion. We fully 
support UNSDG 12.3 to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. 

We work with a number of food waste measurement and 
reduction systems around the world to raise awareness, change 
behaviour and monitor our ability to reduce food waste. We have 
a three-pronged approach to reducing food waste: 

•  reducing the amount of unsold/uneaten food 
•  inspiring consumers to waste less (through Stop Food 

Waste Day)

•  diverting food waste from landfill, for example through 
repurposing or donating surplus food to people in need 

We are cutting waste in our restaurants by improving the 
efficiency of how we order food, making use of every bit of an 
ingredient in the kitchen and repurposing unused food into new 
dishes. We challenge our teams to plan, forecast and purchase 
effectively to prevent wastage.

In Norway, we undertook a study to analyse hospitality waste, 
the results of which have been used across the Nordics to 
further reduce food waste. In Germany, we are working with 
United Against Waste to assess and analyse sites’ food waste to 
reduce it on a site by site basis. Across a number of our 
countries, including the UK, Netherlands and China, we use 
Winnow technology to measure, monitor and reduce food waste 
across large sites. In Turkey, we have found that by giving 
consumers the ability to choose portion sizes we have been able 
to cut food waste by between 6% and 20% at some restaurants.

Stop Food Waste Day 
In 2017, in the USA we sought to raise awareness of the food 
waste crisis by creating a day of action, Stop Food Waste Day. It 
has now become an annual global event. 

The aim is to inspire our people and consumers to reduce waste 
in both professional and home kitchens by raising awareness 
and providing straight-forward solutions. In 2019, millions of 
zero-food-waste meals were served on the day throughout 
Compass cafés in hospitals, schools, arenas, corporations, 
museums, and senior living communities in 38 countries. Live 
cooking demonstrations and interactive educational campaigns 
inspired millions more to join in. Our social media campaign, 

using the hashtag #stopfoodwasteday, reached an audience of 
89 million in 100 countries. Media coverage reached a potential 
audience of a further 140 million.

Food recovery and repurpose 
We engage with food redistribution groups, including online 
communities and via apps as well as local charities, to help our 
sites donate surplus food. In the UK, for example, our 
distribution centres have been donating surplus food that is 
within date and fit for consumption to FareShare since 2014. 
In the USA, we work with Chefs to End Hunger, donating surplus 
food across a number of sites to those in need. Furthermore, 
across some of our European countries we use technology 
driven solutions such as the app Too Good to Go, to sell surplus 
food that would otherwise be thrown away directly to consumers 
at a discount. 

Our brands take steps to recover and avoid food waste. 
For example, in Argentina, our Outtakes convenience stores and 
coffee carts offer consumers free coffee grounds for use in 
their gardens.

Single-use plastics
Effective packaging is crucial for our industry. It enables us to 
store food safely, keep it fresh and reduce food waste. However, 
we recognise that the prevalence of single-use plastics is a 
huge, global issue and one which our stakeholders care very 
deeply about. This is why we are taking steps to reduce its use 
in our operations.

We are working directly with our clients, procurement 
teams and suppliers to help reduce our use of disposable 
plastic items. This is helping to ensure that fewer single-use 
plastics are being used, replacing them with reusable or 
biodegradable alternatives. 

In some sites, we distribute reusable containers such as  
coffee mugs and lunch boxes, thus reducing plastic cups  
and boxes from sites. In Brazil, for example, giving our people 
their own mug led to a 60% reduction in disposable cup use; 
similarly, Compass Turkey replaced 95% of non-recyclable 
cardboard cups with reusable glassware in only seven months. 

The UK & Ireland business is a key partner of the charity The 
Waste and Resources Action Programme and, together with 
multinational businesses, governments and charities, has 
committed to the UK Plastics Pact to reduce plastics use in the 
UK. Commitments include eliminating unnecessary single-use 
packaging, increasing recycling and improving reusability 
of packaging. 

In October 2019, the UK Business won the Best Waste 
Prevention Project Award (Food) at Footprint’s waste2zero 
Awards for our work raising awareness of how to tackle single-
use plastics. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  59 

Strategic ReportCORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY (CONTINUED)

Plant-forward meals
Eating less meat is good for our bodies and the planet. Over the 
last year we have responded to the growing consumer demand 
for flexitarian and vegan lifestyles with many plant-based options 
in our restaurants. 

In January 2019, the scientific journal The Lancet 
published a report in conjunction with the EAT 
Forum about a recommended diet for a 
sustainable planet. 

With analysis and recommendations on how to eat for a 
sustainable planet which aligns with our plant-forward focus, 
Compass has partnered with the EAT Forum to promote the 
sustainable planet diet across our business. Many of our chefs 
and kitchens provide a multitude of plant-forward meals, and 
have witnessed increasing consumer satisfaction and high 
uptake of plant-based options. 

In Canada, we have announced an exclusive national 
partnership with a popular vegan restaurant chain, Copper 
Branch. We plan to open up to 50 Copper Branch locations 
across the country over the next 10 years.

We are helping clients to incorporate plant-forward meals into 
their menus. Argentina joined the ‘Veg Revolution’ for example, 
and a new menu has been added once a week at the majority of 
our client sites. In Portugal, our award-winning Choose Beans 
campaign in Eurest restaurants led to a 27% increase in legumes 
consumption in only one year. 

Climate change and environmental impact 
In addition to seeking to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 
reducing food waste and encouraging people to eat plant-based 
meals, in February 2019, we committed to setting a Science 
Based Target to reduce the carbon footprint of our direct 
operations, in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global 
warming to 1.5 degrees. Building on work done in previous 
years, we will be setting these targets across the Group over 
the coming year. 

As well as monitoring energy usage in our offices and working 
closely with clients to improve energy efficiency at their sites, 
we implement environmental management systems to reduce 
our impact on the environment, including water conservation. 

10

8

6

4

2

0

One such tool used in our US business is Carbon Foodprint, 
helping our units reduce their carbon emissions, water use and 
wastage. The tool works through smart analysis and 
recommending switches such as swapping in ingredients with 
lower carbon footprints and changing taps from high flow to low 
flow, to save water. In some of our restaurants in the Nordics, 
we calculate the carbon footprint of each meal and provide 
that information to our consumers to help them make 
informed choices.

2019 was the first year of collecting sustainability data in a newly 
launched system from countries which constitute 96% of the 
Group’s revenue. This data gives us greater visibility on our 
sustainability performance, including carbon emissions; we will 
be communicating our targets and actions in due course. Over 
2019, we expanded significantly the number and type of sites 
reporting greenhouse gas emissions to more closely reflect our 
operations. This means our emissions from 2018 and 2019 are 
not on a like-for-like basis. The majority of our Scope 1 emissions 
are from vehicles within our operating fleets. The change in our 
Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from 2018 to 2019 can 
be explained by:

•  a significant increase in the number of sites reporting to now 
include all head and regional offices as well as new site types 
of warehouses, central processing kitchens and laundries within 
the reporting countries. These sites were previously out of scope 
and typically have higher carbon emissions than offices, the only 
site type previously reported

•  an increase in the number of countries reporting on their 

emissions from 20 to 25

GREENHOUSE GAS  
INTENSITY RATIO 

1
1
9
9

.
.

7
6

.

7
6

.

0
6

.

3
6

.

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Compass Group’s disclosure in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic and Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2013 
is stated in the table below and is incorporated in the Directors’ Report by reference on pages 78 and 125:

Global GHG emissions for the period  
1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019
Combustion of fuel & operation of facilities (Scope 1)
Electricity, heat, steam and cooling purchased for own 
use (Scope 2 – location based)
Total Scope 1+2
Emissions intensity per £M revenue

Unit
Tonnes (t) CO2e

2018-2019 
Current reporting year*
174,627 

tCO2e
tCO2e
tCO2e/£M

45,875 
220,502 
9.1 

2017-2018  
Previous year
129,516

8,095
137,611
6.3

 * In 2019, we increased the scope and changed the data collection and estimation methodology of reporting.

This year, we conducted a thorough review of our Scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint following our commitment to set best-in-
class Science Based carbon reduction targets aligned to the Science Based Target initiative criteria. This has led us to expand 
our reporting boundary of greenhouse gas emissions to more closely reflect our operations. Our GHG emissions calculations 
are based on the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (revised edition). Applying an operational 
control approach, we have identified relevant activity data for Scope 1 and 2 emissions and have used the location based 
Scope 2 calculation method. The majority of our Scope 1 emissions are from vehicles within our operating fleets. Our Scope 1 
and 2 emissions have been verified by an independent carbon consultant.

60  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

BETTER FOR THE WORLD 
We leverage our scale and scope to 
make a positive contribution on a 

global level, working with thousands of local 
communities and suppliers, and hundreds of 
partners around the world

Our priority is to ensure we partner with known suppliers who 
meet our high standards of food quality, animal welfare, 
sustainability and ethical trade. Our global supply chain integrity 
requirements ensure that we work only with suppliers who share 
our values. Our Code of Business Conduct, available on our 
website, outlines what we expect of all of our partners. 

Animal welfare
All of our operations around the world are aiming to source 
100% cage-free shell eggs and liquid egg products by 2025. In 
our US business over the last year, 40% of our total egg 
purchase (both shell and liquid) was certified cage free. 

We have been assessed by the Business Benchmark on Farm 
Animal Welfare (BBFAW) since its inception in 2012. In 2019, 
we are pleased to have maintained our Tier 3 ranking. 

In 2019, we signed up to the 2026 European Chicken 
Commitment of higher welfare standards for 100% of the 
chicken meat we source for Europe, following a similar 
commitment by our US business in 2016.

Deforestation
We know that sourcing particular foods can impact on 
deforestation and desertification of the planet. We are 
committed to preventing this and actively seek to reduce our 
sourcing of products such as soy or beef that contribute to this, 
such as those from the Amazon biome. We are active members 
of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and the Round Table 
on Responsible Soy. 

Our goal is for palm oil used to prepare food in our kitchens to be 
100% certified sustainable from physical sources by 2022.

Marine conservation 
We want to play our part in improving the health of the 
oceans and are increasingly buying more responsibly sourced 
fish. Our commitment is to buy 50% certified sustainable 
seafood by 2020. For 17 years, our business in the USA has 
partnered with Monterey Bay Aquarium on Seafood Watch to 
increase our serving of sustainable seafood. In the last financial 
year, 42% of seafood purchased within our top 25 countries 
was certified from sustainable sources. In Sweden, all our 
restaurants are certified to Marine Stewardship 
Council standards. 

Enriching local communities
Our business success would not be possible without the support 
we receive from our local communities across the world. We 
want to continue giving back to these communities. We do this 
by partnering with market-based charities and getting involved 
with projects and initiatives that benefit the local area. 

For example, in Australia we work with indigenous owned and 
operated businesses, and have been actively increasing the 
number of these suppliers and the amount we purchase from 
them; in 2018, we increased spend by 30%. In Canada, we 
launched our Buy Local programme in 650 education campuses 
and schools across the country. The programme offers quality-
assured, fresh, locally sourced food from community-based, 
local vendors. 

Compass Colombia has been promoting prosperity in post-
conflict zones by partnering with charities including Prodeco and 
Vital Corporation to work closely with local producers. Buying 
more locally and through cooperatives allows the farms to 
produce on demand rather than with seasonality, reducing food 
waste and enabling access to collaborative tools to improve their 
operations, as well as helping enhance the local economy.

In Denmark, our cafeterias have been cooking hot meals  
for homeless people. We partner with the Disability Employment 
Service in Australia to offer jobs to those less able bodied. 
Working with a large financial services client we launched a 
Redemption Roasters unit in the UK, to help rehabilitate 
ex-offenders. 

For several years, Eurest in Norway have collaborated with 
The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration to hire 
people who have been left out of the labour market. Through a 
trainee programme, the candidates get to test and develop their 
skills in several different professions to find the right job match 
for their future. 

Collaborating for big change
As the biggest player in our industry, we have the expertise to 
help shape positive change on food focused issues. And, as a 
global business, we recognise the vital importance of working 
together with our clients, suppliers and other stakeholders to 
find solutions to these challenges.

We have been active for a number of years in helping to raise 
animal welfare standards. With the Global Coalition for Animal 
Welfare (GCAW), of which we are a founding member, we are 
meeting consumer demand for better care for animals. With 
Compassion in World Farming, we are playing a role in protecting 
and improving farm animal welfare standards across the globe. 

We are also signing up to innovative partnerships like the Ellen 
MacArthur Foundation’s Food Initiative. Launched in June 2019, 
this aims to ignite a global shift towards a regenerative food 
system based on the principles of a circular economy. Starting 
with the flagship cities of New York, London and São Paulo, we 
will be piloting circular principles in select locations and working 
with suppliers to help move towards a more circular food system. 

As a core partner of the EAT Forum which is helping to transition 
to a sustainable food system, we are launching pilots to assess, 
analyse and improve the carbon footprint of the dishes served to 
consumers in some of our sites. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  61 

Strategic ReportCORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY (CONTINUED)

  Sustainable Development Goal & Indicator

Our Contribution 

  2.1 End hunger and ensure access to safe, 

nutritious and sufficient food 

2.4 Ensure sustainable food production and 
resilient agriculture

Every year, we spend around £6 billion on food. Where we have surplus 
food, we can play a role in helping the wider community to tackle food 
insecurity through donation programmes. Through initiatives like Farm to 
Fork in the USA, and Buy Social Corporate in the UK, we promote local 
sourcing and positive agricultural practices.

  3.4 Reduce premature mortality through 
prevention and treatment and promote 
mental health and wellbeing

  5.5 Ensure women’s full and effective 

participation and equal opportunities for 
leadership at all levels of decision making

By pursuing our passion for wellbeing and nutrition, through projects 
around healthy eating and mental health such as teaching kitchens, 
awareness raising and mental health first-aid training, we are committed to 
helping and supporting our consumers and colleagues to adopt and enjoy a 
balanced lifestyle. 

Women are a driving force in our business. We aim to empower all our 
female colleagues, promote women-led suppliers and run many women’s 
development and training schemes. We are a lead supporter of WiH2020, a 
cross-industry initiative dedicated to increasing women’s representation in 
leadership positions across the hospitality, travel and leisure sectors. 

  8.5 Achieve full and productive employment 
and decent work for all women and men, 
including for young people and persons 
with disabilities, and equal pay for work of 
equal value

Our people are fundamental to our great service and reputation. Around the 
world we are working with local communities to offer fair and safe 
employment and great career opportunities. We run diversity and inclusion 
action councils and many programmes to promote work for all. We work 
with our operations and suppliers to address human rights and modern 
slavery risks and conduct audits and provide training. 

8.7 Take active measures to eradicate 
forced labour, end modern slavery and 
human trafficking and end child labour in all 
its forms

8.8 Protect labour rights and promote 
safe and secure working environments for 
all workers

62  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
  Sustainable Development Goal & Indicator

Our Contribution 

  12.3 Halve per capita global food waste  

by 2030 

We are committed to halving food waste by 2030 and are actively reducing 
waste through measurement and targeted actions across all regions. 

12.5 Reduce waste generation through 
prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse 

12.6 Adopt sustainable practices and 
integrate sustainability information 
into reporting

Through environmental management systems at client sites, as well as 
education and toolkits, we encourage environmental stewardship and 
waste reduction through prevention, recycling and reuse. In 2019, we 
launched a comprehensive sustainability reporting system gathering 
thousands of data points across our business to measure and report on our 
sustainability efforts. 

  13.3 Improve capacity on climate change 

mitigation, adaptation and impact reduction

In 2019, we committed to setting Science Based Targets to do our part in 
limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. 

  14.1 Prevent and reduce marine pollution

14.C Enhance the conservation 
and sustainable use of oceans and 
their resources

Through reducing food waste and increasing plant-based diets we are 
helping reduce our indirect (Scope 3) greenhouse gas emissions to help 
limit global warming and address climate change.

We are committed to reducing single-use plastics across our business 
which can end up in waterways. We have taken great strides in this area, 
already removing millions of plastic straws, cutlery and more.

We continue to promote sustainable and responsibly sourced seafood and 
have a growing number of restaurants certified sustainable by the Marine 
Stewardship Council. Our policy is not to serve fish from the Marine 
Conservation Society ‘fish to avoid’ list.

  15.1 Ensure the sustainable use of terrestrial 

and inland freshwater ecosystems 

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

15.2 Promote the implementation of 
sustainable management of all types of 
forests, halt deforestation

Through our membership of the Round Table on Responsible Soy and the 
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and increasing our purchase of 
certified sustainable palm oil, we aim to halt deforestation and promote 
responsible environmental practices throughout our supply chain.

  17.16 Enhance the global partnership for 

sustainable development, complemented by 
multi stakeholder partnerships that mobilise 
and share knowledge, expertise, technology 
and financial resources, to support the 
achievement of the goals 

As a global business, we recognise the importance of working in partnership 
with our clients, suppliers, NGOs and other stakeholders to improve the 
positive contribution that we can make to help address some of the biggest 
issues that we face in the 21st century. In 2019, we signed a global 
partnership with the EAT Forum and we are working with the Ellen 
MacArthur Foundation to help promote sustainable diets and a circular 
economy for food. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  63 

Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
TBU

64  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Governance and 
Directors’ Report

66 Chairman’s letter
68 Board of Directors
72 Corporate Governance
82 Audit Committee report
90 Corporate Responsibility Committee report
94 Nomination Committee report
98 Directors’ Remuneration report
122 Other statutory disclosures

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  65 

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

Maintaining high standards of  
corporate governance

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present Compass 
Group PLC’s Corporate Governance Report for the financial 
year ended 30 September 2019.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW
It has been a year of wide ranging change for UK corporate 
governance. There is a renewed focus on corporate culture 
which is evidenced by the breadth and complexity of reporting 
requirements. The purpose of companies and their place in 
society is being redefined with a clear mandate for boards to be 
more transparent about how companies conduct their business, 
interact with their stakeholders and take their views into 
consideration when formulating strategy.

Governance review
During the year, a governance review working group, headed by 
the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, was 
established. The purpose of this multi-disciplinary team was to 
consider the regulatory and other governance changes being 
introduced, including those set out in the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the 2018 Code) which will apply to Compass 
from the financial year ending 30 September 2020, and to make 
recommendations to the Board for adoption, in order to ensure 
that the Company is compliant at the appropriate time.

As part of this exercise, brief details of which can be found on 
page 79, we refreshed the schedule of matters reserved for the 
Board and the terms of reference of the principal committees. 
In doing so, we consulted with internal and external 
stakeholders, taking care to ensure the documents were  
aligned with the 2018 Code and the directors’ duties under 
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). 

As a Board, we are responsible for setting the ‘tone from the top’ 
and for championing a healthy, responsible corporate culture 
which promotes the long term sustainable success of the 
Company for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. 

Culture and values
Our corporate culture defines who we are, what we stand for and 
how we do business. Compass’ history and its culture have been 
founded on the principle that strong governance makes sound 
business sense. Our good reputation has been built on our 
resolve to maintain the highest ethical and professional 
standards at all times, underpinned by a well-defined and 
effective system of governance. 

As a services business, our people are our greatest asset and we 
recognise and understand the value of recruiting and developing 
the best people. By living our values, our people differentiate us 
from our competitors, helping us to attract new business and 
retain our existing clients. It is therefore important that all of our 
people understand the importance of our values and the role 
they play in our distinctive, delivery focused culture.

Paul Walsh
Chairman

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board manages the business of the Company and 
sets the Group’s values and standards. It ensures that the 
Company acts ethically and that its obligations to its 
stakeholders are understood and met.

The Board has a formal schedule of matters reserved for 
its decision. For more details see page 74. However, the 
Board’s primary role remains to provide entrepreneurial 
leadership and to review the overall strategic development 
of the Group. It has delegated day to day operational 
decisions to the Executive Committee, that is supported 
by country and regional management teams which are 
responsible for achieving agreed targets, maintaining 
budgetary controls and implementing policies and 
controls at country and business unit level.

MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE
Member 
since
Jan 2014
Jun 2014
Jun 2011
Feb 2012 
May 2016
Sep 2018
Jan 2007
Jul 2018
Jul 2015
Dec 2015
Jul 2015
Apr 2019

Member
Paul Walsh
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Dominic Blakemore
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Gary Green
Anne-Francoise Nesmes
Nelson Silva
Johnny Thomson2
Ireena Vittal
Karen Witts3

Eligible
to attend1
6 
6 
6 
6
6
6
6
6
6
1  
6
3

Meetings 
attended 
6 
6 
6
6
6
6
6
6
6 
1
6
3

1.  The maximum number of meetings that a member was eligible 

to attend.

2.  Stepped down from the Board and its committees on 

31 December 2018. 

3.  Appointed to the Board and its committees on 8 April 2019.

66  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Throughout the year, we continued to invest time and resources 
communicating with our people, designing programmes to 
educate and encourage the highest standards of conduct. This 
reflects our vision to be a world class provider of food services, 
renowned for our great people, great service and great results. 
These efforts are underpinned by our Codes of Business 
Conduct and Ethics.

by Karen Witts who joined the Company as Group Chief Financial 
Officer (Group CFO) on 8 April 2019. During the intervening 
period, Palmer Brown, a seasoned executive in the Group’s 
North American business, acted on an interim basis, but was not 
appointed to the Board. On behalf of my colleagues, I would like 
to thank Palmer for his support and to welcome Karen in her new 
role at Compass.

Stakeholder engagement
We remain committed to building on our existing legacy of strong 
governance in support of our corporate performance and social 
purpose so that we continue to benefit from the confidence and 
support of our shareholders.

We have a global and diverse community of stakeholders that 
includes clients, consumers, employees, suppliers and 
shareholders as well as the communities in which we operate. 
We respect the views of all our stakeholders and seek to engage 
with them and take their feedback into account, incorporating it 
where we can, to help inform our decision making processes. 
More details of how we engage with our stakeholders can be 
found on pages 16 and 17 and page 80.

During the year, we actively sought to engage with a number 
of our shareholders who had voted against the re-election of 
Ireena Vittal at the Company’s AGM on 7 February 2019. The 
dialogue was initiated to better understand voting decisions 
around perceived overboarding in respect of Mrs Vittal’s other 
non-executive directorships. 

The Board carefully considered their views; however we strongly 
believe that Mrs Vittal has been, and continues to be, an 
effective independent non-executive director for Compass 
Group PLC, who brings a breadth of knowledge, skills, cultural 
and personal experiences combined with a unique perspective, 
which is beneficial in boardroom debates. We believe that 
Ireena’s other mandates on four Indian boards are significantly 
less onerous than those of UK companies on the basis that they 
hold fewer meetings in each case and the majority of meeting 
sets are concluded within a single day. We are satisfied with her 
attendance and believe that she devotes appropriate time to her 
role at Compass, bringing valuable insights to our debates and 
contributing to Board diversity. 

As a measure of our confidence in Mrs Vittal, she has been 
chosen to perform the role of designated Non-Executive Director 
for workforce engagement to help us better understand the 
views of our workforce. Ireena will undertake the role for  
a period of two years from 1 October 2019 and, at the end of 
that term, will be succeeded by one of her non-executive 
colleagues. More details of this initiative can be found on  
page 51. 

Succession Planning and diversity
Succession planning continues to be an area of focus for the 
Board and the Nomination Committee and we are pleased with 
the progress of the Group’s diversity and inclusion agenda. We 
recognise that the Board sets the tone for diversity across the 
Group and that it is important that we should have a diverse 
leadership to support good decision making. The appointment of 
Karen Witts during the year increased female representation on 
the Board to 36%. The Board supports the targets set by the 
Hampton-Alexander Review with regard to gender diversity. 
These will continue to be considered in the succession planning 
process and we are confident that initiatives taking place across 
Compass to help identify the leaders of the future will lead to 
greater diversity within our senior management. We have 
continued to strengthen our approach to talent management 
and succession planning at a senior level, more details of which 
can be found in the People Report on pages 46 to 51. This is a 
subject which continues to command the Board’s full attention 
and it is reflected in the appointments that were made to  
the Executive Committee during the course of the year. 
Biographies of the Executive Committee members can be  
found on pages 24 and 25. 

We will continue to assess Board and senior executive 
succession planning to ensure we maintain an appropriate 
combination of skills, experience and knowledge to deliver our 
strategy, and to ensure that plans are in place for orderly 
succession to the Board and senior management positions.

THE YEAR AHEAD
We are committed to doing things in the right way and will 
continue to strengthen our governance processes over the 
coming year to ensure that we are aligned with best practice and 
the 2018 Code and that our approach to disclosure remains 
understandable and transparent. 

We look forward to meeting with you at our upcoming AGM, 
which will be held at Twickenham Stadium at 10.30am on 
Thursday 6 February 2020.

Board changes
There were a number of changes made to the composition of the 
Board during the year. On 31 December 2018, Johnny Thomson 
stepped down as a director of the Company. He was succeeded 

Paul Walsh
Chairman

26 November 2019

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  67 

GovernanceBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Strong, effective and experienced leadership

As at 30 September 2019, and as at the date of this Report, the Board of Directors was made up of 11 members,  
comprising the non-executive Chairman, three executive directors and seven non-executive directors. The roles of Chairman  
and Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO) are separate and clearly defined, with the division of responsibilities set out in writing  
and agreed by the Board.

1

2

3

4

5

6

1
2
3
4
5
6

Paul Walsh, Chairman
Dominic Blakemore, Group Chief Executive Officer
Anne-Francoise Nesmes, Non-Executive Director 
Stefan Bomhard, Non-Executive Director 
John Bason, Senior Independent Director
Ireena Vittal, Non-Executive Director, and designated NED for workforce engagement

68  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

All of the non-executive directors are considered by the Board (and by the definition contained in the UK Corporate Code 2016) to be 
independent of management and free of any relationship which could materially interfere with the exercise of their independent 
judgement. 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 98 to 121.

7

8

11

9

10

12

Karen Witts, Group Chief Financial Officer 
Gary Green, Group Chief Operating Officer, North America

7
8
9 Nelson Silva, Non-Executive Director
10 Carol Arrowsmith, Non-Executive Director
11 John Bryant, Non-Executive Director
12 Alison Yapp, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  69 

GovernanceBOARD OF DIRECTORS (CONTINUED)

PAUL WALSH
Chairman

C N
Joined as a non-executive director in January 2014. Appointed Chairman 
in February 2014.
Key skills and competencies
Paul has significant experience in marketing, M&A and retail operations 
as well as substantial corporate leadership experience.
Current external appointments
Non-executive director of McDonald’s Corporation and FedEx 
Corporation and a director of Bespoke Capital Acquisition Corp. (a 
special purpose acquisition company). Advisor to TPG Capital LLP (TPG) 
affiliates and, at times, a nominee director of various companies, as 
required by TPG. Chairman of Chime Communications Limited 
(a private company).
Previous experience
Paul was formerly Chairman of Avanti Communications Group plc and 
Ontex Group N.V., Chief Executive of Diageo plc, Chief Executive Officer 
of the Pillsbury Company, director of GrandMet, non-executive director of 
RM2 International S.A., HSBC Holdings plc, Simpsons Malt Limited, 
Unilever PLC, Centrica plc and United Spirits Limited, nominee director 
of Pace Holdings Corp, Business Ambassador on the UK Government’s 
Business Advisory Group and Chairman and a Council Member of the 
Scotch Whisky Association.

DOMINIC BLAKEMORE
Group Chief Executive Officer

C E G
Joined the Board in February 2012. Dominic previously held the roles  
of Group Finance Director and Group Chief Operating Officer, Europe.  
In October 2017, Dominic was appointed Deputy Group CEO. 
He assumed the role of Group CEO in January 2018.
Key skills and competencies
Dominic has extensive financial management experience in a number of 
international businesses together with general operational management 
experience. Dominic is a chartered accountant.
Current external appointments
Dominic will join the board of London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) as a 
non-executive director with effect from 1 January 2020 and will become 
the chairman of the audit committee of LSEG following the conclusion of 
LSEG's 2020 AGM. Dominic is also a member of the Council of University 
College London. 
Previous experience
Dominic was formerly non-executive director of Shire plc and Chief 
Financial Officer of Iglo Foods Group Limited. Before joining Iglo Dominic 
was European Finance & Strategy Director at Cadbury Plc having 
previously held senior finance roles at that company. Prior to his role at 
Cadbury Plc, Dominic was a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 

GARY GREEN
Group Chief Operating Officer, North America

KAREN WITTS
Group Chief Financial Officer

E G
Joined the Board in January 2007. Appointed 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. Gary is a 
chartered accountant and in 2001 received an honorary doctorate from 
Johnson & Wales University in the USA.
Current external appointments
None.
Previous experience
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, North America.

C D E G
Joined the Board as Group Chief Financial Officer in April 2019. 
Key skills and competencies
Karen is an experienced Chief Financial Officer with a strong background 
in finance and management across a variety of sectors in global 
organisations. Karen is a chartered accountant.
Current external appointments
Non-executive director and chairman of the audit committee of 
Imperial Brands plc.
Previous experience
Karen joined Compass from Kingfisher PLC where she was Group Chief 
Financial Officer and a member of the board of directors for over six 
years. Prior to working at Kingfisher, Karen held senior finance positions 
at Vodafone Group PLC and BT PLC and was a former non-executive 
director of Wolseley plc. Karen’s early career included finance roles at 
Mars, Paribas, Grand Metropolitan and Ernst & Whinney. 

JOHN BASON
Senior Independent Director 

CAROL ARROWSMITH
Non-Executive Director

A C N R
Appointed to the Board in June 2011. Appointed SID in June 2018.
Key skills and competencies
John brings significant financial and international experience to the 
Board, gained from his long career with major global businesses. John is 
a chartered accountant.
Current external appointments
Finance Director of Associated British Foods plc and Chairman of the 
charity FareShare. 
Previous experience
John was previously Finance Director of Bunzl plc and a former trustee of 
Voluntary Service Overseas.

A C N R
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. Carol is a Fellow of 
the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Current external appointments
Member of the Advisory Group for Spencer Stuart, non-executive director 
of Vivo Energy PLC, director and trustee of Northern Ballet Limited and 
director of Arrowsmith Advisory Limited.
Previous experience
Carol is a former partner and advisor of Deloitte LLP and was Vice 
Chairman of their UK business and former director of the Remuneration 
Consultants Group and non-executive director of TMF Group Limited. 

Board committee membership
A

Audit Committee

p. 82

C

Corporate Responsibility Committee p. 90

  Disclosure Committee
D

E

Executive Committee

p. 73

p. 22

G

N

R

General Business Committee

Nomination Committee

Remuneration Committee

p. 73

p. 94

p. 98

Chairman

Secretary

Designated NED for workforce 
engagement

70  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STEFAN BOMHARD
Non-Executive Director

JOHN BRYANT
Non-Executive Director

A C N R
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.
Current external appointments
Chief Executive Officer of Inchcape plc. 
Previous experience
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.

ANNE-FRANCOISE NESMES
Non-Executive Director
A C N R
Appointed to the Board in July 2018.
Key skills and competencies
Anne-Francoise has a wealth of experience in finance and 
accounting gained in international organisations with a strong focus 
on strategy, M&A and governance. Anne-Francoise is a chartered 
management accountant.
Current external appointments
Chief Financial Officer, Merlin Entertainments plc and a director of Merlin 
Entertainments plc's subsidiary companies: Sea Life Trust Limited, 
Merlin Entertainments Share Plan Nominee Limited, Merlin’s Magic 
Wand Trustees Limited and Sea Life Trustees Limited.
Previous experience
Prior to joining Merlin, Anne-Francoise was the Chief Financial Officer of 
Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC and also held a number of senior finance 
roles during her 16 year tenure at GlaxoSmithKline. 

A C N R
Appointed to the Board in September 2018.
Key skills and competencies
John brings over 30 years’ experience to the Board with a particular 
focus on finance, operations, M&A, strategy and portfolio transformation.
Current external appointments
Non-executive director of Ball Corporation and Macy’s Inc.
Previous experience
John was the former Executive Chairman and CEO of global consumer 
goods company Kellogg. Prior to joining Kellogg in 1998, John held 
strategic and operational roles in several companies, worldwide. 

NELSON SILVA
Non-Executive Director
A C N R
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.
Current external appointments
Non-executive director of Cosan Limited and an advisor to Appian Capital 
Advisory LLP and HSB Solomon Associates LLP.
Previous experience
Nelson was formerly an executive director of Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and 
President of the Aluminium business unit at BHP Billiton, based in the 
UK. Prior to joining BHP Billiton, Nelson 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, 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 and a board member of the 
Brazilian Symphonic Orchestra.

IREENA VITTAL
Non-Executive Director
A C N R
Appointed to the Board in July 2015. Designated NED for workforce 
engagement, effective October 2019 for a period of two years.
Key skills and competencies
Ireena brings strong advisory, business and operational experience 
across a variety of retail businesses, with a particular focus on India. 
Current external appointments
Non-executive director of Godrej Consumer Products Limited, WIPRO 
Limited, Titan Company Limited and Housing Development Finance 
Corporation Limited.
Previous experience
Ireena was formerly a non-executive director of The Indian Hotels 
Company Limited, Cipla Limited, Tata Global Beverages Limited, Tata 
Industries, Zomato Media Private Limited, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer 
Healthcare and Axis Bank Limited, Head of Marketing and Sales at 
Hutchinson Max Telecom and partner at McKinsey and Company.

GE

RN

ALISON YAPP
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary
A C D
Joined the Group in August 2018. Appointed Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary in October 2018.
Key skills and competencies
Alison is a solicitor with more than 25 years’ international experience in 
FTSE and NYSE listed companies across the services, industrial and 
engineering sectors. She has significant experience in strategic M&A, 
crisis and change management.
Current external appointments
None.
Previous experience
Alison was formerly Chief General Counsel and Company Secretary of 
Amec Foster Wheeler plc, Company Secretary and General Legal Counsel 
of Hays plc and Company Secretary and Group Legal Advisor of Charter 
plc. Prior to joining Charter, Alison held a number of senior legal roles at 
Johnson Matthey plc.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  71 

GovernanceCorporate governance

BOARD COMPOSITION, DIVERSITY AND ACTIVITIES1

BOARD TENURE

DIRECTOR BALANCE

45%

9%

18%

28%

  > 5 years 
3-5 years 

1-3 years 

< 1 year 

9%

27%

64%

  Non-Executive Chairman 
Non-Executive

Executive

HAMPTON-ALEXANDER 2020 
TARGET: % FEMALE

36%

33%

Compass

Hampton-Alexander 2020 target

BOARD SKILLS  
AND EXPERIENCE

NATIONALITIES BY  
REPORTING REGION

PROPORTION OF TIME SPENT  
ON KEY AREAS

6

7

7

11

11

11

  Health, safety and sustainability
International/specialist region 
knowledge experience

Sector experience

Financial and accounting expertise

Strategy/M&A

Corporate/operational leadership

18%

18%

64%

  North America 
Europe 

Rest of World

HOW THE BOARD GOVERNS THE COMPANY
The Board leads the Group’s governance structure. 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.

The minutes of all Committee meetings are circulated at 
scheduled Board meetings.

The Company also has a number of executive management 
committees (Disclosure, Executive and General Business). 
These have been established in order to consider various 
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. The formal terms of reference 
for the principal committees, approved by the Board and 
complying with the Code, are available from the Group General 

1. 

Information as at 30 September 2019.

72  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

12%

11%

6%
7%

16%

29%

19%

  Business and operational review
Strategy

Financial review including tax, treasury

Sector/Regional Business Reviews

M&A and Cap Ex

Risk

Governance and IR

Counsel and Company Secretary and can also be found at  
www.compass-group.com. Terms of reference are reviewed 
annually by their respective committees and updated when 
necessary to reflect changes in legislation or best practice. 
The matters reserved for the Board and the terms of reference  
of the principal committees were thoroughly reviewed  
and updated in the year under review and can be found  
at www.compass-group.com.

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

The Chairman of each of the principal committees attends the 
AGM to respond to any shareholder questions that might be 
raised on committee activities. The Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary acts as Secretary to all Board Committees.

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

 
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

SHAREHOLDERS
We have a geographically diverse shareholder 
base of 39,494, comprising 4,146 institutional 
investors and 35,348 private investors (as at 
30 September 2019).

AGM
The Company’s Annual General Meeting provides 
an ideal opportunity for the Board to meet with 
investors. At the 2020 AGM, shareholders will 
vote on 23 resolutions dealing with key 
governance matters, including payment of 

the final dividend, appointment/reappointment 
of directors and the reappointment of the auditor.

INVESTOR RELATIONS
We have an active Investor Relations engagement 
programme. During the year, the Company held 
around 335 meetings with investors through a 
combination of one to one meetings, group 
meetings and telephone calls, around 71 of which 
were attended by the Group CEO and Group CFO. 
The Chairman, SID and Remuneration Committee 
Chairman also held meetings with investors.

THE BOARD
The Board is responsible for the performance and 
long term success of the Company, including 
health and safety, leadership, strategy, values, 
standards, controls and risk management.

CHAIRMAN
The Chairman is responsible for the leadership of 
the Board and for ensuring there is effective 
debate and challenge.

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Group CEO’s role entails being ultimately 
responsible for day to day operational 
management decisions and for implementing the 

Company’s long and short term plans. The Group 
CEO acts as a direct liaison between the Board 
and management.

SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
The role of SID is to provide a sounding board for 
the Chairman and to serve as an intermediary for 
other directors and shareholders where necessary.

COMPANY SECRETARY
The Company Secretary is responsible for 
ensuring good information flow to the Board 
and its committees and between senior 
management and the non-executive directors; 
and for advising the Board, through the Chairman, 
on governance matters. 

OPERATIONAL 
GOVERNANCE
The operational 
governance of the 
Company is the 
responsibility of 
the Group CEO.

The various 
operational 
governance 
structures in place 
are maintained 
and overseen by 
the Executive 
Committee, which 
is led by the Group 
CEO and 
comprises 
the executive 
directors, regional 
managing 
directors and 
other members 
of senior 
management, 
whose biographies 
are on pages 24 
and 25.

BOARD COMMITTEES

Audit  
Committee

Responsible for the 
Group’s financial 
reporting and 
effectiveness of the 
internal and external 
audit functions.

Corporate 
Responsibility 
Committee

Nomination  
Committee

Remuneration  
Committee

Executive 
Committee

Advises the Board on 
broad CR policy taking 
into account the 
overall strategic plan 
and other factors.

Ensures the Board has 
the necessary balance 
of skills, experience and 
diversity to oversee the 
delivery of strategy.

Determines the reward 
strategy for executive 
directors and senior 
managers to ensure 
reward is aligned to 
shareholders’ interests.

Day to day 
operational 
management and 
implementation 
of strategy.

See page 82

See page 90

See page 94

See page 98

See page 22

Disclosure Committee

  General Business Committee

Oversees the disclosure of market sensitive information and 
other public announcements (as necessary). 

The Disclosure Committee comprises the Group CFO, the 
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, Group 
Financial Controller, Group Internal Audit Director, Group 
Director of Strategy and M&A and Group Investor Relations 
and Corporate Affairs Director. The Committee meets as and 
when required. A quorum for a meeting is two, one of which 
must be either the Group CFO or Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary. Only members of the Committee have 
the right to attend meetings, although other individuals may 
be invited to attend as and when appropriate.

Conducts the Company’s business within clearly defined 
limits delegated by the Board and subject to the matters 
reserved for the Board.

The General Business Committee comprises all of the 
executive directors and meets as required. A quorum for a 
meeting is two. 

Only members of the Committee have the right to attend 
meetings, although other individuals may be invited to 
attend as and when appropriate.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  73 

Governance 
BOARD ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR

INSIGHT INTO THE BOARDROOM
The following is a summary of the key matters considered by the Board throughout the year:

November (UK)

February (UK)

March (USA)

•  HSE performance
•  Group CEO’s review
•  M&A and strategy update
•  capital expenditure 

and contracts

•  financial performance
•  draft final results 
announcement

•  final dividend parameters
•  draft Annual Report 

and Accounts

•  succession planning update
•  DOR sector update
•  changes to composition of 

Executive Committee
•  approved formation of 
Treasury Management 
Committee and approval 
of Group Treasury policies 
•  Chairman/Group CEO/NEDs  

private meeting

•  HSE performance and safety share video 

– Living with allergens

•  Group CEO’s review
•  M&A and strategy update
•  capital expenditure and contracts
•  financial performance
•  AGM 
•  trading update
•  Healthcare & Seniors sector update
•  Treasury approvals and approval of 

Treasury Management Committee terms 
of reference

•  review of Nomination Committee 

membership – Group CEO stepping 
down from Committee

•  Chairman/Group CEO/NEDs private 

meeting (including Group CEO 
evaluation)

May (UK)

July (Japan)

•  HSE performance
•  Group CEO’s review
•  M&A and strategy update
•  capital expenditure 

and contracts

•  financial performance
•  draft interim results 

announcement

•  interim dividend parameters
•  UK&I business review
•  appointment of committee to 
deal with interim results matters

•  Treasury/insurance update
•  Tax update
•  biannual major risk assessment
•  succession planning
•  Chairman/Group CEO/NEDs 

private meeting

•  HSE performance
•  Group CEO’s review
•  M&A and strategy update
•  capital expenditure and contracts
•  financial performance
•  draft Q3 trading update
•  conflicts of interest
•  APAC business review
•  Japanese and Indian business reviews
•  CAMEAT & DOR business reviews
•  shareholder engagement
•  stakeholder engagement including 
appointment of designated NED for 
workforce engagement

•  town hall for Japanese operations 

hosted by the Chairman, Group CEO, 
Regional MD, APAC, and MD, Japan 

•  Chairman/Group CEO/NEDs 

private meeting

•  HSE performance
•  Group CEO’s review
•  Education sector update
•  capital expenditure and contracts
•  financial performance
•  North America business review 

including: Performance, People and 
Purpose update

•  meetings with local management 

including attending Envision Summit

•  Group strategy review including: 

Performance, People and Purpose 
update (which included an initiative by 
the Group’s Australian business to 
promote mental health support: 
#gotyourback)

•  review of International Clients and 

Market Development and M&A strategies

•  review of IT/cyber risk strategy
•  stakeholder engagement update
•  Chairman/Group CEO/NEDs 

private meeting

September (UK)

•  HSE performance
•  Group CEO’s review
•  M&A and strategy update
•  capital expenditure and contracts
•  financial performance
•  2019-2020 budget and three year plan
•  annual litigation update
•  Investor Relations update
•  biannual major risk assessment
•  review findings of external 

Board evaluation

•  approve matters reserved for the Board, 
Committee terms of reference and role 
descriptions (Chairman, Group CEO 
and SID) 

BOARD 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 attendance is shown in the table on 
page 66.

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 achieve its 
goals and to provide support and advice to the executive 
management team on the delivery of Group strategy within a 
robust governance framework. 

74  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

The Board has a formal schedule of matters reserved for its 
decision as follows:

•  purpose, strategy and management
•  values, culture and stakeholders
•  Board membership and other appointments
•  financial and other reporting and controls
•  audit, risk and internal controls
•  contracts and capital structure
•  communication
•  remuneration
•  delegation of authority
•  corporate governance and other matters

Throughout the year, the Board received presentations from 
colleagues across the Group and regularly reviewed the 
periodic financial results, market consensus, competitor 
updates, merger and acquisition opportunities, capital 
expenditure and other matters.

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. A formal, comprehensive and tailored 
induction is given to all directors following their appointment, 
including access to external training courses, visits to key 
locations within the Group and meetings with members of the 
Executive Committee and other 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. Details of Karen Witts’ 
induction can be found on page 96.

Ensuring that Compass retains its disciplined approach to long 
term growth, its focus on food as its core competence, and its 
delivery of value for all of its stakeholders is dependent on the 
successful implementation of the strategy set by the Board. 
While the Group’s strategy is continuously discussed and refined 
throughout the year, the Board takes time out of its regular 
schedule every year to debate and reflect on broader strategic 
issues. This is supported by strategy updates at every Board 
meeting. The Board held a strategy day in the USA in March 
when it discussed the Group’s strategy at length. More 
information about the Group’s strategy can be found on  
pages 1 to 63.

Succession planning is a key area of focus for the Board and it 
undertook a detailed succession planning review twice in the 
year with the Group Chief People Officer. 

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. 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. 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.

Meetings between the Chairman and non-executive directors, 
both with and without the presence of the Group CEO, are 
scheduled in the Board’s annual programme. During the year, 
the non-executive directors met regularly without the presence 
of the executives, typically around each Board meeting. These 
meetings were encouraged by the Chairman and provide the 
non-executive directors with a forum in which to share 
experiences and to discuss wider business topics, fostering 
debate in Board and committee meetings and strengthening 
working relationships.

In addition to routine financial and operating reports 
and updates (including health and safety), the Board spends 
time debating and formulating Group strategy and reviewing 
its performance.

Each year, the Board aims to hold two meetings overseas. By 
visiting operations, the directors are able to meet with a diverse 
group of colleagues on a more informal basis which greatly 
assists in the succession planning process. These visits provide 
an opportunity to assess local management performance and 
potential, to gain further insight into how the business works on 
a day to day basis and to speak first hand to local management 
and listen to their views. The format of visits often comprises a 
macroeconomic overview of the country, its social and political 
systems, challenges and opportunities, a review of the 
competitive landscape, and a detailed review of the relevant 
sectors in which the business operates, its people, as well as the 
three year plan. The Board also uses these opportunities to hold 
town halls with employees, undertake visits to Company and 
client sites and to meet with high potential employees and 
country and regional management teams.

This year, the overseas Board meetings were held in the USA 
and Japan. The Board received presentations on the North 
American and APAC regions from local management. During the 
visit to Japan, the Board also received detailed reviews of the 
Japanese and Indian operations and the Chairman hosted a 
town hall event for local employees with the Group CEO, 
Regional MD, APAC, and MD, Japan. The Board also attended a 
number of evening receptions and dinners in both the USA and 
Japan to enable the directors to meet with senior management 
and high potential employees in a more relaxed, informal setting. 

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 Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary, who helps to ensure that Board procedures 
are followed, and that good corporate governance and 
compliance are implemented throughout the Group. Together 
with the Group CEO and the Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary, the Chairman ensures that the Board is 
kept properly informed and is consulted on all issues reserved 
for 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 by the 
Company to the extent permitted by law in respect of liabilities 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  75 

GovernanceBOARD ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR (CONTINUED)

BOARD EVALUATION
The Chairman is responsible, with assistance from the 
Nomination Committee, for ensuring that the Company has an 
effective Board with an appropriate range of skills, expertise and 
experience. Every year, a performance evaluation of the Board 
and 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 roles and has sufficient 
time to meet his or her commitment to the Company.

The Board evaluation is used to provide a full and frank appraisal 
of the contribution of each individual director and the 
effectiveness of the Board and its committees. 

Internal review: progress made during the year
In 2018, the performance and effectiveness of the Board and its 
committees was assessed by way of an internal evaluation. As a 
result of the assessment, it was concluded that the performance 
of each director continued to be effective and that both the 
Board and its committees continued to provide effective 
leadership and exert the required levels of governance and 
control, which aligned with observations made by the Chairman, 
committee chairmen and other non-executive directors as part 
of the evaluation process and throughout the year. 

The agreed actions from the internal evaluation included 
providing support for the Group CEO as he transitioned into the 
role as well as the appointment and induction of two new 
non-executive directors, who were expected to join the Company 
in 2018. These matters were progressed with the appointments 
of Anne-Francoise Nesmes and John Bryant. 

External review process
In May 2019, an independent formal external evaluation was 
conducted in line with the mandated triennial external 
requirement set out in the Code. The selection process for the 
external provider was led by the Chairman and the Group 
General Counsel and Company Secretary. The credentials of 
three providers were assessed including their experience and 
independence. All were considered to be independent and 
experienced in board evaluation. Particular emphasis was 
placed on the ability of the chosen firm to assist the Board on an 
ongoing basis over the longer term. This was to ensure year on 
year performance could be measured and learnings captured, 
taking into account strategic and regulatory context, culture and 
the Board’s cycle. The firm chosen to perform the evaluation 
was Lintstock Limited (Lintstock). Lintstock is independent of 
and has no other links with the Company or its directors in 
connection with the brief.

FINDINGS OF BOARD EVALUATION

Board  
composition

  Stakeholder 
oversight

  Board  

dynamics

  Management and 
focus of meetings

  Board  
support

The management  
of meetings was  
rated highly. 

It was agreed that  
the duration of some 
committee meetings 
should be lengthened 
in conjunction with  
a more disciplined 
approach to agenda 
management to 
ensure efficient use  
of time. 

The dynamic between 
the non-executives 
and senior 
management was 
considered to be 
constructive with an 
open and inclusive 
dialogue with the 
Group CEO. 

Non-executives 
provided effective 
support and challenge 
whilst fostering a 
supportive 
atmosphere for senior 
managers below 
Board level who 
attended Board 
meetings.

The quality of Board 
papers received a 
high rating. It was 
concluded that a 
more succinct 
approach in some 
areas would assist 
understanding of the 
information 
presented. 

The circulation of 
analyst and broker 
reports was valued. 

The induction, 
training, advice and 
Company Secretariat 
support provided to 
the Board received a 
high rating. 

The composition of 
the Board was highly 
rated. No pressing 
gaps were identified 
in the skillset of the 
Board.

A number of 
suggestions were 
made regarding 
desirable attributes in 
future potential 
candidates, including 
technology and 
sector/market and 
ESG expertise. 

Maintaining sufficient 
experience of the UK 
PLC environment was 
also considered to be 
important, including 
familiarity with 
corporate governance 
demands and 
reporting 
requirements.

The Board's 
understanding of the 
Company's 
stakeholders was 
rated positively. The 
importance of 
selecting the 
mechanisms by which 
the Board would 
engage with 
employees was 
considered to be key, 
taking into account 
the number of 
employees and their 
dispersion 
internationally. 

Devoting time at 
Board meetings to the 
topic of culture as a 
business driver was 
also identified as an 
area of focus. 

76  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Scope, timing and nature of review 
The Chairman and the Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary agreed the timing, scope and nature of the review 
including key themes for exploration and approach that would 
be adopted to ensure that the evaluation process was 
challenging and comprehensive. The following key themes 
were agreed:

•  Board composition, dynamics and support
•  stakeholder oversight
•  strategic oversight
•  Board committees
•  management and focus of meetings
•  risk management and internal control
•  succession planning and people management 
•  priorities going forward

Initial information gathering took place in April 2019 following 
which participants, including Palmer Brown, who acted as 
interim Group CFO in the period leading up to Karen Witts’ 
appointment, completed online Board and committee surveys 
that had been tailored as appropriate. Based on agreed themes, 
the surveys were designed to be objective, thought provoking 
and to encourage candid responses. The information acquired 
from the completed surveys was used by the evaluation team at 
Lintstock to structure their approach in advance of one on one 
interviews with members of the Board and the Group General 
Counsel and Company Secretary.

Strategic  
oversight

The March strategy session 
held in the USA was 
considered to represent 
continued improvement on 
similar such sessions held in 
the past with an open 
dialogue and communication.

The KPIs provided to inform 
the Board’s analysis of 
business performance 
received high ratings, as did 
the understanding of the 
Group’s performance 
relative to its main 
competitors, and the 
awareness of the markets in 
which the Group operates. 

Key strategic issues for the 
Group were identified as: i) 
accelerating growth outside 
the USA; ii) technology and 
disruption; iii) maintaining 
sustainable growth; iv) 
succession planning and 
acquisition and development 
of talent; and v) responding 
to developing trends and 
expectations.

Risk management  
and internal control

Health and safety is included 
at the start of every agenda 
of the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee, 
recognising its importance. 

The Board’s focus on risk 
was considered to be 
appropriate. It was 
suggested that the focus on 
CR risk should be broadened 
and in this regard the 
Corporate Responsibility 
Committee’s remit has been 
enhanced and its terms of 
reference revised to increase 
focus in the areas of health 
and safety (including food 
safety), sustainability, people 
(including workforce 
engagement and employee 
voice), ethics and 
compliance. 

The opportunity for further 
enhancement of the 
organisation’s approach  
to risk and risk appetite  
was noted. 

In May and June 2019, Lintstock ran detailed interviews with 
Board members (except Karen Witts who had only recently 
joined the Company) and the Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary. All Board members were interviewed to a 
clear agenda, unique to Compass, taking into account the 
interviewees' observations contained in the survey results. 
During each session, the three members of the evaluation team 
were assigned a specific task to ensure that any responses by 
participants meriting further attention could be fully addressed. 

Between May and July 2019, Lintstock collated and analysed 
responses with a view to summarising their findings for 
presentation to the Board for discussion at its meeting in 
September 2019. 

Findings of review
Reports on the performance of the Board, the Chairman and its 
committees were compiled by the Lintstock evaluation team 
based on information and views supplied by those interviewed 
and all recommendations made by Lintstock were based on best 
practice. Lintstock’s conclusions were initially shared with the 
Chairman and Group General Counsel and Company Secretary. 
The reports were circulated to participants in mid-August so as 
to give participants time to digest the contents of the reports in 
advance of the September Board meeting when Lintstock 
reviewed its findings with the Board.

Priorities

•  continued 

implementation and 
development of the 
Group strategy

•  succession planning and 
talent acquisition and 
development

•  continued oversight of 

risk

•  furthering the Corporate 
Responsibility strategy

•  supporting senior 
management

The areas for attention 
identified in this year’s 
review and how they have 
been addressed will be 
reported in the 2020 
Annual Report and 
Accounts.

Succession planning  
and people management

The structure of the Group at 
senior levels was rated 
highly. The careful balance 
between central oversight 
and local accountability was 
noted with the need to 
carefully prioritise 
investment in central 
functions, based on 
supporting the businesses. 

The effectiveness of the 
process of selecting and 
appointing the new Group 
CFO was commented on 
favourably. 

The Board’s oversight of 
succession of the Board 
and Executive Committee 
received a high rating as 
well as the transition of the 
new Group CEO into role. 
The processes for 
managing and developing 
talent had improved and 
there was an increased 
emphasis on people. 
Employee engagement and 
culture were identified as 
continued areas of focus. 

The content of Lintstock’s report and the conclusion of the Board discussion were recorded by the Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary in the minutes of the September meeting.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  77 

GovernanceBOARD ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR (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 Board 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 make 
the relevant decision and, in making 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 2019 Board 
meeting and considers any changes on an ad hoc basis 
throughout the year. 

Throughout the Governance and Directors' Report, we 
have set out how we have applied the main principles and 
complied with the relevant provisions of the Code.

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 UK Corporate Governance 
Code 2016 (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 98  
to 121, describes how the Board has applied the main 
principles of good governance and complied with the 
relevant provisions as set out in the Code for the year 
under review.

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

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
It is the Board’s view that for the year ended 
30 September 2019 the Company has been fully 
compliant with all of the principles and provisions set out 
in the Code.

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 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 2019.

This Corporate Governance Report on pages 64 to 121 
and the Other Statutory Disclosures on pages 122 to 127 
together with the Directors’ Responsibilities statement on 
page 130 and the Strategic Report on pages 1 to 63 which 
have been incorporated into this Report by reference, 
make up the Directors’ Report.

78  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

2018 UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE

Moving towards the new code

Culture and values

Remuneration

Alison Yapp
Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary

Compass will  
report against the  
2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the 
2018 Code) from the 
financial year ending  
30 September 2020. 

Over the past year, we 
have been reviewing our 
governance framework 
and reflecting on how 
we engage with our key 
stakeholders in 
preparation for the 
change in emphasis 
brought about by the 
2018 Code.

Remuneration policies and 
practices should be designed to 
support strategy and promote 
long term sustainable success. 
Executive remuneration should 
be aligned to company purpose 
and values, and be clearly linked 
to the successful delivery of the 
company’s long term strategy.

A formal and transparent 
procedure for developing policy 
on executive remuneration and 
determining director and senior 
management remuneration 
should be established. No 
director should be involved in 
deciding their own remuneration 
outcome.

Our remuneration policies and 
practices are designed to 
support our strategy and 
promote long term sustainable 
success. Executive 
remuneration is aligned to 
Company purpose and values 
and is clearly linked to the 
successful delivery of the 
Company’s long term strategy.

Details of some of the actions 
taken during the year are set 
out below.

•  the terms of reference of the 
Remuneration Committee 
were refreshed to align with 
the provisions of the 2018 
Code and other sources of 
best practice and regulation

•  the Committee received a 

detailed update on the wider 
workforce policies and 
practices in place in the 
business for review, in 
preparation for requirements 
of the 2018 Code

A board should establish the 
company’s purpose, values 
and strategy, and satisfy itself 
that these and its culture are 
aligned. All directors must 
act with integrity, lead by 
example and promote the 
desired culture. 

This year, there was a renewed 
focus on ethics and compliance 
to further embed a culture of 
integrity and to empower 
employees to continue to speak 
up and raise concerns. We 
appointed a Group Head of 
Ethics and Compliance as we 
continue to improve our key 
policies and procedures in 
this area.

Various initiatives are taking 
place across the Group to 
reinforce the values and 
behaviours that support the 
Group’s strategy, some of which 
are set out below.

•  we launched our set of three 
Compass commitments – 
Respect, Growth and 
Teamwork – that define what 
our people can expect when 
they work for us

•  we are reviewing our Ethics 

and Compliance programme 
which is aligned to our culture 
and values and informed by 
best practice. The 
programme will focus efforts 
on culture and ethics to 
strengthen controls. It will 
incorporate regulatory and 
stakeholder requirements to 
manage our risks 
appropriately

•  an ethical leadership 
programme is being 
developed in conjunction 
with the People function

•  preparations are underway to 
launch a refreshed Code of 
Business Conduct and 
awareness campaign in 2020, 
including the creation of an 
ethics champion network, 
briefings, webinars and an 
engagement pack

Workforce and  
stakeholder engagement

In order for a company to meet 
its responsibilities to 
shareholders and stakeholders, 
the board should ensure 
effective engagement with,  
and encourage participation 
from, these parties.

To succeed in the long term, 
companies need to build and 
sustain relationships with a wide 
range of stakeholders and, in 
particular, employees. These 
relationships work well if they 
are based on trust and respect 
and are mutually beneficial.

We know how important our 
employees are to our 
continued success and we 
welcome the emphasis that the 
2018 Code places on promoting 
effective engagement with 
stakeholders and, in particular, 
workforce engagement and 
employee voice.

Details of some of the actions 
taken during the year are set 
out below.

•  elected a designated NED for 
workforce engagement who, 
together with the Group Chief 
People Officer and the Group 
Engagement Director, will 
ensure that the voice of our 
workforce is clearly heard at 
Board level

•  conducted a global 

engagement survey to enable 
us to track people’s 
experience against our 
Commitments 

•  initiatives are underway to 
improve existing processes 
which are in place for 
engaging with other 
stakeholder groups

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  79 

GovernanceCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Stakeholder oversight 

The Chairman ensures that the Board maintains an appropriate 
dialogue with shareholders. The Group CEO, Group CFO and the 
Group Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs Director regularly 
meet with institutional investors to discuss strategic issues and 
to make presentations on the Company’s results. Non-executive 
directors develop an understanding of the views of major 
shareholders through regular updates from the Group Investor 
Relations and Corporate Affairs Director. The Group General 
Counsel and Company Secretary also acts as an important focal 
point for communications on corporate governance matters 

throughout the year, with a particular intensity leading up to, 
during and after shareholder meetings. 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. All of our 
shareholders are invited to attend our AGM, which provides a 
forum in which they can put questions to the Board and the 
committee chairmen. It also provides shareholders with an 
opportunity to meet with directors and other senior executives 
on a more informal basis at the meeting.

OUR STAKEHOLDERS

  HOW THE BOARD IS KEPT INFORMED

Our people

Our 
communities

Our clients

The Board receives regular People strategy updates from the Group Chief People Officer, including 
details of our employee engagement survey results, updates on diversity and inclusion  
and cultural awareness initiatives, measurement and performance, and our succession planning and 
talent development initiatives.

The Board is kept informed of initiatives taking place within the communities in which Compass 
operates principally through the activities of the CR Committee, which receives regular reports on  
CR progress across the Group from the Group Safety and Sustainability Director. 

The Group Director International Clients & Market Development keeps the Board informed of new  
and evolving trends and the aspirations and requirements of our international client base. She is 
supported in providing a comprehensive overview of the international client landscape by regional 
client and market development teams and executive management at country and Group level. 

Our consumers

The Board receives updates on sector trends from our sector heads including opportunities, 
challenges and developments in consumer food services trends including innovation of product and 
experience and consumer interest in brand responsibility and sustainability. 

Our suppliers

Our  
shareholders

NGOs

The Board is kept informed on supply chain initiatives through the CR Committee, which receives 
reports from the Group Safety and Sustainability Director and from the Group Head of Ethics and 
Compliance, including our work to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business 
and supply chain.

Annual Report and Accounts: this provides an opportunity to communicate to our shareholders and 
other stakeholders the Group’s financial performance, its strategy, risks and opportunities with 
content that is fair, balanced and understandable and is accessible to a wide range of audiences.
Investor Relations: more details of our AGM and Investor Relations programme can be found on 
pages 73 and 81.
Website: the Company's website provides an excellent means of communicating with and receiving 
communications from shareholders, potential investors and the wider stakeholder community.  
It contains an archive of information on the Company’s history, leadership, governance, policies, 
financial results, dividend history and up to date share price information.

The Board is kept informed of Group collaborations with non-governmental organisations which 
support us with knowledge and expertise on key social, environmental and economic issues through 
the CR Committee which receives reports on key areas of focus such as human rights, climate 
change and animal welfare from the Group Safety and Sustainability Director. 

Governments  
and regulators

The Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, Group Head of Tax and other subject matter 
experts regularly update the Board on matters affecting the Group as a result of actions being taken 
by regional and national government bodies and agencies which implement and enforce laws 
and regulations. 

80  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSIDERING STAKEHOLDERS IN DECISION-MAKING

When making its decisions, the Board considers the impact on stakeholders. Examples include: 

Digital innovation

Investing in our people

  Reducing waste

Technology is changing the way in 
which consumers engage with 
products and services. As a business, 
Compass is taking a more proactive 
approach to identifying and investing in 
technology, in particular to enhance 
the consumer experience. One 
example is cashierless and cashless 
payment options which are in use 
across the Group. This technology 
provides a better consumer experience 
by improving speed of service and also 
by driving efficiencies and reducing the 
risks from cash handling. Some 
countries are taking the lead in 
developing next generation tools. For 
example, our French business has 
started using Smart Checkout. This 
award winning concept uses camera 
based technology and artificial 
intelligence to recognise the precise 
dishes on the tray, map them to the 
Electronic Point of Sale System and 
price them for the consumer. Smart 
Checkout also has the potential to 
increase consumer sales by promoting 
complementary products such as 
beverages or desserts, tailored to the 
individual consumer’s buying habits.

As a Group, we are proud of our gender 
diversity. As at 30 September 2019, 
women represented 36% of our Board 
members, 38% of our Executive 
Committee members, and 31% of our 
global leadership team. However, there 
is still more to do and we are focusing 
on a number of initiatives to further 
promote diversity and inclusion as part 
of our People strategy. Our unit 
managers are absolutely critical to the 
success of our business. They set the 
tone for the unit, hire people, buy food, 
are responsible for health and safety 
and deal with daily operational issues.  
We want to make our unit managers’ 
lives easier by reducing their 
administrative burden so that they  
can focus more attention on our clients, 
our consumers and our employees. 
Following the successful completion  
of pilots in our two largest markets,  
a development programme is being 
rolled out to all of our unit managers 
globally – around 40,000 people in  
45 countries.

As a Group, we are championing 
initiatives that help the environment. 
In 2017, Compass founded Stop Food 
Waste Day – a global awareness 
programme which in 2019 reached 
89 million people on social media and 
more than 10 million people through 
food waste engagement activities. We 
continue to explore the most effective 
and practical ways to measure waste 
through various food waste 
management systems. In the UK, 
technology is being trialled which 
will allow the business to more 
accurately record and reduce waste. We 
are also considering other new initiatives 
around packaging and plastics that are 
better for the environment and are 
seeking to persuade our consumers to 
adopt more sustainable behaviours. 
Good progress is being made, but there 
is more to do. Investing in the business 
for the future is important. It helps the 
Company to build on its competitive 
advantage and to capitalise on our 
structural growth opportunities with the 
aim of delivering better quality, 
sustainable long term growth.

PROMOTING THE SUCCESS OF THE COMPANY
The Company’s success is the driving factor behind all decisions 
made by the Board. Decision making processes are structured 
to enable directors to evaluate the merit of proposed business 
activities and the likely consequences of its decisions over the 
short, medium and long term. The Board carefully considers the 
impact of the business on the communities and environments 
in which the Group operates. Due consideration is paid 
to Compass’ stakeholders, including but not limited to 
our customers, suppliers, business partners, employees 
and shareholders.

In all of its activities, and those of the Group, the Board requires 
that our employees and partners conduct business to the 
highest ethical and professional standards. The CR Committee 
oversees Compass’ commitment to make a positive contribution 
to the health and wellbeing of our consumers, the communities 
where we work and the world in which we live. 

Kate Postans
Interim Group 
Investor Relations 
and Corporate 
Affairs Director

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE IR FUNCTION?
The IR function is very 'client' focused and during 2019, 
we met with over 400 buy-side institutions. The team is 
quick to respond to any investor interest and they devote a 
lot of time to producing high quality collateral to effectively 
sell our investment case. 

HOW DOES COMPASS SEEK FEEDBACK FROM  
ITS INVESTORS?
In addition to having a very open dialogue with investors 
at meetings, in July we conducted an investor survey. 
This provided detailed feedback from shareholders, 
non-shareholders and some of the sell-side population 
from around the world. Our Chairman, our SID and 
Remuneration Committee Chairman also engage with 
major shareholders.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  81 

Governance 
Audit Committee Report

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the  
Audit Committee’s Report for the financial year ended 
30 September 2019.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW
The Audit Committee (the Committee) works to a structured 
agenda linked to events in the Group’s financial reporting 
calendar. Throughout the year, the Committee continued to 
support the Board, playing a key role in overseeing the integrity 
of the Company’s financial statements and the robustness of the 
Group’s systems of internal control and financial and regulatory 
risk management.

As in previous years, the Committee’s primary focus was on 
the integrity of the Group’s financial reporting activities. In 
considering the financial statements for 2019, the Committee 
concentrated on accounting and disclosures related to the 
process of selling or exiting operations in a number of countries 
and sectors, the Group’s cost action programme, the quality of 
profits, supplier rebates and discounts, post employment benefit 
obligations, the carrying value of assets, goodwill recognition 
and the Group’s tax position. The Committee concluded that 
executive management had adopted an appropriate approach in 
all significant areas.

During the year, the Committee was updated on the Group’s IT 
strategy including an overview of the IT controls framework and 
infrastructure and the ability to quickly detect and defend 
against cyber attack. The Committee also spent time reviewing 
the disclosures made by management in respect of the new 
accounting standards IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with 
customers’ and IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’, both of which 
were implemented at the start of the financial year under review, 
and IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ which will be adopted by the Group on 
1 October 2019. Time was dedicated to considering 
management’s response to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, 
the continued uncertainty about the full impact and timeframes 
of a withdrawal and the impact of the risk for the Group as a 
whole. The Committee is satisfied that the statements made by 
executive management on pages 41 and 44 of the Risk 
Management and Principal Risks sections of this Annual Report 
are appropriate based on what is currently known to 
management as at the date of this Report.

During the year, the Committee reviewed its terms of reference 
to ensure that they continue to be fit for purpose. The review was 
undertaken, with guidance from the Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary, in the context of changes to regulations and 
the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the 2018 Code), 
which the Company will report against from the financial year 
ended 30 September 2020. Consideration was also given to the 
Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) guidance for audit 
committees and other sources of best practice.

John Bason
Chairman of the Audit Committee

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 
•  monitors the integrity of the Company’s and Group’s 

published financial statements and related disclosures

•  monitors any formal announcements relating to the 

Group’s financial reporting issues and key accounting 
and audit judgements made in connection with 
the preparation of the Company’s and Group’s 
financial statements

•  reviews the Company’s arrangements for its workforce/
stakeholders to raise concerns in confidence about 
possible improprieties in financial reporting or other 
matters and ensures that they are investigated
•  reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the risk 

management and internal control systems, including the 
going concern and viability statements, and provides 
assurance to the Board

•  monitors and reviews the role, mandate and  

effectiveness of the Group’s internal audit function

•  manages the appointment, independence, effectiveness 

and remuneration of the Group’s external auditor, 
including compliance with the non-audit services policy

•  advises the Board on how it has discharged its 

responsibilities and considers whether the Annual Report 
and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable, and provides assurance to the Board

MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE 
Member 
since
Jun 2011
Jun 2014
May 2016
Sep 2018
Jul 2018
Jul 2015
Jul 2015

Member
John Bason
Carol Arrowsmith
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Anne-Francoise Nesmes2
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal

Eligible to
attend1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

Meetings 
attended
3
3
3
3
2
3
3

1.  The maximum number of meetings that a member was eligible 

to attend.

2.  Ms Nesmes was unable to attend the November meeting due to an 

unavoidable prior commitment and provided her feedback on the 
papers in advance.

82  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

•  allocating more time to meetings to reflect the increasing 

responsibilities of the Committee

•  greater use of the external auditor to keep the Committee 

up to date on key topics in light of the continuously changing 
regulatory environment

•  undertaking deep dives into specific risk topics in order to 

further develop the non-executive directors’ understanding of 
the controls and risk mitigation plans that are in place

As a result, appropriate arrangements have been made  
within the Committee schedule for the coming year and I look 
forward to reporting on our progress in next year’s Audit 
Committee Report.

THE YEAR AHEAD
In the coming year, the Committee will continue to work together 
with the Board and the other committees to monitor and review 
the effectiveness of the Group’s financial reporting and risk 
management and internal control framework. In addition, we  
will continue to focus on the resilience of our cyber security and 
IT controls and on ensuring that all new accounting standards, 
relevant legislation and guidance, including the provisions of the 
2018 Code, are being met.

John Bason
Chairman of the Audit Committee

26 November 2019

The new terms of reference were adopted by the Committee at 
its meeting on 18 September 2019 and approved by the Board 
on the same day.

A copy of the terms of reference can be found on the Company’s 
website www.compass-group.com.

Committee evaluation
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:

•  composition, structure and activities
•  how well the Committee oversees the financial 

reporting process

•  its review of the work of the internal audit function and the 

external auditor

•  the effectiveness of the process for raising concerns
•  its monitoring of the management of risk
•  how well it understands and evaluates the effectiveness and 

conclusions of internal control and the adequacy of the 
related disclosures

•  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

•  identification of additional training needs for  

Committee members

This is underpinned by the annual performance evaluation of the 
Board and its committees, referred to on pages 76 and 77.

This year’s external Board and Committee evaluation was 
conducted by Lintstock. 

Overall, the performance of the Audit Committee was rated 
highly, with an appropriately balanced and engaged 
membership. In its findings, Lintstock identified a number of 
areas to assist the Committee in support of its continuous 
improvement, including:

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  83 

GovernanceThe purpose of the review was to determine in the context of the 
macro environment and Group strategy: 

i. 

if the principal risks and uncertainties disclosed in the 
2018 Annual Report and Accounts applied to the current 
financial year

ii.  whether there had been any year on year variance in the 

status of each risk

iii.  what should be removed or added

As set out in the Principal Risks section on pages 41 to 45, last 
year’s risks continue to be pertinent, albeit our perception of 
how these risks have, as appropriate, remained static, increased 
or diminished, may have changed.

FAIR, BALANCED AND UNDERSTANDABLE
The UK Corporate Governance Code 2016 (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 2019 Annual Report and Accounts 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 
has concluded that this requirement has been met.

Throughout the Annual Report and Accounts, we track our 
performance against a mix of financial and non-financial KPIs, 
which the Board and executive management consider best 
reflect our strategic priorities. The Committee has considered 
these KPIs and is satisfied that the information that has been 
selected by the Board and the executive management will help 
to convey an understanding of the culture of the business and 
the drivers which contribute to its ongoing success and will be of 
interest to stakeholders.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED)

RISK APPETITE, PRINCIPAL OPERATIONAL RISKS AND  
RISK ASSURANCE
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.

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 further strengthened our Regional Governance 
Committees (RGCs) with the aim of further embedding the 
Group’s risk management culture within the business.

The Group Risk Management Committee (RMC), comprising a 
multi-disciplinary team of key individuals, assists the Audit 
Committee with its work. The Chairman of the RMC Committee 
is the Group CFO and the membership comprises the Group 
General Counsel and Company Secretary, the Director of Group 
Internal Audit, the Group Financial Controller, the Group Investor 
Relations and Corporate Affairs Director, the Group Chief People 
Officer and the Group Director of Strategy and M&A. The RMC, 
in conjunction with the efforts of its colleagues in the Group’s 
RGCs, further embeds the Group’s risk management culture 
within the business. It also provides an additional layer of 
oversight to help underpin the assurances given by the Audit 
Committee to the Board in connection with the appropriateness 
of the Group’s financial reporting, the effectiveness of the 
internal and external audit functions, the management of the 
Group’s systems of internal control and business risks, and 
related compliance activities.

The Committee had oversight of a robust annual review and 
assessment of the principal risks and uncertainties of the 
Group. The review was conducted internally by a multi-
disciplinary team.

84  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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

Financial reporting and significant accounting issues
•  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 
European Securities and Markets Authority Guidelines  
on Alternative Performance Measures

 – discussing the critical accounting policies and use of 
assumptions and estimates, as noted in section B of  
the accounting policies on page 146 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 to which the Committee dedicated the 

most time:
 – 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 reported on all material 
provisions to the Committee

•  the adoption in the year of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts 
with customers’ and IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’ and the 
appropriateness of disclosures included in the Annual Report 
and Accounts

•  preparation for the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ in the financial 
year ending 30 September 2020 and the disclosures included 
in the Annual Report and Accounts

•  the going concern and viability statements
•  non-financial information

In addition to its key role in the financial reporting process, the Committee considered the following at its meetings:

2018

November

2019

May

September 

•  full year results

•  KPMG External Audit Plan 

•  year end matters

 – summary of 2018 Preliminary Results
 – certificates of assurance
 – year end accounting and 

control matters

 – tax update
 – draft press release
 – draft Annual Report and 

Accounts (including the report of 
the Audit Committee)

 – fair, balanced and understandable 

annual report reading guide

•  going concern and viability statements
•  KPMG report to the Audit Committee 

on the 2017-2018 audit and key issues

•  Internal Audit update
•  Regional Governance 
Committees update

•  use of auditor for non-audit services
•  private discussion with auditor

2018-2019

 – accounting issues and financial 

•  2019 interim results review
•  key accounting and reporting 

matters and tax update

reporting update 

 – tax update
 – KPMG early issues report

•  feedback from country interim 

•  Internal Audit

certificates of assurance

•  going concern
•  KPMG report on interim  

results review

•  Internal Audit activity report
•  GDPR update
•  Regional Governance 
Committees update

•  use of auditor for  
non-audit services

•  private discussion with auditor

 – activity report (including key financial 
controls update) (May-July 2019)
 – approval of 2019–2020 Internal 

Audit Plan

•  Regional Governance Committees update
•  2019 Annual Report and Accounts
 – draft Audit Committee Report, 
Principal Risks and Internal 
Controls report

•  Digital & Technology Solutions update
•  GDPR update
•  terms of reference annual review
•  use of auditor for non-audit services
•  private discussion with auditor

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  85 

Governance 
The Committee’s agenda is linked to events in the Company’s 
financial calendar. Members 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, 
with an appropriate interval between each of the meetings to 
ensure that work arising from Committee meetings could be 
carried out and reported back to the Board, as appropriate. 
Attendance is shown in the table on page 82.

In addition to Committee members, the Chairman, the Group 
CEO, Group CFO, Group Financial Controller and the Group 
Internal Audit Director, together with senior representatives of 
the external auditor, also attended meetings by invitation during 
the year. The Audit Committee reserves time for discussions 
without invitees and executive management being present at the 
end of each meeting. Other members of senior management are 
invited to present such reports as are required for the Committee 
to discharge its duties.

EXTERNAL AUDITOR
An external audit tender and appointment process was 
concluded in 2014. The Committee considers that the Company 
has complied with the legal requirements relating to the 
frequency and governance of tenders for the appointment of the 
external auditor and the setting of a policy on the provision of 
non-audit services.

In line with applicable legislation and best practice, at the end of 
a five year tenure, Mr Anthony Sykes ceased to be the Senior 
Statutory Auditor on completion of the external audit of the 
Company’s financial statements for the year ended 30 
September 2018. He was succeeded by Mr Paul Korolkiewicz.

To ensure objectivity, key members of the external 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.

The Committee currently intends to tender its audit in 
2023-2024 with a view to the chosen firm being appointed  
in 2024.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED)

GOVERNANCE
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 Committee are appointed by the  
Board following recommendation by the Nomination  
Committee. The Committee’s membership is reviewed and 
assessed in the context of the range of skills, knowledge and 
experience required by the Code, by the Board and as part of the 
annual evaluation process.

The Chairman of the Committee reports to the Board on  
the activities of the Committee and keeps in touch with key 
individuals involved with the Company’s governance, including 
the Group CEO, Group CFO, the Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary, the Group Internal Audit Director and the 
external Senior Statutory Auditor, and attends the AGM to 
respond to any shareholder questions that might be raised 
concerning the Committee’s activities. The remuneration of the 
members of the Audit Committee and the Company’s policy with 
regard to the remuneration of the non-executive directors are set 
out on page 109.

Members of the Committee are required to have broad financial 
and commercial experience which is needed by the Committee 
to undertake its duties effectively. Each member brings an 
appropriate balance of senior level financial and commercial 
experience in multinational and/or complex organisations, 
combined with a sound 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 Committee are summarised 
on pages 70 and 71. The Board considers that each member of 
the Committee is independent within the definition set out in the 
Code and is capable of assessing the work of management and 
the assurances provided by the internal audit function and the 
external auditor. The Audit Committee’s Chairman 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 are given an appropriate 
induction. Topics covered include the role and remit of the 
Committee and an overview of the business, its financial 
dynamics and its risks. Where appropriate, meetings are held 
with key individuals in the Group. 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. Ongoing 
training is undertaken as required.

The Committee meets at least three times a year. A quorum 
for a meeting is two.

86  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

During the year, the Committee reviewed KPMG’s fees for its 
services performed to 30 September 2019, its effectiveness and 
whether the agreed audit plan had been fulfilled and the reasons 
for any variation from the plan. The review included a formal 
evaluation process involving the use of questionnaires 
completed by finance teams around the Group.

The Audit Committee also considered the robustness of the 
2019 audit, the degree to which KPMG was able to assess key 
accounting and audit judgements and the content of the audit 
committee report issued by the external auditor. On the basis of 
the Committee’s evaluation and taking into account the views of 
other key internal stakeholders, the Committee concluded that 
both the audit and the audit process were effective.

The total fees paid to KPMG in the year ended 30 September 
2019 were £6.5 million, of which £0.4 million related to 
non-audit work (2018: £7.0 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 3 on page 165.

REAPPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
There are no contractual restrictions on the Company’s choice 
of external auditor and, in making its recommendation to 
shareholders on the reappointment of KPMG, the Committee 
took into account, amongst other matters, the tenure, objectivity 
and independence of KPMG and its continuing effectiveness 
and cost as well as the availability of firms within the wider  
audit market.

The Committee also considered the report on KPMG, as a firm, 
of the Audit Quality Review team of the FRC. 

KPMG has expressed its willingness to continue as auditor of the 
Company. Separate resolutions proposing KPMG’s 
reappointment and the determination of its remuneration by the 
Audit Committee will be proposed at the 2020 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 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 is aware of that information. 

EXTERNAL AUDIT
The Audit Committee is responsible for the development, 
implementation and monitoring of the Company’s policy on 
external audit. The 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 auditor’s 
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.

During the year, the Committee also considered the findings of 
the FRC’s Audit Quality Review on KPMG and, in particular, how 
KPMG were addressing the points raised.

The Company operates 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.

The 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. In line with the Group’s policy on 
non-audit services, the external auditor is, in general, 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 (i.e. 
the half year limited review) 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 could undertake certain 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 
advisor is retained. In accordance with the Group’s policies, the 
Group CFO approves individual non-audit services with fees up 
to £50,000 and non-audit services with combined fees up to 
£100,000. Audit Committee approval is sought for non-audit 
services over and above these limits. There were no services for 
the Audit Committee to approve during the year. As set out in 
note 3 on page 165, fees paid for non-audit services were below 
the threshold requiring approval by the Audit Committee related 
to non-statutory audit and review work.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  87 

GovernanceINTERNAL CONTROL
The Committee also reviews the integrity of any material 
financial statements made by the Company. It 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 and 
Accounts. The Board retains overall responsibility for internal 
control and the identification and management of business risk 
and is assisted in this regard by a top down and bottom up 
process of risk identification and management which is the 
subject of regular interim review by the RGCs and the RMC.

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 Group 
Internal Audit Director as appropriate. The Audit Committee 
reviews internal audit reports and considers the effectiveness of 
the function.

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

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED)

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 Corporate Responsibility 
Committee retains overall responsibility for the Group’s CBC 
programme, the training of employees and the way in which 
management obtain assurance in this area, including the annual 
self-certification process which saw more than 3,014 key 
employees of influence confirm their continued compliance with 
the CBC and the Code of Ethics in the year ended 30 September 
2019. The CBC and Code of Ethics are available on the 
Company’s website 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 
People function 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 a complaint 
is received through the whistleblowing channel and that policy 
redirects the fraud or bribery allegation for investigation at the 
most appropriate level of the organisation which may, for 
example, be by a member of the local People function or, on 
occasion, the Audit Committee itself.

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.

88  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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 41 to 45. 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 are presented to senior management 
(including to the RGCs) and to the Board.

These processes have been in place throughout the financial 
year ended 30 September 2019 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 
Committee. 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 
auditors and external independent auditor 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 MAP framework (as well as through 
the RGCs), monthly monitoring of performance by comparison 
with budgets, forecasts and cash targets, and by regular visits to 
Group businesses by the Group CEO, Group CFO, Group General 
Counsel and Company Secretary, Group Chief People Officer, 
Group Director of Strategy and M&A and the Group Director 
International Clients & Market Development.

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 CFO and the Audit Committee.  
Group companies also submit biannual risk and internal  
control assurance letters to the Group CFO on internal control 
and risk management issues, with comments on the control 
environment within their operations. The Group CFO 
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 Committee’s review of the 
way in which risk management and internal control processes 
have been applied.

The Board has formal procedures in place for 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 52 to 63. 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 Group Internal 
Audit Director attend Audit Committee meetings and receive its 
papers. Committee members meet regularly with the external 
auditor and with the Group Internal Audit Director, 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 2019 that have affected materially, or are 
reasonably likely to affect materially, the Company’s internal 
control over financial reporting.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  89 

GovernanceCorporate Responsibility Committee Report

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee’s (the CR Committee) Report for the 
financial year ended 30 September 2019.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW
Corporate responsibility is a key area of focus for both the 
Company and its stakeholders. As the Company increases its 
focus on the impact of its operations, the oversight, remit and 
responsibilities of the CR Committee increase proportionately. 
During the year, we conducted an extensive review of the role 
and responsibilities of the Committee. This exercise was 
undertaken as part of a wider governance review in the context 
of changes to regulations and best practice, including the UK 
Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the 2018 Code), as more 
fully described on page 79, and enables the Committee to 
support the delivery of the Company’s evolving CR strategy. The 
CR Committee’s terms of reference have been substantially 
refreshed in the year as a result of this review. The updated 
terms of reference can be viewed on our website  
www.compass-group.com.

In light of the CR Committee's evolving responsibilities, we have 
increased the frequency of Committee meetings and, going 
forward, a minimum of three meetings of the CR Committee will 
be held each year. 

In May 2019, the Company undertook an external evaluation of 
the Board and its committees. As part of this review, the 
performance of the CR Committee was assessed and the 
outcome can be found on page 93. 

In the pages which follow, we provide an insight into the 
Committee’s activities during the year.

Nelson Silva
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee

26 November 2019 

Nelson Silva
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee

   MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
•  reviewing and monitoring the implementation and 

effectiveness of the Group’s Safety and Sustainability and 
People strategies, policies and practices

•  receiving updates on non-financial related reports from 

the whistleblowing helpline Speak Up

•  reviewing/recommending for approval the Company’s 

annual Modern Slavery Act statement

•  monitoring the implementation of the Group’s 

governance, ethics and compliance strategy and policies 
and alignment to our culture, purpose and values
•  overseeing implementation of the Group’s ethics and 
compliance programme/controls for prevention of 
unethical business practices and misconduct

•  overseeing appropriate and effective engagement with 

the Company’s stakeholders including employees
•  approving the content of the CR Report and the CR 

Committee’s Report for the Annual Report and Accounts

MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE 
Member 
since
Jul 2015
Jun 2014
Jun 2011
Jan 2018
May 2016
Sep 2018
Nov 2015
Jul 2018
Dec 2015
Jul 2015
Jan 2014
Apr 2019
Oct 2018 

Member
Nelson Silva
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Dominic Blakemore
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Robin Mills2
Anne-Francoise Nesmes3
Johnny Thomson4
Ireena Vittal
Paul Walsh
Karen Witts5 
Alison Yapp6 

Eligible to
attend1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
3
3
2
3 

 Meetings 
attended
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
3
3
2 
3 

1.  The maximum number of meetings that a member was eligible to attend.
2.  Ceased to be a member of the Committee on 25 November 2019.
3.  Ms Nesmes was unable to attend the November meeting due to an 

unavoidable prior commitment and provided her feedback on the 
papers in advance.

4.  Ceased to be a director on 31 December 2018.
5.  Appointed to the Committee on 8 April 2019.
6.  Ceased to be a member of the Committee on 1 October 2019.

90  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

CR STRATEGY AND KPIs
In 2019, the Company delivered on its corporate 
responsibility (CR) initiatives against its three sustainability 
strategy pillars which are underpinned by our People strategy 
and the Company’s safety culture:

•  Health and Wellbeing
•  Environmental Game Changers
•  Better for the World

HEALTH, SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY
The safety of employees, clients and consumers remains a top 
priority for Compass and our safety culture continues to be 
strengthened throughout the business. In this regard, the CR 
Committee supports the Group’s ambition of zero harm and 
creating a culture of interdependence where caring for each 
other is second nature. The health and safety and food safety 
performance is considered by the CR Committee at each 
meeting against agreed KPIs. Both our global lost time incident 
rate and our global food safety incident rate have improved since 
2015 by 38% and 35% respectively. Whilst these results suggest 
progress in the right direction, we recognise that there is no 
room for complacency.

At the start of each meeting, the CR Committee considers a 
safety moment. This helps the Committee to develop a deeper 
understanding of the health and safety risks facing the business 
and to consider how the lessons learned from specific incidents 
can be applied to help prevent similar incidents from recurring. 
Safety walks have also been introduced as a leading indicator for 
all leaders above unit manager. This encourages conversations 
about safety within our businesses and helps to support a strong 
safety culture.

Sadly, during the year there were two fatalities in the Group, an 
incident in our South African business and a road traffic 
accident in our USA business. In each instance, a full 
investigation was conducted and the outcome reported to the 
directors and senior executives. Support was provided by our 
local operations to the families of the deceased. In the USA, the 
road traffic accident investigation was conducted by the police. 
In South Africa an investigation was conducted by our local 
business, in conjunction with the client on whose site the 
accident took place. Mr Blakemore and Ms Witts’ entitlements 
to bonus relating to the achievement of LTIFR related targets 
were reduced to zero to recognise that the Group had suffered a 
fatality in South Africa during the year which occurred whilst the 
employee had been at work, albeit that management were not 
considered to be culpable. This recognises the seriousness with 
which the Company takes HSE outcomes.

During the year, the Committee received an update on the 
Group’s Global Safety Standards, including the Group’s Allergen 
Management Plan which focuses, amongst other things, on 
improving labelling, food preparation, training and 
communication to help safeguard our consumers. Consideration 
was also given to further improving our supply chain standards 
and practices.

In the course of its work to review and monitor the 
implementation and effectiveness of the Group’s Safety and 
Sustainability and People strategies, policies and practices, the 
Committee received updates from a number of senior executives 
including the Group Safety and Sustainability Director. The 
updates included details of work and initiatives taking place 
throughout the Group, aligned to the Company’s sustainability 
strategy pillars, aimed at improving health, safety and 
sustainability performance in support of the Company’s Social 
Purpose, a number of examples of which are set in the CR report 
on pages 52 to 63. 

The Company seeks to ensure that its CR strategy remains 
aligned to the Company’s values and goals and more details of 
performance during the year can be found in our CR report on 
pages 52 to 63. The Committee will review the KPIs for the 
coming year to ensure that they continue to be aligned to the 
Company’s social purpose and demonstrate our commitment to 
continuous improvement.

ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE
During the year, the Board continued to focus on continuous 
improvements in the Group’s ethics and compliance 
programmes and, in support of this aim, the Company appointed 
a Group Head of Ethics and Compliance who reports to the 
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary. The Group 
Head of Ethics and Compliance attends each meeting of the CR 
Committee by invitation to provide updates on ethics 
and governance matters. 

The Group Head of Ethics and Compliance is reviewing the 
ethics and compliance framework with relevant stakeholders to 
ensure that our practices, policies and procedures are up to 
date and reflect best practice. He is also taking a leading role in 
ensuring compliance with the various data privacy controls that 
are in place across the Group.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND MODERN SLAVERY
The Company will publish its fourth Modern Slavery Act (MSA) 
statement in December. This year’s statement, which was 
reviewed by the Committee on behalf of the Board, has been 
refreshed to create a more insightful document with a 
perspective of the challenges and opportunities a group the 
scale of Compass faces when assessing the human rights and 
modern slavery risks across its businesses and supply chain. A 
copy of this document can be found on our website  
www.compass-group.com. In the coming year, the Company 
will proceed with a comprehensive human rights impact 
assessment. The project will be supported by a Human Rights 
Working Group which is sponsored by the Group Chief People 
Officer. The assessment will be conducted across the Group’s 
businesses and global supply chain in conjunction with 
independent consultants. This assessment will give the 
Company a much clearer and transparent understanding of 
human rights and related risks in our supply chain and with third 
parties. This work will support a review of the Company’s third 
party due diligence process as part of an update to our policies 
and procedures to ensure it remains effective. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  91 

GovernanceCORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED)

Activity during the year

The key matters considered and discussed by the Committee during the year are set out below:

2018

November

  2019 

  May

•  safety moment 
•  health and safety performance
•  CR strategy and KPIs for inclusion in 

the 2018 Annual Report

•  Modern Slavery Act statement
•  CR – social purpose
•  review final draft content for inclusion 
in the 2018 Annual Report CR Report/
CR Committee Report

•  governance and regulatory update

•  safety moment
•  health and safety performance 

and sustainability update

•  governance update
•  ethics and compliance update
•  annual review of Charitable 

Donations Policy

  September 

•  safety moment
•  terms of reference review
•  health and safety performance and 

sustainability update

•  social purpose strategy update
•  human rights impact assessment
•  ethics and compliance update
•  governance and regulatory update

Below are examples of some of the governance and regulatory 
matters considered by the Committee during the course of 
the year: 

•  the provisions of the 2018 Code and The Companies 

(Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018

•  reporting requirements such as the obligation to produce a 

statement in accordance with Section 172 of the Companies 
Act 2006 (CA 2006) 

•  the Company’s arrangements for workforce engagement 
and the methodology to be used for providing feedback to 
the Board

•  proposed reform of the UK audit framework including 

proposed changes to the UK audit market and how it is 
structured and regulated

•  the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting 

Regulations 2018

•  the Wates Corporate Governance Principles for Large Private 

Companies 2018

GOVERNANCE
The CR Committee comprises Nelson Silva, Chairman, and all 
of the non-executive directors in office at the date of this Report. 
Other members include Paul Walsh, Chairman of the Board; 
Dominic Blakemore, Group CEO and Karen Witts, Group CFO. 

Only members of the CR Committee have the right to attend CR 
Committee meetings. Other individuals, such as the Group 
Safety and Sustainability Director, Group Head of Ethics and 
Compliance, Group Engagement Director and external advisors, 
may be invited to attend for all or part of any meeting, as and 
when appropriate. 

A quorum for a meeting is two. The CR Committee met three 
times during the year. Attendance is set out in the table on 
page 90.

The objective of the CR Committee is to assist the Board and the 
Company in fulfilling its corporate responsibility in line with the 
Company’s strategy, policies and practices.

The Committee will continue to keep the Board informed about 
the developments in governance and regulatory matters and to 
ensure that the Company is compliant with regulatory and best 
practice guidelines, including the 2018 Code, which the 
Company will report against from the financial year ending 
30 September 2020.

The CR Committee receives reports from the Global Safety and 
Sustainability Director, Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary, Group Head of Ethics and Compliance, Group Chief 
People Officer and other senior managers to ensure that 
progress is being made towards meeting the Group’s specific 
CR KPIs and our ongoing CR commitments.

92  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
The CR Committee Chairman reports the outcome of its 
meetings to the Board.

The CR Committee’s remit includes monitoring and ensuring 
executive management and the Board are appropriately 
prepared for changes in the legislative, regulatory and best 
practice landscape and in this regard, is supported by the Group 
General Counsel and Company Secretary. During the year, the 
CR Committee thoroughly reviewed its terms of reference to 
align them more closely to the Company's strategy, including 
its Performance, People and Purpose strategic initiatives, the 
provisions of the 2018 Code and best practice. Going forward, 
the CR Committee will also oversee compliance with the 2018 
Code requirements in relation to stakeholder engagement 
from 1 October 2019, including workforce engagement and 
employee voice. 

The CR Committee is authorised to seek information from any 
employee of the Group to enable it to perform its duties, and if 
necessary, at the expense of the Company, can obtain legal 
or other independent professional advice on matters covered 
by its terms of reference. The terms of reference of the CR 
Committee are reviewed annually to ensure that they continue 
to be fit for purpose.

The CR Committee Chairman attends the AGM to meet 
with shareholders and to answer any questions on the 
Committee’s activities.

PERFORMANCE
The CR Committee’s performance was assessed as part of the 
independent external evaluation of the Board and its 
committees undertaken by Lintstock during the year.

The CR Committee’s performance and composition were rated 
positively, as was the effectiveness of the Chairman. Its 
monitoring of corporate governance developments relating 
to the Group also received high ratings. The corporate 
responsibility KPIs were positively rated and it was noted that 
these were in the process of being developed to align with the 
Company’s strategy.

In order to reflect the broader scope of matters falling within 
the CR Committee’s remit, it was agreed that the number of 
meetings would increase from two to a minimum of three each 
year and that the duration of the meetings should also be 
increased. It was noted that the terms of reference of the CR 
Committee had been revised in the year to ensure alignment 
with the Company’s strategy and to reflect the provisions of 
the 2018 Code, regulations and best practice.

Other priorities identified for improvement in the CR 
Committee’s performance in the coming year included 
enhanced focus on food safety and sustainability. 

An update on progress will be provided in the 2020 Annual 
Report and Accounts.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  93 

GovernanceNomination Committee Report

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the  
Nomination Committee’s (the Committee) Report for the 
financial year ended 30 September 2019.

YEAR IN REVIEW
Succession planning continues to be the primary focus of the 
Committee’s work.

During the year, the Committee considered the appointment of 
Karen Witts as Group Chief Financial Officer (Group CFO), the 
reappointment of Stefan Bomhard and the extension of my own 
tenure for a further three years. I am very happy to report that in 
each case, the Committee’s recommendations were 
subsequently endorsed by the Board. I have gained much in 
terms of challenge and development during my two terms as 
Chairman at Compass and I look forward to working with the 
Board and executive management in steering the Company to 
continued success over the coming years.

A key component of work for the Committee this year was the 
annual review of the Committee’s terms of reference in the 
context of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the 2018 
Code). The new terms of reference have been updated to reflect 
the 2018 Code and have been in use since 1 October 2019. The 
Committee will report against the 2018 Code in next year’s 
Annual Report.

The Committee assessed the time commitment needed from 
non-executive directors and from me in my capacity as 
Chairman of the Board, to ensure that each individual has 
sufficient time to devote to their duties, together with any 
training and development needs. To enable Karen Witts to 
embrace her new role as Group CFO as speedily as possible, the 
Committee ensured that an appropriate induction programme 
was prepared for her and details can be found on page 96.

Over the next 12 months, with support from my colleagues, we 
will continue to focus on the need to refresh the membership of 
the Board and its committees to help the Company achieve its 
strategic objectives.

Paul Walsh
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

26 November 2019

Paul Walsh
Chairman of the Nomination Committee 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
•  reviews the structure, size and composition of the 

Board and its committees, making recommendations 
to the Board regarding any changes considered 
necessary in the identification/nomination of new 
directors, the reappointment of existing directors and 
Committee appointments

•  ensures there continues to be an appropriate balance of 

skills, knowledge, experience and diversity

•  reviews the senior leadership needs of the Group to 

enable the Group to compete effectively in 
the marketplace

•  advises the Board on succession planning for executive 

director appointments

•  oversees a formal and rigorous annual evaluation of the 

performance of the Board, its committees and 
individual directors

•  oversees the Company’s policy, objectives and strategy 

on diversity and inclusion

•  the Committee also has standing items that it 

considers regularly, e.g. the annual review of its own 
terms of reference

MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE 
Member 
since
Jan 2014
Jun 2014
Jun 2011
Jan 2018
May 2016
Sep 2018
Jul 2018
Jul 2015
Jul 2015

Member
Paul Walsh
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Dominic Blakemore2
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Anne-Francoise Nesmes
Nelson Silva 
Ireena Vittal

Eligible to
attend1
2 
2
2
– 
2
2
2
2
2

Meetings 
attended
2
2
2
– 
2
2
2
2
2

1.  The maximum number of meetings that a member was eligible  

to attend.

2.  Stepped down from the Committee on 1 February 2019.

94  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

GOVERNANCE
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. The Committee meets at least 
twice a year. A quorum for a meeting is three, the majority of 
which must be independent non-executive directors. 

The Chairman must not chair the meeting when it is dealing with 
the appointment of his or her successor. A meeting to reappoint 
the Chairman will be chaired by an independent non-executive 
director. The outcome of Committee meetings is reported by the 
Committee Chairman to the Board.

Only members of the Committee have the right to attend 
Committee meetings. Other individuals, such as the Group  
CEO, the Group Chief People Officer and external advisors may 
be invited to attend all or part of any meeting, as and  
when appropriate.

The Committee is authorised to seek information from any 
employee of the Group to enable it to perform its duties and, if 
necessary, at the expense of the Company, can obtain legal or 
other independent professional advice on matters covered by its 
terms of reference.

The Committee Chairman attends the AGM to meet 
with shareholders and answer questions on the 
Committee’s activities.

TERMS OF REFERENCE
The terms of reference of the Committee are reviewed annually 
to ensure that they continue to be fit for purpose.

A cross-functional working group was established in the year 
under the stewardship of the Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary to consider and implement the changes 
required under the 2018 Code. As a result, the Committee’s 
terms of reference have been substantially updated and the 
Committee will report against the 2018 Code in next year’s 
Annual Report. The terms of reference are available on the 
Company’s website www.compass-group.com.

BOARD APPOINTMENT PROCESS
The process for making new appointments to the Board is led by 
the Chairman. The Nomination Committee has procedures for 
appointing a non-executive or an executive director which are 
set out in its terms of reference. For example, when appointing  
a chairman, this includes an assessment of the time 
commitment expected, recognising the need for availability in 
the event of crises.

Prior to making an appointment, the Nomination Committee 
evaluates the balance of skills, knowledge, independence, 
experience and diversity on the Board and, in consideration of 
this, prepares a description of the role and capabilities required, 
with a view to ensuring that the best placed individual for the role 
is recommended to the Board for appointment. The Board 
promotes an environment which is supportive of all individuals 
from diverse backgrounds and thus, in identifying suitable 
candidates, the Nomination Committee normally:

•  uses open advertising or the services of external advisors to 

facilitate the search

•  considers candidates from different genders and a wide range 

of backgrounds such as ethnicity, race, religion  
and education

•  considers candidates on merit and against objective 

criteria, ensuring that appointees have enough time to 
devote to the position, considering other potentially 
significant commitments

INDUCTION OF GROUP CFO
Karen Witts has been in role since 8 April 2019 and is bringing a 
fresh perspective to the Board and its committees. As set out on 
page 75, when a new Board member joins Compass they receive 
a formal, comprehensive and tailored induction designed to suit 
their individual needs and their role. The induction programme 
includes activities and meetings with key personnel, technical 
briefings and site visits. This is an effective way of introducing 
them to the Group’s culture and of ensuring that they have the 
information and support they need to understand the business 
and to enable them to be productive in their role.

REAPPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS
The Board’s policy is to ensure that the Board is made up of 
members with a range of skills and qualities to meet its primary 
responsibility for promoting the success of the Company in a way 
that ensures that the interests of shareholders and other 
stakeholders are promoted and protected. The Board is 
conscious of the length of tenure of non-executives when 
formulating its succession planning process. Non-executive 
directors and the Chairman are generally appointed for a period 
of three years, which may be renewed for a further two terms. 
Reappointment is not automatic at the end of each three year 
term. The Nomination Committee considers the selection and 
reappointment of directors carefully before making a 
recommendation to the Board.

Stefan Bomhard completed his first three year term in May 
2019. In making its recommendation for his reappointment,  
the Committee considered the composition of the Board and the 
skills, experience and expertise of its membership to ensure that 
it had the variety of perspectives and skills needed to help the 
Company achieve its strategic aims. Stefan’s performance and 
ability to contribute effectively to Board discussion and to 
challenge the performance of management were considered. 
The Committee is satisfied that Stefan continues to be able to 
devote enough time to his duties at Compass, taking into 
account his position as CEO of Inchcape plc.

In February 2020, the Chairman’s second term in office will 
come to an end. John Bason chaired that part of the relevant 
Nomination Committee meeting which considered the 
Chairman’s reappointment.

In recommending his reappointment, the Committee considered 
the Chairman’s relationship and communications with Board 
members, his management of Board meetings and his ability, 
taking into account the responsibilities of his other mandates,  
to devote sufficient time to Compass recognising the need for 
availability in the event of crises.

The Committee concluded that the Chairman’s contribution to 
Board leadership and Stefan’s contribution to Board and 
committee discussion and debate remained both desirable and 
valuable to the Company, resulting in the extension of both of 
their tenures for a further term of three years.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  95 

GovernanceNOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED)

GROUP CFO INDUCTION
A comprehensive induction programme was arranged for Karen Witts to help her settle into her new role. This included meetings 
with senior management and operational and functional teams around the Group and was structured to help Karen gain an insight 
into how the business works on a day to day basis and to understand its strategic priorities, culture, values and people. 

Since joining, Karen has attended business and budget reviews in the Asia Pacific, Continental Europe, Latin America, North 
America and UK & Ireland regions. Site visits were arranged which included key locations in the Group. These visits gave Karen 
an opportunity to meet with local management teams and other colleagues and to speak with them first hand and to listen to 
their views.

Karen participated in the annual investor roadshow which was held in New York following the release of our half year results and 
spent time meeting with investors. She has also had one to one meetings with her Board colleagues and has met with sector heads, 
senior management and members of the Company’s governance and control functions. 

Details of some of the activities undertaken by Karen are set out below:

Area

Provided by

Subjects covered and discussed

Global Business 

Senior Management
Sector Heads

•  APAC, Continental Europe, North America and UK & Ireland 

business reviews

•  APAC, Continental Europe, Latin America, North America and UK & Ireland 

business budget reviews
•  half year results roadshow 
•  various site visits, including the US operations based in Charlotte, USA

Governance 
legal and 
compliance

Health, 
safety and 
sustainability

Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary

•  review of the governance framework and landscape 
•  Board and committee matters
•  overview of the Group’s legal and compliance framework  

and material litigation

Group Safety and  
Sustainability Director

•  execution of safety and sustainability strategies, priorities and initiatives and 

their alignment to the Performance, People and Purpose strategy

Strategic 
plan and 
business model

Group CEO 
Group Director of Strategy 
and M&A

Finance

Group Financial Controller

•  overview of the Group’s businesses and business model, three year business 

plan and strategic aims

•  review of the Group’s M&A strategy

•  financial control framework and governance processes
•  internal and external reporting of the Company’s results

Tax

Head of Group Tax

•  review of the Group’s tax strategy and profile, principal uncertain tax 

positions and areas requiring the exercise of judgement

•  tax governance procedures and control framework 

People

Group Chief People Officer

•  review of the Group’s People strategy including succession planning, 

diversity and inclusion and engagement initiatives

Group Reward

Group Reward & Diversity 
Director

•  Group remuneration philosophy, executive remuneration and annual cycle
•  long term incentive plan

International 
Clients and 
Market 
Development

Investor 
Relations

Group Director International 
Clients & Market 
Development

•  overview of International Clients portfolio and pipeline
•  growth and innovation strategy and digital structure for Rest of World
•  sales and retention excellence programmes

Interim Group Investor 
Relations and Corporate 
Affairs Director

•  Compass’ investment case, key areas of investor focus and  

IR annual programme

Treasury

Group Treasurer

•  overview of the Group’s treasury operations, governance, funding, 

IT

Internal Audit

Group Chief Information 
Officer

Group Internal Audit 
Director

credit ratings, liquidity management, foreign exchange and interest rate 
risk management

•  overview of the digital and technology function including in-depth reviews  

on strategy, operating model, initiatives and cyber security

•  review of Group Internal Audit plan, internal control framework,  

key financial controls, Speak Up programme and the biannual major  
risk assessment process

96  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Activity during the year

The key matters considered and discussed by the Committee during the year are set out below:

2018

October

  2019

  March

•  considered appointment of Karen Witts 

•  considered renewal of Stefan 

as Group CFO

Bomhard’s tenure for a further 
three year term

  September

•  annual review of terms of reference
•  considered renewal of Paul Walsh’s 
tenure for a further three year term

•  reviewed time required from 

the Chairman, SID and 
non-executive directors

•  considered training requirements 
for the directors as part of the 
annual performance evaluation

TIME COMMITMENT AND TRAINING
In line with its terms of reference, the Committee performs an 
annual review of the time required from the Chairman, SID and 
non-executive directors to perform their duties. As part of this 
process, the Committee reflects on a director’s attendance at 
scheduled meetings and their availability at other times during 
the year. In the year under review, directors were available, often 
at short notice outside regular working hours, to discuss matters 
that required a prompt decision, for example the approval of 
various acquisitions and disposals and contract approvals that 
did not fit with scheduled meetings.

In consultation with the Chairman, the Committee also 
considered the training that had been received by directors in 
the year, including technical updates from the Group General 
Counsel and Company Secretary and other in-house or external 
subject experts and advisors, and future training needs that had 
been identified to help promote a deeper understanding of the 
business, technical, statutory or regulatory developments.

DIVERSITY
As a people business, our strength comes from an inclusive and 
welcoming environment, where we recognise that the 
experiences and perspectives which make us unique come 
together in our shared values and vision. We strongly believe that 
the more our people reflect the diversity of our clients and 
consumers, the better equipped we are to service their needs. At 
Board level, our approach to the appointment of new directors 
and senior executives reflects our drive to develop people and 
value diversity, to ensure the optimal balance of experience and 
backgrounds on our Board and committees.

When recruiting new directors, we instruct the external 
recruitment consultants to ensure that a balance of male and 
female candidates is put forward for consideration by the 
Nomination Committee. Following Karen Witts’ appointment to 
the Board in April 2019, female representation on our Board at 
36% now exceeds the Hampton-Alexander target of 33% female 
representation at Board level by 2020. This positive trend is also 
reflected in the membership of the Executive Committee where 
the percentage of female members increased in the year 
to 38%.

HAMPTON-ALEXANDER 2020 TARGET: % FEMALE 

36%

33%

Compass

Hampton-Alexander 2020 target

PERFORMANCE
The Committee is required to conduct a review of its own 
performance, constitution and terms of reference to ensure that 
it is operating at maximum effectiveness and to recommend any 
changes it considers necessary to the Board for its approval. 
During the year, an external evaluation of the Board and its 
Committees took place and the outcome of this review can be 
found on pages 76 and 77.

In the context of the external evaluation by Lintstock, the 
performance of the Nomination Committee was very highly rated 
and seen to benefit from an appropriate blend of expertise. 
The ongoing support of the Group Chief People Officer, who 
takes an active role in the appointment process of new Board 
members, was also considered to be of particular importance.

The process by which Board appointments were made was rated 
highly and was seen to have improved. The proactive approach 
of the Chairman in keeping the Board up to date on progress 
during the recruitment process was considered to be 
constructive and inclusive.

It was agreed that, in the coming year, the Committee would 
maintain its focus on management succession plans, including 
the pipeline of new non-executive directors. Further priorities 
identified to assist the Nomination Committee to further improve 
its performance included:

•  providing ongoing support to the new Group CFO
•  following up on the agreed development plans for potential 

succession candidates

•  keeping abreast of fast-paced, disruptive changes affecting 

the Group’s stakeholders, including wider society

•  agreeing the Committee’s annual cycle of work to ensure that 
the Committee has sufficient time for meetings in light of its 
workload and increasing governance requirements

An update on progress will be provided in next year’s 
Annual Report.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  97 

Governance 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the 
Remuneration Committee’s Report for the financial year ended 
30 September 2019 which is split into:

i.  this Annual Statement with an ‘at a glance’ summary of the 

remuneration decisions made during the year

ii.  the summary of activities during the year
iii.  the 2018-2021 Remuneration Policy (the Policy) (the 

Policy Period)

iv.  the Annual Remuneration Report on the implementation of 

the Policy in the year ended 30 September 2019 and 
proposed implementation for the next financial year

CONTEXT FOR EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION
The last year has seen Compass perform well. The business 
achieved strong growth in organic revenue and operating profit 
through excellent performance in North America and 
improvements in Rest of World. Although Europe’s revenue 
increased, its operating profit declined, reflecting a more 
uncertain macro environment. We have maintained a strong 
Group margin by focusing on productivity and pricing to offset 
inflation. Across the Group, we continue to focus on delivering 
efficiencies through our management and performance (MAP) 
framework. The Group has continued to strengthen and simplify 
the portfolio and invested in bolt-on acquisitions and made 
several disposals of non-core businesses. The business has  
also made good progress with its focus on Performance,  
People and Purpose. Increasingly, these initiatives have been 
supported through technology and digital solutions designed  
to drive efficiencies, optimise performance and improve 
consumer experience.

REWARDING PERFORMANCE 
The incentive outcomes for 2018-2019 were in line with our 
approved Policy. Following strong overall performance, we 
determined the outcomes of the annual bonus for Group and 
North American performance as 78.3% and 98.3% respectively. 
The Committee believes the bonus outcomes appropriately 
reflect the overall performance in 2018-2019 and more details 
are set out in the Annual Remuneration Report on pages 113 
and 114.

For the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) which vested in 2019, 
the TSR element vested in full because Compass ranked 16th 
against other FTSE 100 companies (excluding the financial 
services sector) over the performance period. The targets we set 
based on growth in ROCE and cumulative AFCF were demanding 
and were also met in full. The Committee considers this result to 
be an appropriate outcome given the performance. This has led 
to an overall outcome for the LTIP of 100% of the maximum 
opportunity. Further details are set out in the Remuneration 
Report on page 116. 

Carol Arrowsmith
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
In line with the authority delegated by the Board, the 
Remuneration Committee (the Committee) sets the 
Company’s Remuneration Policy and is responsible for 
determining remuneration terms and conditions of 
employment for the Chairman of the Board and members of 
the Executive Committee, which comprises the executive 
directors and other senior executives. 

The Committee:

•  ensures that the members of the Executive Committee 
are appropriately incentivised to enhance the Group’s 
performance and rewarded for their contribution to the 
success of the business by designing, monitoring and 
assessing incentive arrangements, including setting 
stretching targets and assessing performance and 
outcomes against them

•  reviews the remuneration arrangements for other senior 
executives within the Group, having regard to the wider 
remuneration philosophy of the organisation when 
developing policy and considering executives’ packages, 
monitoring the relationship between them and those of 
the wider workforce

•  maintains an active dialogue with shareholders, ensuring 
their views and those of their advisors are sought and 
considered when setting executive remuneration

MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE
Member 
since
Jun 2014
Jun 2011
May 2016
Sep 2018
Jul 2018
Jul 2015
Jul 2015

Member
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant
Anne-Francoise Nesmes2
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal

Eligible to
attend1
5
5
5
5
5
5
5

Meetings 
attended
5
5
5
5
4
5
5

1.  The maximum number of meetings that a member was eligible 

to attend.

2.  Ms Nesmes was unable to attend the November meeting due to an 
unavoidable prior commitment but provided her feedback on the 
papers in advance.

98  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Salary adjustments for executive directors are aligned with 
increases paid to employees within their region. Accordingly, 
Dominic Blakemore, Gary Green and Karen Witts will receive 
salary increases of 2.6%, 3.1% and 2.1% respectively, which will 
take effect from 1 January 2020.

DIRECTOR CHANGES
Johnny Thomson stepped down from the Board on 
31 December 2018. His leaving terms were within the 
approved Policy, consisting of remuneration until the end of 
his employment. Payments in lieu of notice were subject to 
mitigation and were reduced accordingly. All LTIP awards 
which would have vested following his departure were forfeit. 
The shares from Mr Thomson’s 2015-2016 LTIP award which 
vested in November 2018 remain subject to a two year post vest 
holding period. Mr Thomson was not eligible for an annual 
bonus payment in respect of 2018-2019. These terms are 
set out in more detail on page 119 and are in line with those 
previously announced.

Karen Witts was appointed to the role of Group CFO in October 
2018 and commenced employment on 8 April 2019. Details of 
her terms set out on page 119 are in line with the announcement 
made on 11 October 2018 and on page 91 of the 2018 
Annual Report and Accounts.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DEVELOPMENTS
The Committee has reviewed the legislative and best practice 
developments in respect of director remuneration and 
welcomes change to raise the bar in this area. The introduction 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the 2018 Code) 
which seeks to broaden the role of the Committee, as well as to 
introduce additional measures concerning director pay, has 
been carefully considered by the Committee during the year. In 
July, the Committee received a detailed update on the wider 
workforce policies and practices. This supplements other 
regular updates; for example, at the time decisions are taken in 
respect of salary review for executive directors and the Executive 
Committee, the Remuneration Committee is updated on our 
global salary review budgets and trends.

Over the course of the year, preparations have been 
undertaken to ensure that the Committee is well placed to fully 
comply with the 2018 Code, as well as with the Shareholders’ 
Rights Directive II, both of which will be effective for Compass 
from the financial year ending 30 September 2020. The 
Company will report against the new regulations in next year’s 
Directors’ Remuneration Report.

The Committee also reviewed its terms of reference to ensure 
that they continue to be fit for purpose and in line with best 
practice. The review was undertaken with guidance from the 
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary. 

The new terms of reference were adopted by the Committee at 
its meeting on 18 September 2019 and approved by the Board 
on the same day. A copy of the terms of reference can be found 
on the Company’s website www.compass-group.com.

During 2020, the Committee will be undertaking a full review  
of its Policy ahead of a vote at the 2021 AGM and will take 
account of these governance developments as well as the  
wider executive remuneration landscape. We are aware of 
changing expectations and the drive for equalisation of terms 
across the wider workforce over the next Policy Period. Further 
consideration will also be given to aligning management 
incentives to the Group’s strategic focus on Performance, 
People and Purpose. These matters will be given careful thought 
during the Policy review process. Engagement with our key 
investors during our last Policy review in 2017 was constructive 
and helpful. We look forward to engaging with them on the  
Policy again in the coming year. 

COMMITTEE EVALUATION
The findings of this year’s external evaluation of the performance 
of the Remuneration Committee can be found on page 101. 

OTHER MATTERS
At our 2019 AGM, shareholders supported the resolution 
seeking approval to pay the full fee to each non-executive 
director in respect of each non-executive role they perform for 
the Company without regard to the annual cap of £125,000 as 
set out in the Policy. The Board has reviewed this element of 
how we operate our Policy following changes to the Companies 
(Directors’ Remuneration Policy and Directors’ Remuneration 
Report) Regulations 2019 which apply to companies reporting 
on financial years starting on or after 10 June 2019. As a result 
of the review, the Board concluded it would be more appropriate 
to set the cap on directors’ fees by reference to the aggregate 
cap in the Company’s articles of association of £2.25 million 
which was approved by shareholders at the Company’s AGM in 
February 2017. This allows the Company to allocate 
appropriately compensated duties to individual directors as 
required whilst retaining current limits on the total non-executive 
director fees payable. Although this is not a matter for the 
Remuneration Committee, as the non-executive director fees 
must be included in the Remuneration Report, it is pertinent to 
draw shareholder attention to the proposal.

More details of the proposed resolution can be found in the 
2019 Notice of Meeting on pages 235 and 238.

CONCLUSION
The voting outcome at the 2019 AGM in respect of the Annual 
Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 September 2018 
together with the results of voting on the Policy at the 2018 AGM 
are set out on page 121.

I look forward to welcoming you and receiving your support at 
the upcoming AGM.

Carol Arrowsmith
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

26 November 2019

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  99 

GovernanceDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

At a glance

REMUNERATION IN 2018-2019
MEASURING PERFORMANCE

Measuring performance

Strategic KPI

Growing and retaining our customer  
base and driving volumes

Organic Revenue Growth (ORG)

Delivering profit from our operations

Profit Before Interest & Tax (PBIT)

Turning profit into cash

Delivery against investments

Adjusted Free Cash Flow (AFCF) 

Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)

Effectiveness of our safety culture

Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate (LTIFR)

Providing safe food and of the right quality

Food Safety Incident Rate (FSIR)

Bonus
Weighting1

LTIP
Weighting1

25%

55%

15%

–

2.5%

2.5%

–

–

33.3%

33.3%

–

–

Delivering returns for shareholders

Total Shareholder Return (TSR)

–

33.3%

1.  Based on Group performance measures and LTIP based on the Plan vesting in year.

REMUNERATION OUTCOMES AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2019

Dominic 
Blakemore

Gary  
Green

Karen  
Witts

£975,000

US$1,442,000

£660,000

20%

35%

£34,000

US$76,000

78.3%

100%

98.3%

100%

20%

£7,000

78.3%

n/a

LTIP OUTCOME
An award of 200% of base salary granted to Dominic Blakemore 
and Gary Green vested in respect of the three year performance 
period ended on 30 September 2019. The results below 
represent the Group’s results and are applicable to both 
executive directors. Karen Witts did not have any awards under 
the LTIP vesting in 2019.

AFCF

ROCE

TSR

Threshold

Target

Max

•  performance measured over the period 1 October 2016 to 

30 September 2019

•  payout of 100% of maximum performance
•  two year holding period applies to vested shares
•  subject to malus and clawback

Element

Base salary at 30 September 2019

Pension (% of base salary)

Benefits

Annual bonus (% of max)

LTIP (% of max)

ANNUAL BONUS OUTCOME
The maximum annual bonus opportunity is 200% of base salary 
for the Group CEO and 150% of base salary for other executive 
directors. One third of the bonus is deferred into shares for 
executive directors who have not achieved the pro-rata share 
ownership guideline, with all other payouts in cash. All cash 
bonus and Deferred Bonus Shares are subject to malus and 
clawback. Performance measures and weightings are set out in 
more detail on page 114.

The results below represent the Group’s results for 2018-2019. 
Gary Green’s bonus outcome relates to regional performance as 
shown on page 114.

Group results

PBIT

AFCF

ORG

HSE*

Threshold

Target

Max

 * Health Safety and Environment (HSE) is the combined outcome of the 

LTIFR and FSIR.

•  Group payout at 78.3% of maximum bonus
•  North America payout at 98.3% of maximum bonus
•  subject to malus and clawback

Share ownership guidelines
The share ownership guidelines for executive directors are 300% of base salary for the Group CEO and 250% of base salary  
for other executive directors which is to be achieved over a five year period. Details of current share ownership vs the guidelines  
are on page 120.

100  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Committee summary

GOVERNANCE
The Committee consists entirely of independent non-executive 
directors, as defined in the UK Corporate Governance Code 
2016 (the Code).

The membership comprises Carol Arrowsmith, Chairman, and all 
other non-executive directors in office at the date of this 
Directors’ Remuneration Report (DRR). Biographical details of 
the current members of the Committee are set out on pages 70 
and 71. Members of the Committee are appointed by the Board 
following recommendation by the Nomination Committee.

Meetings attendance
The Committee must meet at least twice a year. A quorum for a 
meeting is two.

Only members of the Committee have the right to attend 
Committee meetings. The Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary acts as Secretary to the Committee. The Group Chief 
People Officer and the Group Reward & Diversity Director attend 
Committee meetings by invitation to advise the Committee on 
Group policies and practice. Details of advisors to the Committee 
can be found on page 121. 

The Committee is authorised to seek information from any 
employee of the Group to enable it to perform its duties and, if 
necessary, at the expense of the Company, can obtain legal or 
other independent professional advice on matters covered by its 
terms of reference. 

The terms of reference of the Committee are reviewed annually 
to ensure that they continue to be fit for purpose. A copy of the 
Committee’s terms of reference can be found on the Company 
website www.compass-group.com. 

The Chairman of the Remuneration Committee attends the AGM 
to respond to any shareholder questions that might be raised on 
the Committee’s activities.

COMMITTEE PERFORMANCE
This year’s external Board and Committee evaluation was 
conducted by independent board effectiveness advisors 
Lintstock. Overall the performance of the Remuneration 
Committee was rated highly. 

As part of the review, participants were asked to consider the 
alignment of the Policy with the Company’s strategy. A number 
of suggestions were made relating to the development of 
management incentives and the Committee agreed that these 
should be considered in the coming year in the context of the 
next Policy review. To further enhance the effectiveness of the 
Committee, the priorities identified going forward were: 

•  continuing to work with the executive team to evaluate 
remuneration against the Company’s strategy and the 
evolving external environment

•  continuing to receive external input on key trends and 

developments in remuneration

•  maintaining an ongoing dialogue with investors and proxy 

advisory firms

•  devoting more time to understanding compensation for the 

wider workforce beyond executive management

As a result of these findings, appropriate arrangements have 
been made within the Committee’s schedule for the coming year 
and an update on progress will be provided in next year’s report.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  101 

GovernanceDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Committee summary (continued)

Activity during the year

The key activities of the Committee during the year ended 30 September 2019 are set out below. In addition, the Committee 
also reviews performance in relation to the Group wide share plans, approves any discretionary matters applied for individuals 
below executive director level and considers other governance matters on a regular basis.

2018

November

2019

  March

•  reviewed salaries for the 

Executive Committee effective  
1 January 2019

•  determined 2017-2018 

performance outcomes for the LTIP 
and bonus plans

•  approved draft DRR for 2017-2018
•  set targets under the LTIP and 
other incentive plans below 
Executive Committee for 
2018-2019

•  set targets for 2018-2019 

bonus plans

•  received an overview of total 
remuneration for the global 
leadership team

•  approved the Karen Witts 

Restricted Share Award Plan

July

•  received an update on wider 
employee remuneration and 
employment practice

•  received an update on corporate 

governance from advisors

May

September

•  approved grant of LTIP and 
Restricted Share awards for  
Ms Witts

•  reviewed LTIP awards for the global 

leadership team

•  received an update on external 

remuneration trends from advisors

•  reviewed updated terms of 
reference for the Committee
•  reviewed the Chairman’s fee
•  considered the draft DRR for 

2018-2019

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF THE DIRECTORS’ 
REMUNERATION REPORT (DRR)
This DRR has been prepared on behalf of the Board by the 
Committee in accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act (CA 2006) and the Large and Medium-sized 
Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) 
Regulations 2013 (the 2013 Regulations). The policy 
on remuneration of directors (the Policy) is set out on pages 
103 to 109. The next two sections of the DRR cover the 
following matters:

•  the Company’s Remuneration Policy effective from 

8 February 2018 and for three years thereafter, including 
each of the components of directors’ remuneration (the 
Policy Report) including:
 – how decisions on directors’ remuneration will be made and 

the philosophy and strategy behind those decisions
 – the structure of remuneration packages for existing, 

departing and new directors

 – the impact of key performance measures on the potential 

value of remuneration

 – key contractual terms of existing and new directors

•  how the Policy approved by shareholders at the 2018 AGM 
was implemented in the year ended 30 September 2019 
(the Annual Remuneration Report), the proposed approval of 
an amendment to the operation of the Policy to replace the 
annual cap of £125,000 on the total fees payable to each 
non-executive director of the Company with the aggregate cap 
on directors’ fees specified in the Company’s articles of 
association and how the Policy will be implemented in the 
next financial year

Auditable disclosures are the: 

•  executive directors’ single total figure of remuneration 

(page 112)

•  long term incentive awards (page 115)
•  extant equity incentive awards held by executive 

directors (page 118)

•  director changes during the year (page 119)
•  non-executive directors’ remuneration (page 120) 
•  directors’ interests (page 120)

102  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
Remuneration 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. 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.

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 which the Group faces 
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.

Remuneration Policy

This DRR sets out our Remuneration Policy. We consulted with 
shareholders extensively during 2017 when the Policy was being 
formulated for shareholders’ approval. This Policy applied with 
effect from 8 February 2018 when it was approved by 
shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting and, 
save in respect of the proposed amendment to the operation of 
the Policy to replace the £125,000 individual annual fee cap for 
each non-executive director, will, in all other respects, continue 
to apply until 2021.

For unvested share awards only, made prior to  
8 February 2018, the provisions of the Remuneration Policy 
approved by shareholders in 2015 will continue to apply until all 
long term incentive awards granted under that Policy have 
vested or lapsed.

The Committee reviewed 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.

Our Policy is designed to maintain stability in the executive team 
and to ensure appropriate positioning against our comparator 
groups. We believe our approach to be balanced and that it will 
stand the test of time.

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 Committee.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  103 

GovernanceDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Remuneration Policy (continued)

COMPONENT PARTS OF THE REMUNERATION PACKAGE
The key components of executive directors’ remuneration for 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 component

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Whilst there is no prescribed 
formulaic maximum, any increases 
will take into account prevailing 
market and economic conditions as 
well as increases for the wider 
workforce.

Increases may be above this when 
an executive director progresses in 
the role; gains substantially in 
experience; there is a significant 
increase in the scale of the role; or 
was appointed on a salary below 
the market median. These will be 
appropriately explained in the 
relevant year’s annual report.

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

For the Company’s pension cash 
allowance (or pension contribution 
as appropriate), from 8 February 
2018 the annual maximum will be 
20% of base salary for new UK 
appointees and 35% phasing down 
to 20% of base salary for current UK 
based executive directors. The 
reduction will take place over a 
three year period commencing in 
January 2019. Dominic Blakemore 
voluntarily elected to adopt the 20% 
rate of contribution from 1 January 
2018. The annual maximum cash 
allowance for Gary Green remains 
at 35% of base salary.

The target award for the Group CEO 
is 100% of base salary, with a 
further maximum of 100% for 
enhanced performance. No bonus 
is payable for below threshold 
performance but increases on a 
straight line basis to target payout 
and from target to maximum.

The target award for other 
executive directors is 75% of base 
salary, with a further maximum of 
75% of base salary available for 
enhanced performance. No bonus 
is payable for below threshold 
performance but increases on a 
straight line basis to target payout 
and from target to maximum.

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 or a combination of 
cash and Deferred Bonus 
Shares.

The Committee retains the 
discretion to adjust the bonus 
outcomes to ensure that they 
reflect underlying 
business performance.

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

None.

None.

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

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

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

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

A bonus underpin may be operated so that the bonus outcome 
is reduced if underpin performance is not met.

Bonus will be deferred when share ownership guidelines have 
not been met, usually with a minimum level of deferral of one 
third of the bonus earned and typically deferred for a period of 
three years.

Dividend equivalents may be accrued on Deferred 
Bonus Shares.

Details of the specific measures and targets applying to each 
element of the bonus for the year being reported on are shown 
in the Annual Remuneration Report on page 114.

104  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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.

Return on capital employed 
(ROCE)
ROCE supports the strategic focus 
on growth and margin through 
ensuring that cash is reinvested to 
generate strong returns with capital 
discipline.

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.

Relative total shareholder 
return (TSR)
The third performance measure of 
TSR provides direct alignment 
between the interests of executive 
directors and shareholders.

Operation of component

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Awards may be made at the 
following levels of salary:
•  Group Chief Executive: 300%
•  Other executive directors: 250%

In exceptional circumstances, such 
as the appointment of a new 
executive director, this could be 
increased to 400% of base salary. 
Any use of this exceptional limit 
would be appropriately explained.

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 is measured over three 
financial years.

Performance measures are AFCF, 
ROCE and TSR, with each applying 
40%, 40% and 20% respectively.

Relative TSR is measured relative to 
the companies comprising the TSR 
comparator group at the start of the 
period.

LTIP targets are set with reference to 
internal budgets and analysts’ 
consensus forecasts, with maximum 
payment requiring performance well 
ahead of budget.

Details of the targets for LTIP awards 
vesting and granted are set out as 
required in the Annual 
Remuneration Report on page 116.

For awards made prior to 8 February 
2018, the awards were based on 
AFCF over the three year 
performance period, growth in ROCE 
and the Company’s TSR over the 
performance period relative to the 
companies comprising the TSR 
comparator group at the start of the 
relevant period. Each measure 
being equivalent to one third of 
the total award.

An annual conditional award of 
ordinary shares which may be 
earned after a single three year 
performance period, based on the 
achievement of stretching 
performance conditions. Executive 
directors normally hold vested LTIP 
shares (net of any shares sold to 
meet tax and social security 
liabilities) for a period of two years 
post vesting.

Calculations of the achievement of 
the targets are independently 
performed and are approved by the 
Committee. 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.

Dividend equivalents may be 
accrued on the shares earned from 
LTIP awards.

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, due to 
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.

NOTES TO THE REMUNERATION POLICY TABLE
The Committee may make minor amendments to the Policy (for example for tax, exchange control, regulatory or administrative purposes) without obtaining 
shareholder approval.

The Remuneration Policy for executive directors differs from that of other members of the Executive Committee solely in respect of quantum of the various 
components and remuneration. Executive directors have a greater proportion of their total remuneration package at risk than other employees; however, the 
structure and principles of incentives are broadly consistent. 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.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  105 

GovernanceDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Remuneration Policy (continued)

CLOSED INCENTIVE PLANS
The LTIP described in the table on page 105 (known as The 
Compass Group PLC Long Term Incentive Plan 2018) is the 
primary form of equity incentive for executive directors. At the 
date of this DRR, there are outstanding awards over 233,799 
shares which have been made to executive directors under the 
previous long term incentive plan, The Compass Group PLC 
Long Term Incentive Plan 2010.

DILUTION LIMITS
All of the Company’s equity based incentive plans incorporate 
the current Investment Association Share Capital Management 
Guidelines (IA 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, ensures 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 2019, the Company held 3,329,634 treasury 
shares. During the financial year ended 30 September 2019, 
242,307 shares were purchased in the market by the trustees of 
The Compass Group PLC All Share Schemes Trust. 2,341,811 
treasury shares and 54,852 market purchased shares were used 
in the year to satisfy the Company’s obligations under the 
Group’s employee equity incentive schemes. As at 30 
September 2019, the Company’s headroom position, which 
remains within the current IA Guidelines, was as shown in the 
charts below:

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.

As a result of the Remuneration Policy review, and to bring the 
share ownership guidelines (the guidelines) into line with 
prevailing best practice, and as part of a rebalanced overall 
remuneration package, with effect from 8 February 2018, the 
requirement for the Group CEO was increased to a personal 
shareholding of 300% of base salary and 250% for all other 
executive directors. No changes were made to the level of 
shareholding required for non-executive directors which remains 
as a personal shareholding equal to the value of their base fee.

The guideline shareholding may be achieved by executive 
directors retaining shares received as a result of participating in 
the Company’s share plans. The guidelines specifically exclude 
the need to make a personal investment should awards not vest. 
Non-executive directors are generally 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 
executive shareholding is expected to be achieved within a five 
year period, commencing from the date of appointment or date 
of change of LTIP opportunity, whichever is the later.

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 
guidelines are unlikely to be met within the timeframe, then the 
Committee will discuss with the director a plan to ensure that 
they are met over an acceptable timeframe. The grant of future 
LTIP awards to an executive director will be conditional upon 
reaching the appropriate threshold in the required timeframe. 
Where executive directors have not achieved the minimum 
guideline effective for the period, one third of their cash bonus 
will be deferred into shares for three years.

Details of the interests of directors in shares and equity 
incentives are set out on page 120, together with the extent to 
which each of the directors has complied with the current 
guidelines as at 30 September 2019.

Headroom as at 30 September 2019

10% IN 10 YEARS

5% IN 10 YEARS

1.05%

0.91%

1.05%

8.04%

0.91%

3.04%

  Headroom  
Discretionary options 

LTIP 

  Headroom  
Discretionary options 

LTIP 

106  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
ILLUSTRATIONS OF APPLICATION OF THE REMUNERATION POLICY
The graphs below show an estimate of the remuneration that could be received by executive directors in office at 1 October 2019 
under the Policy set out in this DRR for 2019-2020. Each bar gives an indication of the minimum amount of remuneration payable, 
remuneration payable at target and 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

Gary Green1
ILLUSTRATION OF PACKAGE

22%

38%

28%

£3m

£1.6m

£3.9m

£6.1m

46%

£4m

£5m

£6m

£7m

Minimum

Target

Maximum

100%

33%

20%

26%

41%

32%

48%

£1.2m

£3.7m

£6.1m

Minimum

Target

Maximum

100%

40%

26%

0

£1m

£2m

£3m

£4m

£5m

£6m

£7m

0

£1m

£2m

Karen Witts
ILLUSTRATION OF PACKAGE

Minimum

Target

Maximum

100%

37%

23%

23%

40%

29%

48%

£0.8m

£2.2m

£3.4m

Fixed Pay

Annual Bonus

LTIP

0

£1m

£2m

£3m

£4m

The scenarios in the above graphs are defined as follows:

FIXED ELEMENTS OF REMUNERATION
Fixed pay includes annual base salary, pension and benefits:

•  annual base salary as at 1 October 2019
•  value of benefits as noted in the single figure table on page 112
•  pension cash allowance as at 1 October 2019

ANNUAL BONUS
(payout as a % of maximum opportunity)
LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
(vesting as a % of maximum opportunity)

Minimum performance
0%

Target performance
50%

Maximum performance
100%

0%

52.5%2

100%

1.  Gary Green is paid in US dollars. For reporting purposes, this pay is converted into sterling at an exchange rate of US$1.2762/£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).

No share price growth or dividend accrual has been incorporated in the values relating to the LTIP. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  107 

Governance 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Remuneration Policy (continued)

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 most elements of remuneration, that is: 
base salary, pension and benefits, and short and long term 
incentives. New UK executive directors will, however, be provided 
with a pension cash allowance (or contribution) of 20% of base 
salary, in line with the level of pension provided to Compass UK 
management. 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 CEO. 
However, in exceptional circumstances such as the recruitment 
of a new executive director, a maximum LTIP award of up to 
400% of base salary may be awarded. Additionally, to support the 
successful building up of a shareholding in compliance with the 
share ownership guidelines, executives will also be required to 
have one third of their annual bonus deferred into shares when 
the share ownership guideline is not achieved. The required level 
of shareholding is expected to be achieved within a five year 
period in accordance with our share ownership guidelines. 

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 facility 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 the recruitment of a particular individual would be 
intended to be of comparable form, timing, 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 incentive arrangements to run off 
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, cash supplements, 
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.

108  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ SERVICE AGREEMENTS
It is the Company’s policy that executive directors have rolling 
service contracts.

The current executive directors’ service contracts contain the 
key terms shown in the table below:

Service contract key terms by provision
Provision
REMUNERATION

Detailed terms
•  base salary, pension and benefits
•  car benefit
•  family private health insurance
•  life assurance
•  financial planning advice
•  25 days’ paid annual leave
•  participation in the annual bonus 

plan, subject to plan rules

•  participation in the 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 Mr Blakemore)
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/her 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. Mr Green’s service contract is based 
on this historic policy. 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. Service contracts for 
Messrs Blakemore and Thomson and Ms Witts 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.

Mr Green’s service contract was entered into before 27 June 
2012 and has not been modified or renewed on or after that 

date. Consequently, remuneration payments or payments 
for loss of office that are required to be made under  
Mr Green’s contract are not required to be consistent with  
the current 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 or to be accelerated (for 
example on death), 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 performance prior to the 
date of leaving. The malus and clawback provisions would 
continue to apply in the event that any such discretion 
was exercised.

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 
Committee, and who are referred to in note 4 to the 
consolidated financial statements on page 166, have similar 
service contracts. 

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

Executive director
Dominic Blakemore

Gary Green

Karen Witts

Date of contract
12 Dec 2011
7 Nov 20171
29 Dec 2006
27 Nov 20072
10 Oct 20183

Length of Board 
service as at  
30 Sep 2019
7 years,  
7 months
12 years,  
9 months
5 months

1.  Appointment was formally revised from 1 October 2017.
2.  Appointment was formally revised from 1 November 2007.
3.  Ms Witts was appointed to the Board as Group CFO with effect from  

8 April 2019.

CHAIRMAN
The fee for the Chairman is reviewed annually by the Committee 
with any increase taking effect on 1 October. The Chairman is 
not eligible for pension scheme membership, bonus or incentive 
arrangements. Costs in relation to business and commuting 
travel will be reimbursed. The Chairman’s appointment is 
terminable without compensation on six months’ notice from 
either side. Following a market review and consideration by the 
Committee, from 1 October 2019 the Chairman’s fee was 
increased from £560,000 to £575,000 per annum.

The Chairman 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 1 January 2014. 
Mr Walsh became Chairman at the conclusion of the Company’s 
AGM on 6 February 2014. Mr Walsh will complete his second 
three year term as Chairman on 6 February 2020. At the 
recommendation of the Nomination Committee, his term was 
extended on 18 September 2019 for a further three year term 
until February 2023.

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 and may be increased if considered appropriate. The 
fees for the year under review comprised a base fee of £86,000 
per annum, which includes membership of the Audit, Corporate 
Responsibility, Nomination and Remuneration Committees. 
From 1 October 2019, following a market review, the base fee 
was increased to £88,000.

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 £30,000 per annum was payable where a non-executive 
director acted as Chairman of the Audit, Remuneration or 
Corporate Responsibility Committee and an additional fee of 
£30,000 per annum was also payable to the director nominated 
as Senior Independent Director (SID). These fees remain 
unchanged for the coming year. Non-executive directors are 
not eligible for pension scheme membership, bonus, incentive 
arrangements or other benefits, save reimbursement of 
travel costs.

As more fully described in the Notice of Meeting on pages 235 
and 238, at our 2019 AGM, we received shareholder approval to 
pay the full fee to each non-executive director in respect of each 
non-executive role they perform for the Company without regard 
to the annual cap of £125,000 as set out in the Policy. We have 
reviewed this element of how we operate our Policy and, as a 
result of that review, we concluded that it would be more 
appropriate to set the cap on directors’ fees by reference to the 
aggregate cap in the Company’s articles of association approved 
by shareholders in 2017. No other changes are proposed to the 
Company’s overall approach to the payment of fees to non-
executive directors, as set out in the shareholder approved Policy.

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 the 
appointments of non-executive directors (in office at the date of 
this DRR) 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

John Bason

Stefan Bomhard

John Bryant

Anne-Francoise 
Nesmes
Nelson Silva

Original  
date of 
Letter of 
appointment
engagement
1 Jun 2014 14 May 2014
8 Mar 2017*
21 Jun 2011 10 May 2011
8 May 2014*
8 Mar 2017*
5 May 2016
13 Mar 2019*
1 Sep 2018 17 May 2018

5 May 2016

1 Jul 2018 17 May 2018

16 Jul 2015

16 Jul 2015
8 Mar 2018*
16 Jul 2015
8 Mar 2018*

Total length  
of service  
as at  
30 Sep 2019
5 years,  
4 months
8 years,  
3 months

3 years,  
4 months
1 year,  
1 month
1 year,
3 months
4 years,  
2 months
4 years,  
2 months

Ireena Vittal

16 Jul 2015

 * Date on which appointment was formally revised.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  109 

GovernanceDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Annual Remuneration Report

REMUNERATION IN DETAIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2019
Total Shareholder Return (TSR)
The performance graph below shows the Company’s TSR performance against the performance of the FTSE 100 over the 10 year 
period to 30 September 2019. 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 SHAREHOLDER RETURN INDICES
COMPASS VS FTSE 100

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

  Compass

FTSE 100 
(rebased) 

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019
(September)

PAY FOR PERFORMANCE
The Committee believes that the 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 regularly reviews the business priorities and the 
environment in which the Company operates. The table below shows the Group CEO’s total remuneration over the last 10 years and 
the achieved annual variable and long term incentive pay awards as a percentage of the plan maxima. The values disclosed for the 
years ended 30 September 2018 and 2019 relate to Mr Blakemore and in earlier years to Mr Cousins.

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

20181

5,614

4,410

4,867

5,532

6,298

5,325

5,822

5,617

4,5683

20192
4,659

96.0

75.0

71.8

84.5

87.3

88.7

85.8

68.9

95.9

78.3

100

100

100

98.0

100

79.0

84.5

74.5

95.0

100

Single total figure 
of remuneration  
£000
Annual variable element: 
award payout against 
maximum opportunity  
%
LTIP vesting rates 
against maximum 
opportunity  
%

1.  Mr Blakemore was Deputy Group CEO from 1 October 2017 to 31 December 2017 and Group CEO from 1 January 2018 to 30 September 2018. 
2. 

Includes indicative LTIP vesting of £1.951 million calculated by reference to the average market price of Compass Group PLC shares over the three months 
from 1 July 2019 to 30 September 2019 of £20.21. 

3.  LTIP indicative vesting amount of £1.853 million was disclosed in the 2018 Annual Report and Accounts. Actual amount was £1.898 million. 

110  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN REMUNERATION OF
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
For the year ended 30 September 2019, the Group CEO 
received 10.8% more in salary, 5.6% less in bonus and the same 
level of taxable benefits than the equivalent amounts for the year 
ended 30 September 2018. This is as a result of the 2018-2019 
year being the first full year Mr Blakemore was in the role of 
Group CEO. 

For the year ended 30 September 2019, all full-time equivalent 
employees based in the UK received 3.5% more in salary, 5.8% 
less in bonus and 4.9% less in taxable benefits compared to the 
equivalent amounts for the year ended 30 September 2018. The 
UK employee workforce was chosen as the most suitable 
comparator group as the individual undertaking the Group CEO 
role has been based in the UK during each relevant year and pay 
changes across the Group vary widely depending on local 
market conditions. The nature of the Group CEO’s global role 
and responsibilities makes meaningful comparisons with any 
group of employees difficult and due caution should be 
exercised in this regard.

The CEO pay ratio will be published in next year’s report in  
line with the timing of the regulatory requirement to do so.  
This timing aligns to the next Policy review and the year in  
which we will report on regulatory-driven changes on broader 
considerations of the wider workforce employment.

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 2018 and 2019.

Dispersals
Share buybacks2
Dividends paid3
Total employee costs4

2019  
£’000
–
611
11,370

20181 
£’000
–
548
10,556

Change  
%
– 
11.4
7.7 

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated upon adoption of IFRS 15.
2.  At the AGM on 7 February 2019, shareholders approved resolution 21 to 
give the directors authority to make limited on market purchases of up to 
10% of the Company’s ordinary shares. No shares were repurchased 
during the financial year ended 30 September 2019. However, the 
directors consider it desirable for such general authority to be available to 
maintain an efficient capital structure whilst at the same time retaining the 
flexibility to fund any bolt-on acquisitions.

3.  The total dividend paid during the year ended 30 September 2018 was 
£548 million. The total share capital in issue on 30 September 2018 
was 1,589 million ordinary shares of 111⁄20 pence. At the date of this 
report there were 1,589,736,625 ordinary shares of 111⁄20 pence in issue 
of which 3,301,961 were held in Treasury for the purpose of satisfying 
the Company’s obligations under employee equity incentive schemes. 
Shares held in treasury are not eligible to participate in dividends and do 
not carry any voting rights. The total dividend paid during the year ended 
30 September 2019 was £611 million and the share capital in issue 
on 30 September 2019 was 1,589 million ordinary shares of 111⁄20 pence 
each. The total dividend per ordinary share for the year ended 
30 September 2019 increased by 6.1%.

4.  Total employee costs include 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 2019, was 596,452 
(2018: 595,841).

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  111 

Governance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 2019.

Fixed pay
Base salary1,2,3,4,10
Taxable benefits2,3,4,5,10
Pension2,3,4,6,10
Total fixed pay
Performance related pay
Bonus2,3,4,7,10
LTIP: Performance Shares2,3,7,8,10
Value delivered through corporate performance
Value delivered through share price growth
LTIP: Restricted Shares9
Total long term incentives
Single total figure of remuneration

Dominic  
Blakemore

Gary  
Green

Karen
Witts

Johnny  
Thomson

2019 
£000

2018 
£000  

2019 
£000

2018 
£000  

2019
£000

2018
£000  

2019 
£000

2018 
£000

956
34 
191 
1,181

863  
34  
201  
1,098  

1,121 
59 
392 
1,572 

1,027  
55  
360  
1,442  

318 
7 
64 
389 

1,527

1,617  

1,665

1,552  

374

1,301 
650
–
1,951
4,659

1,203  
650  
–  
1,853  
4,568  

1,849 
925
–
2,774 
6,011

1,506  
815  
 –  
2,321  
5,315  

– 
– 
394
394 
1,157

–  
–  
–  
–  

–  

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

164 
19 
58 
241 

649
32
227
908

– 

947

– 
– 
– 
– 
241 

1,081
584
–
1,665
3,520

1.  Dominic Blakemore’s base salary was increased from £750,000 to £900,000 with effect from 1 January 2018 following his appointment as Group CEO on 

1 January 2018, and subsequently increased from £900,000 to £975,000 on 1 January 2019.

2.  Gary Green’s base salary of US$1,442,000 and his other emoluments are shown in sterling at an exchange rate of US$1.2762/£1 (2018: US$1.3479/£1). 
In US$ terms Mr Green’s base salary was paid at the annual rate of US$1,399,590 from 1 January 2018 and $1,442,000 from 1 January 2019, being an 
increase of 3%.

3.  Johnny Thomson ceased to be a director on 31 December 2018. As set out in his Section 430(2B) Companies Act 2006 Statement published on the 

Company’s website, in line with the current Policy, Mr Thomson received his current base salary of £658,000, 35% pension cash allowance and benefits to 
this date. For the period from 1 January 2019 to 24 February 2019 he received a payment in lieu of notice (comprising salary, pension allowance and 10%  
of his base salary in lieu of benefits) subject to an obligation to mitigate. From 25 February 2019 to 30 June 2019, a reduced payment was paid following 
Mr Thomson mitigating his remuneration. The amounts shown in relation to 2019 in respect of salary and benefits are amounts paid during the year, 
pro-rated by reference to the period during which he was an executive director of the Company. All of Mr Thomson’s extant LTIP awards lapsed when he 
ceased to be a director on 31 December 2018. Mr Thomson was not eligible for an annual bonus payment in respect of 2018-2019.

4.  Karen Witts commenced employment as Group CFO on 8 April 2019. On joining, Ms Witts received an annual remuneration package which included a base 
salary of £660,000, bonus opportunity of up to 150% of base salary, prorated from her joining date for the first financial year and standard contractual 
benefits including pension payments (cash allowance or contribution) equal to 20% of base salary. Ms Witts’ compensation is in line with the arrangements 
announced on 11 October 2018.

5.  Taxable benefits comprise healthcare insurance, limited financial advice, life assurance and car benefit.
6. 

In accordance with the Policy, a pension cash allowance of 35% of base salary was paid in monthly instalments in lieu of pension participation for 
Messrs Green and Thomson. From 1 October 2017 to 31 December 2017, Mr Blakemore received a pension cash allowance of 35%. Mr Blakemore 
voluntarily elected to adopt the 20% rate of contribution from 1 January 2018 following his promotion to Group CEO.

7.  Details of the performance measures and weighting as well as the achieved results for the bonus and LTIP components are shown on pages 114 to 116.
8.  The amount shown for the award vesting in 2019 is the indicative value based on the average market price of Compass Group PLC shares over the three 

month period from 1 July 2019 to 30 September 2019 (£20.21) of LTIP awards that have become receivable as a result of the achievement of performance 
conditions relating to the three year performance period to 30 September 2019. The amount shown for the comparative figure in 2018 is the indicative value 
based on the average market price of Compass Group PLC shares over the three month period from 1 July to 30 September 2018 (£16.46). On 21 November 
2018, Messrs Blakemore, Green and Thomson sold 52,612, 63,035 and 47,009 shares to settle tax and social security obligations for which they received 
£887,222, £1,062,990 and £792,736 respectively, based on a sale price of £16.86 on that date. Theoretically, if they had sold all of their vested awards, 
they would have received in aggregate £5,981,009, approximately £142,000 more than the indicative value reported in the comparative table in last 
year’s report.

9.  Ms Witts was granted an award over 62,973 shares under the Karen Witts Restricted Share Award Plan on 16 May 2019 in recognition of awards forfeited at 
her previous employer. 15,181 shares subject only to employment and 5,622 shares subject to financial underpins relating to net debt to underlying EBITDA 
ratio and the ordinary dividend being at least in line with constant currency underlying basic earnings per share, vested on 1 July 2019. On the same day, 
Ms Witts sold 9,808 shares for £18.94 per share to cover resultant tax and social security obligations. The remaining shares are not subject to a further 
holding period, but will count towards her achievement of the share ownership guideline. The balance of the Award will vest, subject to continued 
employment and financial underpins, in two further tranches on 1 July 2020 and 1 July 2021. 

10. Richard Cousins was Group CEO until 31 December 2017. Total remuneration for 2018-2019 was nil (2018: £4,269 million)

112  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BASE SALARY
The annual rate of base salaries of the executive directors in office for the year ended 30 September 2019 was:

Director
Dominic Blakemore1
Gary Green
Karen Witts2
Johnny Thomson3

Base salary
£975,000
$1,442,000
£660,000
£658,000

Effective date
1 January 2019
1 January 2019
8 April 2019
1 January 2018

Increase
8.3%
3%
–
–

Reason
Progression in role, gain in experience
Relevant peer/market & performance
– 
– 

1.  Dominic Blakemore’s salary was reviewed in line with the commitment made in 2017 and 2018 to make increases to reflect experience and progression in 
the role to bring his salary in line with that of his FTSE peers and reflects performance in the year. With effect from 1 January 2019, his salary was increased 
to £975,000 with adjustments thereafter to be consistent with the range applicable to the wider workforce.

2.  Karen Witts’ salary on commencement of employment was £660,000.
3.  Johnny Thomson’s salary was reviewed in January 2018. No further salary review occurred following this date.

The proposed annual rate of base salaries of the executive directors in office from 1 January 2020 will be:

 Director
Dominic Blakemore
Gary Green
Karen Witts

Base salary
£1,000,000
$1,486,000
£674,000

Effective date
1 January 2020
1 January 2020
1 January 2020

Increase
2.6%
3.1%
2.1%

Reason
Relevant peer/market & performance
Relevant peer/market & performance
Relevant peer/market & performance

Each director received a salary increase in line with those applied to the wider workforce in their respective geographies.

PENSIONS
At 30 September 2019, 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.

For the year under review a pension cash allowance equal to 20% of base salary for Mr Blakemore and Ms Witts and 35% of the base 
salary for Messrs Green and Thomson was paid monthly in lieu of pension for the period of employment. 

TOTAL DIRECTOR REMUNERATION
Fees and benefits received by the Chairman and non-executive directors are shown on page 120. The aggregate total amount of 
remuneration received by all directors in office during the year ended 30 September 2019 is shown below:

Executive directors
Chairman and non-executive directors1
Total

Includes fees and taxable travel expenses.

1. 
2.  2018 figure restated to include non-executive director taxable travel expenses.

2019 
£000
12,068
1,333
13,401

2018 
£000
17,672
1,1882
18,860

ANNUAL BONUS PLANS
2018-2019 BONUS
The financial targets for the bonus for the year ended 30 September 2019, and the extent to which they were achieved, are set out 
on page 114. Group and regional targets are disclosed on a retrospective basis. The achievement of targets is calculated on a 
straight line basis between Minimum and Target (par) and between Target (par) and Maximum, and by reference to budgeted 
exchange rates.

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.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  113 

Governance 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Annual Remuneration Report (continued)

2018-2019 PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS
Dominic Blakemore and Karen Witts
Financial measures1
PBIT2,4
AFCF3
ORG5

% Weighting
55
15
25

Minimum
£1,774.2m
£953.5m
3.6%

Par (target)
£1,810.4m
£983.0m
4.6%

Maximum
£1,846.6m
£1,012.5m
5.6%

Achieved
£1,821.4m
£1,204.0m
6.5%

Group HSE Improvement
Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate
Food Safety Incident Rate 

2.5
2.5

Target
2.99
0.22

Achieved
2.91
0.22

Achieved

No9 
Yes

Gary Green
Financial measures1
PBIT2,4
RPBIT6
MAWC7
RORG8

% Weighting
5
55
15
25

Minimum
£1,774.2m
5.3%
$(505.3)m
5.0%

Par (target)
£1,810.4m
6.3%
$(525.3)m
6.0%

Maximum
£1,846.6m
7.3%
$(535.3)m
7.0%

Achieved
£1,821.4m
7.9%
$(556.2)m
7.7%

North America HSE Improvement
HSE for the North American business is measured through North American underlying PBIT.

2018-2019 OUTCOMES

Measure
PBIT/RPBIT2,4,6
AFCF3
MAWC7
ORG/RORG5,8
HSE
Total

Dominic Blakemore
% of performance 
target achieved

Gary Green
% of performance 
target achieved

Karen Witts
% of performance 
target achieved

35.8/55 2,4
15/15
–
25/25 5
2.5/5
78.3/100

58.3/60 2,4,6

–
15/15
25/25 8
–
98.3/100

35.8/55 2,4
15/15
–
25/25 5
2.5/5
78.3/100

1.  Financial targets for 2018-2019 bonus purposes are all set and measured at 2019 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.  Messrs Blakemore and Green’s and Ms Witts’ entitlements to any bonus related to the achievement of PBIT were adjusted, in accordance with the 

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

5.  ORG is Organic Revenue Growth (Group).
6.  RPBIT is underlying Profit Before Interest and Tax growth improvement for the North America region.
7.  MAWC is Average Working Capital Balance for the North America region for Mr Green. The 2018-2019 target for Mr Green for MAWC is based on an 

improvement in the value of MAWC over the designated period.
8.  RORG is Organic Revenue Growth for the North America region
9.  Whilst the LTIFR target was achieved, Mr Blakemore’s and Ms Witts’ entitlements to bonus relating to the achievement of the LTIFR target were reduced to 
zero to recognise that the Group had suffered a fatality in South Africa during the year which occurred whilst the employee had been at work, albeit that 
management were not considered to be culpable. This recognises the seriousness with which the Company takes HSE outcomes.

2018-2019 PAYOUTS
The outcome of the annual bonus for the year ended 30 September 2019 was due to the continued 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 for the year:

Dominic Blakemore
Gary Green
Karen Witts

 2018-2019 bonus payment as  
Value of bonus
% of base salary as at 30 Sep 2019
£1,526,951
156.6%
147.4% US$2,125,256
£373,805 

56.6%

No discretion was applied by the Committee in respect of the directors’ bonuses for the year under review. The bonus for Messrs 
Blakemore and Green will be paid in cash as they have each met their share ownership guideline. The bonus for Ms Witts has been 
prorated for the period of employment in the financial year from 8 April 2019 to 30 September 2019. A third of the bonus will be 
deferred in shares for a period of three years in order to support the build up towards Ms Witts’ share ownership guideline. Dividend 
equivalents may be accrued on Deferred Bonus Shares in line with the Policy.

114  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
2019-2020 BONUS PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The annual bonus performance measures for executive directors for the year ending 30 September 2020 are unchanged. They are:

Measure
PBIT/RPBIT1,2
AFCF3
MAWC4
ORG/RORG5,6
HSE7
Total8

Dominic Blakemore
55%1
15%3
–
25%5
5%
100%

Gary Green
60%2
–
15%4
25%6
–7
100%

Karen Witts
55%1
15%3
–
25%5
5%
100%

1.  Underlying PBIT (Group).
2.  Underlying PBIT split between Group PBIT and PBIT for Region of responsibility for Mr Green: 5% Group/55% Regional.
3.  AFCF is Adjusted Free Cash Flow (Group).
4.  MAWC for Region of responsibility. The 2019-2020 target for Mr Green for MAWC is based on an improvement in the value of MAWC over the 

designated period.

5.  Organic Revenue Growth (Group).
6.  Organic Revenue Growth for Region of responsibility.
7.  HSE for the North American business is measured through underlying RPBIT.
8.  Bonus payments may be reduced if the Remuneration Committee is not satisfied with the underlying financial performance of the Group.

The Committee has set the targets for the annual bonus plan for the year ending 30 September 2020 but has chosen not to disclose 
the details in this DRR, as it is the opinion of the Committee that it may be seriously prejudicial to the interests of the Company to do 
so. 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 DRR.

LONG TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS
During the year ended 30 September 2019, executive directors received a conditional award of shares which may vest after a three 
year performance period which will end on 30 September 2021, 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
Gary Green
Karen Witts
 Total

LTIP award  
(as a % of base salary)
300%
250%
250%

Face value of award
£000
2,700 1
2,724 1,2
1,650 3
7,074

1.  Face value of award as at the date of grant on 21 November 2018 is based on the closing market price of £16.73 per share on 20 November 2018.
2.  Face value of award is converted to sterling at an exchange rate of US$1.2762/£1.
3.  Face value of award as at the date of grant on 16 May 2019 is based on the closing market price of £17.78 per share on 15 May 2019. The Award relates to 
the annual LTIP grant. Ms Witts also received awards in respect of forfeiture of incentives from her previous employer. These awards are set out in detail on 
page 118.

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 clawback.

The table below sets out the performance measures for the awards under the Policy in operation during the financial year 
under review:

Definition of measure
ROCE The definition aims to measure the underlying economic performance of the Company. ROCE is calculated at the end of the 
three year performance period as net underlying operating profit after tax (NOPAT) divided by 12 month average capital employed 
(see page 246 for full definitions).
Adjusted FCF The definition aims to measure the cash generation of the Company and is calculated as the three year cumulative 
underlying FCF (see page 246 for full definition) adjusted for constant currency.
TSR Performance is compared to that of constituent members of the FTSE 100 (excluding the financial services sector). 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).

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 116 shows the targets against which performance has been measured to 
determine the vesting of the grant of awards for the year ended 30 September 2019 and forms part of the Policy detailed in the 
Policy Report on pages 62 to 68 of the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  115 

Governance 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Annual Remuneration Report (continued)

2016-2017 award targets (for awards with a performance period ended 30 September 2019)
ROCE target
Level of performance
Vesting % of component
As at date of award
Reconciled at the end of the performance period1

Threshold
0%
18.1%
18.18%

Maximum
100%
19.1%
19.15%

Achieved
100%
– 
19.73%

AFCF target
Level of performance
Vesting % of each component
AFCF

TSR target
Level of performance
Vesting % of each component

Threshold
0%

Achieved
100%
£2,609m £2,883m £3,156m

Maximum
100%

Below 
Median
0%

Median
25%

Upper 
Quartile
100%

Achieved
100%

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

2016-2017 award performance
The Committee applied the established framework to deal with items that were unforeseen at the time the targets were set in 
2016-2017 and which were in the long term interests of shareholders. Both the ROCE and AFCF measures were adjusted to exclude 
a one-off capital investment in the North American business.

Each of the performance measures were met in full at the end of the three year performance period, such that the LTIP awards made 
during the 2016-2017 financial year vested at 100% of the maximum. Shares will be delivered to individuals following the release of 
the preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2019.

Director
Dominic Blakemore
Gary Green

Performance conditions

TSR % 
vested
on maturity1
100%
100%

ROCE % 
vested 
on maturity
100%
100%

Number of 
AFCF % 
shares 
vested 
awarded
on maturity
100%
96,528
100% 137,271

Number of 
shares 
vested
96,528
137,271 

Value of 
shares
on vesting2
£000
1,951
2,774 

1.  TSR ranking was 16th in its comparator group.
2.  The indicative 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 2019 to 30 September 2019 of £20.21 per share.

2019-2020 AWARD 
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 2020 and forms part of the Policy detailed in the Policy Report on pages 103 to 109. In 
order to minimise future adjustments, the Committee sets ROCE targets based on predicted spend on bolt-on acquisitions, however, 
in line with our standard approach, targets will be updated at the end of the performance period to reflect actual spend. In setting 
AFCF targets, the Committee took into consideration anticipated payroll timing and taxation phasing during the three year 
performance period. The targets have been set on an IFRS 15 basis and will be restated for IFRS 16 in the 2020 Directors’ 
Remuneration Report.

ROCE and AFCF targets

Level of performance
Threshold
Par (target)
Maximum

TSR target

Level of performance
Below Median
Median
Upper Quartile

116  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Vesting %  
of each 
component
0%
50%
100%

ROCE

AFCF
17.39% £2,776m
17.87% £2,922m
18.34% £3,068m

Vesting %  
of each 
component
0%
25%
100%

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 the AFCF and ROCE 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 retains its discretion to adjust vesting if it considers that financial performance is unsatisfactory.

The Committee considers the measures and targets set in respect of 2019-2020 to be appropriate and challenging. Calculations of 
the achievement of the targets will be independently performed and approved by the Committee. The Committee retains discretion 
to adjust for performance and the nature of any such adjustments will be disclosed in the DRR, together with details of the achieved 
ROCE, AFCF and TSR performance, as determined by the above definitions, at the end of the performance period.

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN HISTORIC AWARD VESTING
The table below sets out the percentage of each LTIP award made to executive directors within the last five years which has vested:

Year of award
2016-2017
2015-2016
2014-2015
2013-2014
2012-2013

Maturity 
date

Performance 
conditions
1 Oct 2019 ROCE/AFCF/TSR
1 Oct 2018 ROCE/AFCF/TSR
1 Oct 2017 ROCE/AFCF/TSR
1 Oct 2016 ROCE/AFCF/TSR
1 Oct 2015 ROCE/AFCF/TSR

ROCE % vested  
on maturity 
100%
84.9%
23.5%
60.7%
74%

AFCF % vested 
on maturity
100%
100%
100% 
92.7%
78%

TSR % vested  
on maturity 
100%
100%
100%
100%
85% 

SHARE AWARDS FOR FORFEITURE
During the year ended 30 September 2019, in line with the recruitment Policy approved by shareholders and the disclosure made in 
the 2018 Directors’ Remuneration Report, Karen Witts received awards to compensate her for the forfeiture of incentive 
compensation from her previous employment. These awards were valued, based on all information available to the Committee at the 
time of appointment. The majority of these awards are subject to Compass’ performance. The face values of the awards and relevant 
performance conditions are set out below:

Compass Group PLC LTIP 20181
Karen Witts Restricted Share Award Plan2
Karen Witts Restricted Share Award Plan3

Performance 
conditions/underpin
Y
N
Y

Face value of award 
£000
500
270
850

1.  Face value of award as at the date of grant on 16 May 2019 is based on the closing market price of £17.78 per share on 15 May 2019. The award is subject 
to Compass’ performance over the three year period ending 30 September 2021 as assessed by the Remuneration Committee against ROCE, AFCF and 
relative TSR performance targets as applied.

2.  Face value of award as at the date of grant on 16 May 2019 is based on the closing market price of £17.78 per share on 15 May 2019. The award of 15,181 

shares vested on 1 July 2019.

3.  Face value of award as at the date of grant on 16 May 2019 is based on the closing market price of £17.78 pence per share on 15 May 2019. The award is 
subject to two financial underpins relating to net debt to underlying EBITDA ratio and the ordinary dividend being at least in line with constant currency 
underlying basic earnings per share. The award is to vest in three tranches. The first tranche of 5,622 shares vested on 1 July 2019. A maximum of 20,804 
shares are due to vest in July 2020 and 21,366 shares are due to vest in July 2021, each being subject to the two financial underpins.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  117 

Governance 
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 DRR, including the awards conditionally made under the long term 
incentive plans to the executive directors at any time during the year ended 30 September 2019, 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
Gary
Green

Total
Karen
Witts
Total
Johnny 
Thomson

Total

As at 
30 Sep 2018: 
number of 
shares
118,518
96,528
178,390
–
393,436
148,479
137,271
165,125
–
450,875
–

Awarded during 
the year: 
number of 
shares
–
–
–
161,385
161,385
–
–
–
162,810
162,810
120,880

Released during 
the year: 
number of 
shares
112,550
–
–
–
112,550
141,002
–
–
–
141,002
–

Lapsed during 
the year: 
number of 
shares
5,968
–
–
–
5,968
7,477
–
–
–
7,477
–

As at 
30 Sep 2019: 
number of 
shares
–
96,528
178,390
161,385
436,303
–
137,271
165,125
162,810
465,206
120,880

–
106,482
86,724
108,685
301,891

120,880
–
–
–
–

–
101,120
–
–
101,120

–
5,362
86,724
108,685
200,771

120,880
–
–
–
–

Market price 
at date 
of award: 
£

Date of 
award

Maturity 
date
10.80 25 Nov 2015 1 Oct 2018
13.26 23 Nov 2016 1 Oct 2019
15.13
9 Feb 2018 1 Oct 2020
16.73 21 Nov 2018 1 Oct 2021

10.80 25 Nov 2015 1 Oct 2018
13.26 23 Nov 2016 1 Oct 2019
9 Feb 2018 1 Oct 2020
15.13
16.73 21 Nov 2018 1 Oct 2021

17.78 16 May 2019 1 Oct 2021

10.80 25 Nov 2015 1 Oct 2018
13.26 23 Nov 2016 1 Oct 2019
9 Feb 2018 1 Oct 2020
15.13

Restricted Share Award (RSA)

As at 
30 Sep 2018: 
number of 
shares
–
–
–
–

Awarded during 
the year: 
number of 
shares
20,803
20,804
21,366
62,973

Released during 
the year: 
number of 
shares
20,803
–
–
20,803

Lapsed during 
the year: 
number of 
shares
–
–
–
–

As at 
30 Sep 2019: 
number of 
shares
–
20,804
21,366
42,170

Market price 
at date 
of award: 
£

Date of 
award
17.78 16 May 2019
17.78  16 May 2019
17.78  16 May 2019

Maturity 
date
1 Jul 2019
1 Jul 2020
1 Jul 2021

Director
Karen Witts

Total

NOTES TO TABLES
1.  Each award granted is based on a three year performance period. Under the 2010 LTIP, awards are based one third on a ROCE target, one third on AFCF and 
one third on the Company’s TSR relative to the FTSE 100, excluding the financial services sector. Awards granted under the 2018 LTIP are based 40% on a 
ROCE target, 40% on an AFCF target and 20% on the Company’s TSR relative to the FTSE 100, excluding the financial services sector.

2.  The performance period of the award granted on 25 November 2015 came to an end on 30 September 2018. This award vested in part at 95% of the 

maximum award. The shares disclosed as lapsed during the year represent the proration of the original award.

3.  Awards granted on 9 February 2018, 21 November 2018 and 16 May 2019 were made under the LTIP 2018. All other awards were granted under the 

LTIP 2010.

4.  On 21 November 2018, Messrs Blakemore, Green and Thomson sold 52,612, 63,065 and 47,009 shares respectively of LTIP awards that had become 

receivable as a result of the achievement of performance conditions relating to the three year performance period to 30 September 2018 to settle resultant 
tax and social security obligations. All of the vested LTIP awards were subject to a two year post vest holding period. Theoretically, if the directors had sold all 
of their vested LTIP awards, they would have received in aggregate £5,981,009 based on a sale price of £16.86 on 21 November 2018. The closing share 
price on the day preceding the release of their awards was £16.73 per share.

5.  The performance period of the award granted on 23 November 2016 came to an end on 30 September 2019. The award vested in full. 
6.  All LTIP awards were granted for nil consideration.
7.  Of the 120,880 LTIP awards granted to Ms Witts, 28,110 were in respect of the agreed buy-out arrangement for awards forfeited in her former employment.
8.  Awards granted to Mr Thomson on 23 November 2016 and 9 February 2018 lapsed on 31 December 2018 when he ceased to be a director of the Company.
9.  Ms Witts was granted an award over 62,973 shares under the Karen Witts Restricted Share Award Plan on 16 May 2019 in recognition of Awards forfeited at 

her previous employer. 15,181 shares were subject only to employment and 5,622 shares are subject to financial underpins relating to net debt to underlying 
EBITDA ratio and the ordinary dividend being at least in line with constant currency underlying basic earnings per share, vested on 1 July 2019. On the same 
day, Ms Witts sold 9,808 shares for £18.94 per share to cover resultant tax and social security obligations. The balance of shares is not subject to a further 
holding period, but will count towards her achievement of the share ownership guideline. The balance of the Award will vest, subject to continued 
employment and financial underpins, in two further tranches on 1 July 2020 and 1 July 2021.

10. The highest mid-market price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the year ended 30 September 2019 was £21.38 per share and the lowest was £14.83 

per share. The year end price was £20.93 per share.

11. The market price at the date of each award is shown to two decimal places. 

118  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTOR CHANGES DURING THE YEAR
Karen Witts
As announced on 11 October 2018, Ms Witts’ annual remuneration package, which is in line with the Company’s shareholder 
approved Policy, includes the following:

•  base salary of £660,000
•  bonus opportunity of up to 150% of base salary, prorated from her joining date for the first financial year of her appointment. One 

third of the bonus earned to be deferred for three years if the pro-rated share ownership guidelines have not been met

•  an award of 250% of base salary under the LTIP 2018. This will vest based on performance over a three year performance period 
as assessed by the Remuneration Committee, against ROCE, AFCF and relative TSR targets. The award will also be subject to a 
two year post vest holding period

•  standard contractual benefits including pension payments (cash allowance or contribution) equal to 20% of base salary

The Company also agreed the following buyout arrangements to compensate for the forfeiture of incentive compensation from 
Ms Witts’ former employment, based on all known information at the time. The recruitment Policy approved by shareholders sets out 
how to determine the buyout of outstanding incentives from a previous employer, namely, that awards should minimise the cost to 
Compass and, where possible, should deliver any compensation in the form of Compass shares, delivered no earlier than the original 
awards. In line with that policy, the buyout of current share-based incentives is a blend of restricted shares and performance shares 
to replicate the form of awards forfeit. The timing of the payouts will be no earlier than the awards forfeited, and all awards will be 
made in Compass shares with forward looking performance conditions applying where appropriate:

•  an award of performance shares worth £500,000 which will vest subject to Compass’ performance over the three year period 
ending 30 September 2021 as assessed by the Remuneration Committee, against ROCE, AFCF and relative TSR performance 
targets as applied under the LTIP 2018

•  an award of restricted shares with a value at the date of grant of £1,120,000 to vest in three approximately equal tranches over the 
three financial years ending 30 September 2019-2021. The majority of the award is also subject to two financial underpins relating 
to Compass’ performance, which are (i) the maintenance of net debt: underlying EBITDA (adjusted for M&A activity and changes 
to accounting standards) and (ii) dividend at least in line with constant currency basic earnings per share

All net shares vesting must be retained until the Company’s share ownership guidelines for executive directors have been met. 

At the time of appointment Ms Witts was expected to receive compensation, to be delivered in Compass shares, for the loss of any 
2018-2019 annual bonus equal in value to the actual bonus that would have been paid by her former employer. This award was not 
granted as her 2018-2019 annual bonus from her former employer was not forfeit.

PAYMENTS TO PAST DIRECTORS
As announced on 4 July 2018 and 11 October 2018, Johnny Thomson stepped down from the Board on 31 December 2018. In line 
with the current Policy, Mr Thomson received his current base salary, 35% pension cash allowance and benefits to this date, details 
of which are included in the single figure table on page 112. For the period from 1 January 2019 to 24 February 2019, he received a 
payment in lieu of notice (comprising salary, pension allowance and 10% of his base salary in lieu of benefits) subject to an obligation 
to mitigate. From 25 February 2019 to 30 June 2019 a reduced payment was made following Mr Thomson mitigating his 
remuneration. The total remuneration for the period 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019 paid to Mr Thomson was £207,593. All of 
Mr Thomson’s extant LTIP awards lapsed when he ceased to be a director on 31 December 2018. Mr Thomson was not eligible to 
receive an annual bonus payment in respect of 2018-2019.

PAYMENTS FOR LOSS OF OFFICE
There were no loss of office payments made to former directors during the year.

EXTERNAL NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTMENTS
Executive directors may take up one non-executive directorship outside 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. Ms Witts received fees of £54,500 in respect of her directorship at Imperial Brands 
plc. At the date of this DRR, Dominic Blakemore and Gary Green do not hold any paid external appointments. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  119 

GovernanceDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Annual Remuneration Report (continued)

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
Details of amounts received by Paul Walsh during the year ended 30 September 2019 are shown below:

Chairman
Paul Walsh

Fees 
£000
560

Benefits1
£000
2

Total 2019 
£000
562

Total 2018 
£000
541

1.  Benefits for the year ended 30 September 2019 comprise the provision of costs in relation to commuting travel.

Details of the amounts received by each of the non-executive directors in office for the year ended 30 September 2019 are set out below:

Non-executive director 
Carol Arrowsmith
John Bason3
Stefan Bomhard
John Bryant4
Anne-Francoise Nesmes5
Nelson Silva
Ireena Vittal

Fees  
£000
116 
139 
86 
86 
86 
116 
86 

Benefits1
£000
10 
 – 
1 
18 
–
16 
11 

Total 2019 
£000
126 
139 
87 
104 
86 
132 
97 

Total 20182
£000
125 
119 
85 
7 
21 
119 
97 

1.  Travel costs relating to attending Board meetings held in the UK are treated as a taxable benefit and have been included in the table above.
2.  2018 figures restated to include travel expenses. 
3.  With effect from 8 February 2019, Mr Bason was paid the full fee payable for each non-executive role performed.
4.  Appointed to the Board and its committees on 1 September 2018.
5.  Appointed to the Board and its committees on 1 July 2018.

SHARE OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES AND DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES
In order that their interests are aligned 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 106.

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 2019 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
John Bryant2
Gary Green
Anne-Francoise Nesmes3
Nelson Silva
Johnny Thomson4
Ireena Vittal
Paul Walsh
Karen Witts5

Beneficial

Conditional 

Shares held as
at 30 Sep 2019
or date of leaving
10,333
14,288
197,462
5,865
6,025
191,382
2,122
7,884
209,521
5,350
35,395
10,995

Shares held
as at 30 Sep 

2018  
10,121  
11,976  
137,524  
5,865  
–  
255,595  
–  
7,884  
155,410  
5,241  
35,395  
–  

LTIP/RSA
holdings as 
at 30 Sep 2019 
or date of leaving
n/a
n/a
436,303
n/a
n/a
465,206
n/a
n/a
–
n/a
n/a
163,050

LTIP/RSA
holdings 
as at 30 Sep 
2018
n/a
n/a
393,436
n/a
n/a
450,875
n/a
n/a
301,891
n/a
n/a
n/a

Shareholding
required1
100%
100%
300%
100%
100%
250%
100%
100%
250%
100%
100%
250%

Compliance with 
share ownership 
guidelines
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
See note 5 

1.  As a percentage of base salary or fee.
2.  Appointed to the Board and its committees on 1 September 2018.
3.  Appointed to the Board and its committees on 1 July 2018.
4.  Stepped down from the Board and its committees on 31 December 2018. The figure disclosed is Mr Thomson’s holding at that date. Outstanding LTIP 

awards lapsed on 31 December 2018.

5.  Appointed to the Board and its committees on 8 April 2019. Under the current guidelines executive directors are required to achieve the % shareholding 

shown in the table above, within a five year period in accordance with the Company’s share ownership guidelines. Compliance is assessed on a pro rata basis 
for Ms Witts who is in her first year of build-up. In line with the guidelines, a proportion of Ms Witts’ 2018–2019 bonus will be deferred in shares for a period of 
three years to support the build up of her shareholding.

There were no changes in directors’ interests between 30 September 2019 and 26 November 2019.

120  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
REMUNERATION OF OTHER SENIOR EXECUTIVES AND MANAGEMENT
A number of senior executives and the executive directors comprise the Executive Committee. These key management roles 
influence the ability of the Group to meet its strategic targets. The Remuneration Committee sets the remuneration for these 
individuals and has regard to the remuneration level and structure of the wider business. Total remuneration including base salary 
and other short term benefits, bonus and the expected value of long term incentives is summarised in note 4 to the consolidated 
financial statements on page 166.

REMUNERATION ADVICE
The Chairman and the Group CEO, together with the Group Chief People Officer and the Group Reward & Diversity 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 remuneration from the Company under their service 
contracts. Details of the members of the Committee who served during the year ended 30 September 2019 are set out on  
pages 70 and 71.

WillisTowersWatson (WTW) was appointed by the Company in 2017. During the year, WTW advised the Committee on remuneration 
related matters in respect of the executive directors and non-executive directors including detailed external information and 
research on market data and trends and advice in relation to the appointment of Ms Witts for which it received total fees (based on 
hours spent) of £30,150 (2018: £29,100). WTW provided services to the Company globally which comprised remuneration 
benchmarking, insurance brokerage and other consultancy advice.

Alithos Limited (Alithos) was appointed by the Company in 2002. During the year, 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 (2018: £24,000). It also 
provided the TSR performance graph for the DRR, for which it received a fixed fee of £500 (2018: £500). Alithos did not provide any 
other advice or services to the Company during the year.

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.

SHAREHOLDER VOTE AT 2018 AND 2019 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
The tables below show the voting outcomes at the AGMs held on 8 February 2018 for the Remuneration Policy which applies until 
2021 and the 2016-2017 Remuneration Report, and on 7 February 2019 for the 2017-2018 Annual Remuneration Report:

2018

Remuneration Policy2
Annual Remuneration Report3

2019

Annual Remuneration Report3

Number of votes 
‘For’ & 
‘Discretionary’
1,153,741,571
1,161,167,059

Number of votes 
‘For’ & 
‘Discretionary’
1,225,182,253

1.  A vote withheld is not a vote in law.
2.  Binding vote. Policy to apply until 2021.
3.  Advisory vote.

% of 
votes cast
95.90
96.58

Number of votes 
‘Against’
49,370,003
41,072,852

% of 
votes cast

Total number of 
votes cast
4.10 1,203,111,574
3.42 1,202,239,911

Number of votes
‘Withheld’1
10,721,950
11,593,421

% of 
votes cast
98.01

Number of votes 
‘Against’
24,889,504

% of 
votes cast

Total number of 
votes cast
1.99 1,250,071,757

Number of votes
‘Withheld’1
15,061,643

The Committee welcomed the endorsement of the DRR by shareholders and took steps, wherever practicable, to understand 
shareholders’ concerns when withholding their support.

At the 2020 AGM, shareholders will be invited to vote on the Annual Remuneration Report for 2018-2019 (advisory vote) and on the 
approval for the Company to pay each of its non-executive directors the full fee payable for each role they perform for the Company 
by reference to the aggregate cap on directors’ fees specified in the Company’s articles of association. 

On behalf of the Board

Carol Arrowsmith
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

26 November 2019

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  121 

Governance 
 
Other Statutory Disclosures

This Directors’ Report forms part of the management report as 
required under DTR 4. The Company has chosen, in accordance 
with Section 414 C(11) of the CA 2006, and as noted in this 
Directors’ Report, to include certain matters in its Strategic 
Report that would otherwise be required to be disclosed in this 
Directors’ Report. The Strategic Report can be found on pages 
1 to 63 and 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 64 to 121, the Other Statutory Disclosures on pages 
122 to 127 and the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement on page 
130 are incorporated into the Directors’ Report by reference.

Specifically, the following disclosures have been included 
elsewhere within the Annual Report and are incorporated into 
this Directors’ Report by reference:

Disclosure
Financial risk management
Future developments in the business
Statement of directors’ responsibilities including 
disclosure of information to the auditor
Disclosure of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Shareholder information
Viability statement
Going concern statement

Page
39
2
130

60
232
40
40

DIRECTORS
Details of the directors in office at the date of this Report are listed 
on pages 68 to 71. In accordance with the Code, each director will 
retire and submit himself or herself for election or re-election at 
the 2020 AGM. As announced on 11 October 2018, Karen Witts 
joined the Board as Group CFO on 8 April 2019.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
In the year ended 30 September 2019, the Group delivered an 
underlying profit before tax of £1,772 million (2018: £1,630 
million), an increase of 8.7%; and a statutory profit before tax of 
£1,469 million (2018: £1,523 million), a decrease of 3.5%1.

A summary of the dividends on ordinary shares for the financial 
year ended 30 September 2019 compared to the prior year is 
shown below:

Year
2019
2019
2019
2018
2018
2018

  Dividend
  Final (recommended)
  Interim
  Total
  Final
  Interim 
  Total

Pence per share2
26.9
13.1
40.0
25.4
12.3
37.7

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated upon adoption of IFRS 15.
2.  Dividends are paid gross. A dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) is available 
to shareholders resident in the UK, EEA, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. 
Details can be found on page 232. The latest date for receipt of elections 
for the DRIP is 3 February 2020.

The 2019 interim dividend of 13.1 pence per existing ordinary 
share (2018: 12.3 pence) was paid to shareholders on 
29 July 2019.

122  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Payment of the recommended final dividend for the year ended 
30 September 2019, if approved at the 2020 AGM, will be made 
on 24 February 2020 to shareholders registered at the close of 
business on 17 January 2020. The shares will be quoted 
ex-dividend from 16 January 2020.

During the year, the trustee of the employee benefit trust, the 
Compass Group PLC All Share Schemes Trust (ASST) (formerly 
known as the Compass Group PLC Long Term Incentive Plan 
Trust), which operates in connection with the Company’s share 
plans, waived its right to receive dividends on any shares held by 
it. Details of the ASST can be found on page 124 of this Report. 
The value of dividends waived during the year ended  
30 September 2019 in relation to the ASST was £6,351  
(2018: £5,389).

At the date of this Report, there were 3,301,961 111⁄20 pence 
ordinary 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, £1,378,421 (2018: £2,152,339) 
worth of dividends were not paid during the financial year in 
relation to treasury shares.

SHARE CAPITAL
General
At the date of this Report, 1,589,736,625 ordinary shares of 
11 1⁄20 pence each (of which 3,301,961 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 1,586,434,664. 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 2019, 431,955 options 
were exercised and 1,964,708 awards released pursuant to the 
Company’s share option schemes and long term incentive plans. 
All options exercised and awards released were satisfied, as 
appropriate, by the reissue of 2,341,811 treasury shares and the 
release of 54,852 shares from the ASST. A further 27,673 
treasury shares have been reissued and 5,076 shares released 
by the Trust respectively since the end of the financial year to 
the date of this Report to satisfy awards under these schemes.

There are no restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares in the 
capital of the Company other than those restrictions which may 
from time to time be imposed by law, for example, insider 
trading law. With respect to EU Market Abuse Regulation, 
certain employees are required to seek the approval of the 
Company to deal in its shares.

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

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

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

More detailed information relating to the rights and obligations 
attaching to the Company’s ordinary shares, in addition to those 
conferred by law, are set out in the Company’s articles of 
association, which are available on the Company’s website  
www.compass-group.com.

REPURCHASE OF SHARES
No shares were repurchased during the financial year ended 
30 September 2019. No shares have been repurchased in the 
period from 1 October 2019 to the date of this Report.

As at the date of this Report, there are 1,589,736,625 ordinary 
shares of 111⁄20 pence in issue. Of these, 3,301,961 are held in 
treasury for the purpose of satisfying the Company’s obligations 
under employee equity incentive schemes. 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 the Group’s cash flow generation remains 
excellent. Our priorities for how we use our cash are to: (i) invest 
in the business to support organic growth where we see 
opportunities with good returns; (ii) grow the dividend in line with 
underlying constant currency earnings per share; (iii) pursue 
M&A opportunities; our preference is for small to medium sized 
bolt-on acquisitions, where we look for returns greater than our 
cost of capital by the end of year two; and (iv) maintain strong 
investment grade credit ratings returning any surplus cash to 
shareholders to target net debt to EBITDA of around 1.5x1.

At the 2020 AGM, a special resolution will be proposed to renew 
the directors’ limited authority (last granted at the 2019 AGM) to 
repurchase ordinary shares in the market. Retaining the ability 
to repurchase shares gives the Board the flexibility of electing to 
repurchase shares where this is the most effective method of 
returning cash to shareholders, or to fund bolt-on acquisitions. 
The directors consider it desirable for this general authorisation 
to be renewed in order to assist in maintaining the most efficient 
capital structure for the business.

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 Section 724 of the CA 2006.

1.  Pre IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. IFRS 16 will be adopted by the Group on 1 October 

2019. The Group expects between £950-£1,050 million of additional debt 
on its balance sheet on adoption.

ISSUE OF SHARES
At the 2020 AGM, the directors will ask shareholders to renew 
the authority last granted to them at the 2019 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 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 Company’s 2021 
AGM, whichever is the sooner.

The limited power granted to the directors at the 2019 AGM to 
allot equity shares for cash, other than pro rata to existing 
shareholders, expires no later than 6 May 2020. 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 2021 AGM) 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. 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. In line with recommended best 
practice, the Company has split the disapplication of pre-
emption rights authority 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 an additional 5% of the 
issued ordinary share capital to be used for an acquisition or a 
specified capital investment.

Also, 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.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  123 

GovernanceOTHER STATUTORY DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

Details of purchases and releases by the ASST, and the reissue 
of treasury shares during the year, together with details of 
options granted over unissued capital, are set out in the 
consolidated financial statements on pages 197 and 198.

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS
The following major shareholdings have been notified to the 
Company as at 30 September 2019 and up to the date of 
this Report.

Blackrock, Inc.
Invesco Limited
Massachusetts Financial  
Services Company

% of issued
capital1
9.99
4.95
9.96

% of Compass
Group PLC’s
voting rights1
9.99
4.95
9.96

1.  Notified in accordance with DTR5.1.2. Since the notification date, the 

shareholders’ interests in the Company may have changed.

The number of shares held by the directors as at  
30 September 2019 can be found on page 120 in the  
Directors’ Remuneration Report.

EMPLOYEE SHARE TRUSTS
The Compass Group Employee Share Trust (ESOP) was 
established on 13 January 1992 in connection with the 
Company’s share option plans. The Compass Group Long  
Term Incentive Plan Trust was established on 5 April 2001  
in connection with the Company’s long term incentive plans,  
and in 2019, was adapted to allow it to source shares  
for all of the Company’s share schemes and was renamed the 
Compass Group PLC All Shares Schemes Trust (ASST).

Details of employee equity incentive schemes are set out 
in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 98 to 121.  
As at 30 September 2019, the trustees of the ESOP and ASST 
held nil (2018: nil) and 187,455 (2018: 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 2019 
(2018: nil).

AWARDS UNDER EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEMES
Details of awards made during the year and held by executive 
directors as at 30 September 2019 are set out in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 98 to 121.

Details of employee equity incentive schemes and grants made 
during the year ended 30 September 2019, and extant awards 
held by employees are disclosed in the consolidated financial 
statements on pages 197 to 199.

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 

124  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Company’s internal websites, on matters affecting them as 
employees and on the issues affecting their performance. Group 
businesses in the European Economic Area (EEA) are 
represented on Compass Group’s European Works Council 
(EWC), 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. Employees from across the Group’s EEA business have 
been elected to employee representative roles on the EWC.

Eligible employees in the UK are invited to join the Company’s 
defined contribution pension arrangement, Compass Retirement 
Income Savings Plan (CRISP). CRISP has a corporate trustee 
and the Chairman, Nigel Palmer, is a former employee of 
the Group. The other six trustee directors are UK based 
employees of the Group, three of whom have been nominated 
by CRISP members.

Those UK employees who transfer from the public sector under 
TUPE have, typically up until 31 March 2015, been eligible to 
join the Compass Group Pension Plan (the Plan), a defined 
benefit pension arrangement which has otherwise been closed 
to new entrants since 2003. However, under the Government’s 
revised guidance for ‘Fair Deal for staff pensions’, the 
expectation is and therefore the approach has been that the 
Group participate in the relevant public-sector pension scheme 
and close the Plan to future entrants. The Plan also has a 
corporate trustee. Philip Whittome is the independent Chairman. 
There are a further six trustee directors, five of whom are either 
UK based employees or former employees of the Group (three of 
whom have been nominated by Plan members), and the sixth is 
an independent trustee director.

The Company is subject to the Pension Automatic Enrolment 
Regulations for its workforce in the UK. All new UK employees 
who meet the statutory eligibility criteria, and who do not join 
CRISP, are automatically enrolled into the National Employment 
Savings Trust (NEST). Responsibility for the Group’s ongoing 
compliance with the pension automatic enrolment regulations 
and for ensuring that the administration and investment of funds 
relating to automatic enrolment remain appropriate lies with the 
Group’s Pension Automatic Enrolment Governance Committee.

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 people with disabilities is considered on 
merit with regard only to the ability of any applicant to carry out 
the role. Arrangements to enable people with disabilities 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.

corporate entities whose financial information is consolidated in 
the Group’s accounts in this Annual Report. As at 30 September 
2019 there were 11 directors, seven of whom were male and 
four were female. Prior to any appointment to the Board, the 
Nomination Committee gives due regard to diversity and gender 
with a view to recommending the appointment of the most 
suitable candidate for the role.

NON-FINANCIAL REPORTING DIRECTIVE
The EU Non-Financial Reporting Directive (the Directive) which 
was implemented into English law as the Companies, 
Partnerships and Groups (Accounts and Non-Financial 
Reporting) Regulations 2016 requires companies to disclose 
non-financial information necessary to provide investors and 
other stakeholders with a better understanding of a company’s 
development, performance, position and impact of its activity. 
The Audit Committee, which advises the Board on such matters, 
has concluded that the Company is compliant with the Directive 
and has included the necessary disclosures in this Report.

Throughout this Annual Report the directors have disclosed a 
mix of financial and non-financial KPIs which they believe best 
reflect the Group’s strategic priorities; and which will help to 
convey an understanding of the culture of the business and the 
drivers which contribute to the ongoing success of the Company. 
Please see the non-financial information statement on page 127 
which sets out where stakeholders can find information relating 
to non-financial matters.

EMPLOYEE DIVERSITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Our Code of Ethics was developed in consultation with the EWC 
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. 
In December, the Company will publish its fourth statement in 
accordance with the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 
2015 and a copy of the statement will be available on the 
Company's website www.compass-group.com.

As at 30 September 2019, there were 596,452 (2018: 595,841) 
people employed by the Group (average number of employees 
including directors and part-time employees) of whom 351,860 
were female (2018: 337,962) and 244,592 were male  
(2018: 257,879). 620 were senior managers, 450 male, 170 
female (2018: 537 male, 191 female), which includes members 
of our global leadership team and statutory directors of 

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.

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 2019 are set out within  
the Corporate Responsibility section of the Strategic Report on 
page 60 and form part of the Directors’ Report disclosures and 
are incorporated by reference. Further details of the actions 
which the Group is taking to reduce emissions can also be found 
at www.compass-group.com. This Annual Report and Accounts 
is certified carbon neutral by sponsoring a cause to offset 
against the emissions arising from the production, printing and 
delivery of this Report. This year, the Company has participated 
in a project in Brazil which aims to prevent deforestation and 
protect one of the world’s most biodiverse habitats.

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
2019
2018

£m
11.5
11.0

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.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  125 

Governance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 232 to 234.

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 which have not already been disclosed elsewhere in 
this Report. Details of long term incentive plans can be found in 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 98 to 121 and 
details of dividends waived by shareholders can be found on 
page 122.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Details of services provided to shareholders can be found in the 
Shareholder Information section on pages 232 to 234 and on the 
Company’s website.

AGM
The Notice of Meeting setting out the resolutions to be proposed 
at the 2020 AGM, together with explanatory notes, is set out on 
pages 235 to 245 of this Annual Report and is also available on 
the Company’s website 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

Alison Yapp
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

26 November 2019

Compass Group PLC 
Registered in England and Wales, No. 4083914

OTHER STATUTORY DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

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 88 of this Annual Report and on the 
Company’s website www.compass-group.com.

The directors propose to renew the authority granted at the 
2019 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 CEO and the Group CFO 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 CEO 
and the Group CFO 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 
private shareholders at the AGM. Contact with institutional 
shareholders (and with financial analysts, brokers and the 
media) is controlled by written guidelines in the Company’s 
Corporate Communications Code and Market Soundings Policy, 
in compliance with EU Market Abuse Regulation requirements 
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.

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 is available to all shareholders and can be 
accessed via the Company’s website 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 CEO and Group CFO.

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 

126  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
NON-FINANCIAL INFORMATION STATEMENT
The table below sets out where stakeholders can find information in our Strategic Report that relates to non-financial matters 
detailed under section 414CB of the Companies Act 2006.

Some of our relevant policies1
Sustainability Strategy
Environmental Policy 
Statement
Code of Business Conduct
Workplace Health & Safety 
Policy Statement

Code of Business Conduct
Code of Ethics
Modern Slavery Act 
Transparency Statement
Human Rights Policy 
Statement
Social Purpose

Code of Business Conduct
Code of Ethics
Group Speak Up Policy
Sourcing Responsibly

Reporting requirement
Environmental matters

Employees

Human rights

Social matters

Anti-bribery and 
corruption

Business model
Non-financial KPIs

Principal risks

Where to read more in this report about our impact,  
including the principal risks relating to these matters
Corporate Responsibility
Commitment to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
GHG Emissions
Who we create value for – People
Chief Executive’s review – People
People Report – A renewed commitment
Principal Risks – Health and Safety, People
Safety culture
Our Standards
Slavery and Human Trafficking
Employee diversity and Human rights

Page
52–63 
62–63 
60
15
19
46–51
42
57
88
91
125

Who we create value for – Purpose
Chief Executive’s review – Purpose
Corporate Responsibility
Our values guide our actions and behaviours
Principal Risks – Compliance and Fraud
Our Standards
Supply Chain Integrity Standards
Our Business Model
Global Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate
Global Food Safety Incident Rate
Greenhouse gas intensity ratio
Women in global leadership team
Identifying and Managing Risk

15
20
52–63
51
45
88
53
12
3,27,57
3,27,57
3,27,60  
50
41–45

1.  The Company’s policies, statements and codes are available on the Company’s website www.compass-group.com.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  127 

Governance 
 
 
128  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Consolidated  
Financial Statements

130 Directors’ responsibilities

131 Independent auditor’s report

138 Consolidated financial statements

144 Group accounting policies

154 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

225 Parent Company financial statements

227 Parent Company accounting policies

229 Notes to the Parent Company financial statements

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  129 

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

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 

The directors have permitted the auditor to undertake 
whatever inspections it considers to be appropriate for the 
purpose of enabling the auditor to give its audit opinion.

On behalf of the Board

Alison Yapp
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

26 November 2019

130  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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, 

relevant, reliable and prudent

•  for the Group financial statements, state whether they have 

been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU

•  for the Parent Company financial statements, state whether 
applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in 
the Parent Company financial statements

•  assess the Group and Parent Company’s ability to continue as 
a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to 
going concern

•  use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either 
intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to 
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so

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 a 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

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

1.  OUR OPINION IS UNMODIFIED
We have audited the financial statements of Compass Group 
PLC (‘the Company’) for the year ended 30 September 2019 
which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Cash Flow 
Statement, the Parent Company Balance Sheet and the Parent 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity, and the related notes, 
including the accounting policies in notes A to T of the Group 
financial statements and A to J of the Parent Company 
financial statements.

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 2019 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. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (UK) (‘ISAs (UK)’) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities are described below. We believe that the audit 
evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate basis 
for our opinion. Our audit opinion is consistent with our report to 
the Audit Committee. 

We were first appointed as auditor by the Directors on 
14 March 2014. 

The period of total uninterrupted engagement is for the six 
financial years ended 30 September 2019. We have fulfilled our 
ethical responsibilities under, and we remain independent of the 
Group in accordance with, UK ethical requirements including 
the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest 
entities. No non-audit services prohibited by that standard 
were provided. 

Overview

Materiality:  
Group financial 
statements as a 
whole

Coverage

£74 million (2018: £74 million)
5.0% (2018: 4.9%) of Group profit 
before tax

91% (2018: 97%) of Group profit 
before tax

Key audit matters

vs 2018

Event 
driven

New: The impact of uncertainties  
due to the UK exiting the European  
Union on our audit

Recurring risks

Uncertain direct tax provisions

Supplier rebates & discounts

Recoverability of the parent  
Company’s investment in and  
amounts owed by Group undertakings 

2.  KEY AUDIT MATTERS: INCLUDING OUR ASSESSMENT 
OF RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional 
judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements and include the most significant assessed risks of 
material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified 
by us, including those which had the greatest effect on: the 
overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; 
and directing the efforts of the engagement team. 

We summarise below the key audit matters, in arriving at our 
audit opinion above, together with our key audit procedures to 
address those matters and, as required for public interest 
entities, our results from those procedures. These matters were 
addressed, and our results are based on procedures 
undertaken, in the context of, and solely for the purpose of, our 
audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our 
opinion thereon, and consequently are incidental to that opinion, 
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  131 

Consolidated Financial StatementsINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)

The risk

Our response

The impact of 
uncertainties due to 
the UK exiting the 
European Union on 
our audit
Refer to page 41 
(Principal Risks), 
page 40 (Viability 
Statement), page 82 
(Audit Committee 
Report) and page 
172 (Financial 
Disclosures).

Uncertain direct tax 
provisions
Refer to page 85 
(Audit Committee 
Report), pages 146 
and 149 (Accounting 
Policies) and pages 
168 and 169 and 
page 205 (Financial 
Disclosures).

Unprecedented levels of 
uncertainty:
All audits assess and challenge the 
reasonableness of estimates and 
related disclosures and the 
appropriateness of the going concern 
basis of preparation of the financial 
statements. All of these depend on 
assessments of the future economic 
environment and the Group’s future 
prospects and performance. 
In addition, we are required to 
consider the other information 
presented in the Annual Report 
including the principal risks 
disclosure and the viability statement 
and to consider the Directors’ 
statement 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.
Brexit is one of the most significant 
economic events for the UK and at 
the date of this report its effects are 
subject to unprecedented levels of 
uncertainty of outcomes, with the full 
range of possible effects unknown. 

Subjective estimate:
The Group operates across a large 
number of jurisdictions and is subject 
to periodic challenges by local tax 
authorities on a range of tax matters 
during the normal course of 
business, including transfer pricing.
As a result of the complexities of tax 
rules on transfer pricing and other tax 
legislation the provisioning for 
uncertain direct tax positions is 
judgemental and requires the 
Directors to make estimates in 
relation to these uncertainties. 
The Directors’ estimation includes 
assessing the likelihood of potentially 
material exposures as a result of 
changes in local tax regulations and 
evaluating ongoing inspections by 
local tax authorities and international 
bodies, which could materially 
impact the amounts recorded in the 
Group financial statements. In 2019 
this included evaluating the impact 
of the European Commission’s 
state aid investigation into the 
UK CFC legislation.

We developed a standardised firm-wide approach to 
the consideration of the uncertainties arising from 
Brexit in planning and performing our audits. Our 
procedures included:
•  Our Brexit knowledge: We considered the Directors’ 

assessment of Brexit-related sources of risk for the Group’s 
business and financial resources compared with our own 
understanding of the risks. We considered the Directors’ 
plans to take action to mitigate the risks.

•  Sensitivity analysis: When addressing forecasts used in the 
goodwill impairment testing for the UK and other areas that 
depend on forecasts, we compared the Directors’ analysis to 
our assessment of the full range of reasonably possible 
scenarios resulting from Brexit uncertainty and, where 
forecast cash flows are required to be discounted, 
considered adjustments to discount rates for the level 
of remaining uncertainty.

•  Assessing transparency: As well as assessing individual 

disclosures as part of our procedures we considered all of the 
Brexit related disclosures together, including those in the 
strategic report, comparing the overall picture against our 
understanding of the risks.

Our results
We found the resulting estimates and related disclosures, and 
disclosures in relation to going concern, to be acceptable. 
However, no audit should be expected to predict the 
unknowable factors or all possible future implications for a 
company and this is particularly the case in relation to Brexit. 

Our procedures included: 
•  Control design: Evaluating the design of the controls that the 

Group has in place to identify and quantify its uncertain 
direct tax exposures; 

•  Our taxation expertise: With the assistance of our tax 

specialists, we analysed and challenged 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 
assessing whether the approach applied by the Group is 
supported by custom and practice;

•  With the help of our tax specialists we considered whether 

the judgements applied to each significant provision 
including the maximum potential exposure and the likelihood 
of a payment being required were appropriate;

•  Test of detail: Examining the calculations prepared by the 

Directors and agreeing key assumptions used to 
underlying data;

•  Inspecting correspondence with relevant tax authorities and 
assessing third party tax advice received to evaluate the 
conclusions drawn in the advice where relevant to the 
significant exposures faced by the Group and how these have 
been used by the Directors in their assessment of the 
likelihood of any outflow and estimate of the provision; and

•  Assessing transparency: Assessing the adequacy of the 

Group’s disclosures in respect of tax and uncertain direct 
tax positions.

Our results
We found the carrying value of the tax provision to 
be acceptable.

132  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

The risk

Our response

Supplier rebates 
and discounts
Refer to page 85 
(Audit Committee 
Report) and 
page 149 
(Accounting 
Policies).

Recoverability of 
the parent 
Company’s 
investment in and 
amounts owed by 
Group undertakings 
Investments  
£1,061 million 
(2018: £1,035 
million) 
Intercompany 
receivables 
£9,514 million 
(2018: £10,035 
million)

Rebates and discounts 
processing error:
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 that there 
is a risk of error.

Low risk, high value:
The carrying amount of the 
Company’s investments in 
subsidiaries held at cost less 
impairment and intercompany 
receivables represent 98% 
(2018: 94%) of the Company’s 
total assets. 
We do not consider the valuation 
of these investments and 
recovery of intercompany 
receivables to be at a high risk of 
significant misstatement, or to be 
subject to a significant level of 
judgement. However, due to their 
materiality in the context of the 
Company financial statements as 
a whole, this is considered to be 
the area which had the greatest 
effect on our overall audit 
strategy and allocation of 
resources in planning and 
completing our Company audit.

Our procedures included: 
•  Control design: Evaluating the design of the controls that the 
Group has in place over the accounting for supplier rebates 
and discounts; 

•  Accounting application: Inspecting underlying contractual terms 
and supplier correspondence for a selection of arrangements in 
place and considering whether the accounting policy had been 
applied appropriately to the terms of the rebate and/or discount; 
•  Test of details: Performing detailed testing on a sample basis of 
the largest rebates and discounts recognised in the period, with 
particular attention to the period in which the rebate was 
recognised and rebates and discounts accrued at the year-end; 
and 

•  In addition we selected a sample of amounts invoiced as at the 
balance sheet date and agreed the underlying calculation to 
contractual terms and supplier correspondence.

Our results 
The results of our testing were satisfactory and we found 
the amount of supplier rebates and discounts recognised to 
be acceptable.

Our procedures included: 
•  Test of details: Comparing a sample of the investment and 

intercompany receivables’ carrying value to the net assets of the 
relevant subsidiary included within the Group consolidation, to 
identify whether the net asset value, being an approximation of 
the minimum recoverable amount, was in excess of their 
carrying amount;

•  Assessing subsidiary net assets: For the relevant subsidiaries 

(investment holding companies), we compared the net assets of 
the relevant subsidiary to the final net assets in the prior year 
audited financial statements. Based on the knowledge acquired 
during the audit of the consolidated Group, including reporting 
received from component auditors for the underlying trading 
operations, we considered whether there were any events 
indicating that the net assets would be materially different from 
the prior year position;

•  Test of details: Where the net assets of the relevant subsidiary 

were insufficient to support the carrying value we considered the 
performance of the underlying investments held by the relevant 
subsidiary in order to assess whether there was an indication of 
impairment;

•  Our sector experience: In addition, for certain investments and 

receivables, we evaluated the assumptions used in the applicable 
impairment model, in particular those relating to forecast profit 
growth, using our knowledge and historic experience of the 
profitability of the underlying trading Group; and

•  Benchmarking assumptions: We compared the assumptions in 

the applicable impairment model for the investment to externally 
derived data in relation to projected economic growth and 
discount rates.

Our results 
We found the carrying amounts of investments and intercompany 
receivables to be acceptable.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  133 

Consolidated Financial StatementsINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)

GROUP PROFIT BEFORE TAX
£1.5 billion 
(2018: £1.5 billion)

GROUP MATERIALITY
£74 million  
(2018: £74 million)

£74 million
Whole financial statements 
materiality (2018: £74 million)

£59 million
Range of materiality 
at 16 components 
(£2 million to £59 million)
(2018: £1 million to £59 million)

£3.7 million
Misstatements reported 
to the Audit Committee 
(2018: £3.7 million)

Full scope for Group audit 
purposes 2019

Full scope for Group audit 
purposes 2018

Residual components

Full scope for Group audit 
purposes 2019

Full scope for Group audit 
purposes 2018

Residual components

3.  OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY AND AN 
OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT 
Materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was  
set at £74 million (2018: £74 million), determined with 
reference to a benchmark of Group profit before tax of  
£1.5 billion (2018: £1.5 billion), of which it represents 5.0% 
(2018: 4.9%).

Materiality for the Parent Company financial statements as a 
whole was set at £59 million (2018: £52.3 million), determined 
with reference to a benchmark of Company total assets, of which 
it represents 0.5% (2018: 0.4%).

We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or 
uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding £3.7 million 
(2018: £3.7 million), in addition to other identified 
misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

Of the Group’s 52 (2018: 54) reporting components, we 
subjected 16 (2018: 28) to full scope audits for Group purposes. 

The components within the scope of our work accounted for the 
percentages illustrated opposite.

The remaining 10% (2018: 4%) of total Group revenue, 9% 
(2018: 3%) of Group profit before tax and 7% (2018: 3%) of total 
Group assets is represented by 36 reporting components  
(2018: 26 components), none of which individually represented 
more than 1% of any of total Group revenue, Group profit before 
tax or total Group assets. For these residual 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 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 team approved the component materialities, 
which ranged from £2 million to £59 million (2018: £1 million 
to £59 million), having regard to the mix of size and risk profile 
of the Group across the components. The work on 13 of the 16 
components (2018: 25 of the 28 components) was performed 
by component auditors and the rest, including the audit of the 
Parent Company, was performed by the Group team. 

The Group team visited 10 (2018: 8) component locations in 
Brazil, Chile, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Portugal, 
Turkey, United Kingdom and United States (2018: in Canada, 
China, France, Japan, Turkey, Spain, United Kingdom and the 
United States) to assess the audit risk and strategy and direct 
the audit work of component auditors. 

Full scope for Group audit 
purposes 2019

Full scope for Group audit 
purposes 2018

Residual components

Video and telephone conference meetings were also held with 
these component auditors and all others that were not physically 
visited. At these visits and meetings, the findings reported to the 
Group team were discussed in more detail, and any further work 
required by the Group team was then performed by the 
component auditor. 

Group profit before tax

Group materiality

GROUP REVENUE 

10%

4%

96%

90%

GROUP PROFIT BEFORE TAX 

9%

3%

97%

91%

GROUP TOTAL ASSETS 

7%

3%

97%

93%

134  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

4.  WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT ON GOING CONCERN 
The Directors have prepared the financial statements on the 
going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the 
Company or the Group or to cease their operations, and as they 
have concluded that the Company’s and the Group’s financial 
position means that this is realistic. They have also concluded 
that there are no material uncertainties that could have cast 
significant doubt over their ability to continue as a going concern 
for at least a year from the date of approval of the financial 
statements (‘the going concern period’). 

Our responsibility is to conclude on the appropriateness of 
the Directors’ conclusions and, had there been a material 
uncertainty related to going concern, to make reference to 
that in this audit report. However, as we cannot predict all 
future events or conditions and as subsequent events may 
result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that 
were reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of 
reference to a material uncertainty in this auditor’s report is 
not a guarantee that the Group and the Company will continue 
in operation. 

In our evaluation of the Directors’ conclusions, we considered 
the inherent risks to the Group’s and Company’s business model 
and analysed how those risks might affect the Group’s and 
Company’s financial resources or ability to continue operations 
over the going concern period. The risks that we considered 
most likely to adversely affect the Group’s and Company’s 
available financial resources over this period were: 

•  Cost inflation pressures leading to loss of revenue and profits; 
•  Inability to retain and/or secure new contracts may lead to loss 

of market share to competition; and

•  The impact of political uncertainties, for example the impact 
of Brexit on the UK business, leading to a loss of confidence 
and reduced spending on food services. 

As these were risks that could potentially cast significant doubt 
on the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, we considered sensitivities over the level of available 
financial resources indicated by the Group’s financial forecasts 
taking account of reasonably possible (but not unrealistic) 
adverse effects that could arise from these risks individually and 
collectively and evaluated the achievability of the actions the 
Directors consider they would take to improve the position 
should the risks materialise. We also considered less predictable 
but realistic second order impacts, such as the impact of Brexit 
and the erosion of customer or supplier confidence, which could 
result in a rapid reduction of available financial resources. 

Based on this work, we are required to report to you if:

•  we have anything material to add or draw attention to in 

relation to the Directors’ statement in Note A to the financial 
statements on the use of the going concern basis of 
accounting with no material uncertainties that may cast 
significant doubt over the Group and Company’s use of that 
basis for a period of at least twelve months from the date of 
approval of the financial statements; or

•  the related statement under the Listing Rules set out on 

page 40 is materially inconsistent with our audit knowledge.

We have nothing to report in these respects, and we did not 
identify going concern as a key audit matter. 

5.  WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT ON THE OTHER 
INFORMATION IN THE ANNUAL REPORT
The Directors are responsible for the other information 
presented in the Annual Report together with the financial 
statements. Our opinion on the financial statements does not 
cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express 
an audit opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, any form of 
assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing 
so, consider whether, based on our financial statements audit 
work, the information therein is materially misstated or 
inconsistent with the financial statements or our audit 
knowledge. Based solely on that work we have not identified 
material misstatements in the other information.

Strategic report and directors’ report 
Based solely on our work on the other information: 

•  we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic 

report and the Directors’ report; 

•  in our opinion the information given in those reports for the 

financial year is consistent with the financial statements; and 

•  in our opinion those reports have been prepared in 

accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

Directors’ remuneration report 
In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to 
be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006. 

Disclosures of principal risks and longer-term viability 
Based on the knowledge we acquired during our financial 
statements audit, we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to: 

•  the Directors’ confirmation within the viability statement on 

page 40 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Group, including those that would 
threaten its business model, future performance, solvency 
and liquidity; 

•  the Principal Risks disclosures describing these risks and 

explaining how they are being managed and mitigated; and 
•  the Directors’ explanation in the viability statement of how 
they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what 
period they have done so and why they considered that period 
to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they 
have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to 
continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due 
over the period of their assessment, including any related 
disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications 
or assumptions. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the viability 
statement. We have nothing to report in this respect. 

Our work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of 
only the knowledge acquired during our financial statements 
audit. As we cannot predict all future events or conditions and 
as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are 
inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable at the time 
they were made, the absence of anything to report on these 
statements is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and Company’s 
longer-term viability.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  135 

Consolidated Financial StatementsINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)

Corporate governance disclosures 
We are required to report to you if: 

•  we have identified material inconsistencies between the 

knowledge we acquired during our financial statements 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 section of the Annual Report describing the work of the 
Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters 
communicated by us to the Audit Committee. 

We are required to report to you if the Corporate Governance 
Statement does not properly disclose a departure from the 
eleven provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
specified by the Listing Rules for our review. 

We have nothing to report in these respects. 

6.  WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT ON THE OTHER 
MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT 
BY EXCEPTION 
Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to you 
if, in our opinion: 

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 

parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not 
been received from branches not visited by us; or 

•  the parent Company financial statements and the part of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or 

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit. 

We have nothing to report in these respects. 

7.  RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES 
Directors’ responsibilities 
As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 130, 
the Directors are responsible for: the preparation of the financial 
statements including being satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view; assessing the Group and parent Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters 
related to going concern; and using the going concern basis of 
accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or 
the parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic 
alternative but to do so. In addition the Directors are responsible 
for such internal control as they determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s responsibilities 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the financial statements as a whole are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or other 
irregularities (see below), or error, and to issue our opinion in an 
auditor’s report. Reasonable assurance is a high level of 
assurance, but does not guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from 
fraud, other irregularities or error and are considered material if, 
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected 
to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis 
of the financial statements.

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the 
FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. 

Irregularities – ability to detect
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably 
be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements 
from our general commercial and sector experience, and 
through discussion with the Directors and other management 
(as required by auditing standards), and from inspection of the 
Group’s regulatory and legal correspondence and discussed 
with the directors and other management the policies and 
procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We 
communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our 
team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance 
throughout the audit. This included communication from the 
Group to component audit teams of relevant laws and 
regulations identified at Group level. 

136  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

8.  THE PURPOSE OF OUR AUDIT WORK AND TO WHOM 
WE OWE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES 
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a 
body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies 
Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might 
state to the Company’s members those matters we are required 
to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. 
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or 
assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and 
the Company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this 
report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Paul Korolkiewicz (Senior Statutory Auditor)  
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 

15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL

26 November 2019

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the 
financial statements varies considerably.

Firstly, the Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly 
affect the financial statements including financial reporting 
legislation (including related companies legislation), 
distributable profits legislation and taxation legislation and we 
assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and 
regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial 
statement items. 

Secondly, the Group is subject to many other laws and 
regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could 
have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial 
statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or 
litigation. We identified the following areas as those most likely to 
have such an effect: health and safety, anti-bribery and 
employment law. Auditing standards limit the required audit 
procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and 
regulations to enquiry of the Directors and other management 
and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. 
Through these procedures, we became aware of actual or 
suspected non-compliance and considered the effect as part of 
our procedures on the related financial statement items. The 
identified actual or suspected non-compliance was not 
sufficiently significant to our audit to result in our response being 
identified as a key audit matter.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an 
unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material 
misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have 
properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with 
auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-
compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the 
events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, 
the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by 
auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any 
audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of 
irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional 
omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal 
controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance 
and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws 
and regulations.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  137 

Consolidated Financial StatementsCONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures
Less: share of sales of equity accounted joint ventures
Revenue
Operating costs 
Operating profit before joint ventures and associates
Share of profit after tax of joint ventures and associates
Operating profit
Underlying operating profit2
Acquisition related costs
One-off pension charge
Cost action programme charge
Share of profit of joint ventures and associates held for sale
Tax on share of profit of joint ventures
Net loss on sale and closure of businesses
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items (loss)/gain
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)

2019
 £m
25,152
(274)
24,878
(23,308)
1,570
31
1,601
1,882
(54)
(12)
(190)
(25)
–
(7)
12
(122)
(15)
1,469
(351)
1,118

1,110
8
1,118
70.0p
69.9p

2018
(restated1)
£m
23,147
(275)
22,872
(21,229)
1,643
50
1,693
1,744
(49)
–
–
–
(2)
(58)
6
(120)
2
1,523
(385)
1,138

1,130
8
1,138
71.3p
71.3p

Notes
2, 35
13

3

2, 13
2
2, 35
3
22
3
13

25
5
5
5
6
6

7

7
7

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

2.  Underlying operating profit excludes acquisition related costs, one-off pension charge and cost action programme charge, but includes share of profit after 

tax of associates and operating profit before tax of joint ventures, including those classified as held for sale. The reconciliation between statutory and 
underlying results is provided in note 34. 

138  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Items that are not reclassified subsequently to the income statement
Remeasurement of post employment benefit obligations – (loss)/gain
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income – gain
Tax charge on items relating to the components of other comprehensive income

Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement
Currency translation differences
Reclassification adjustment for movements in foreign exchange on sale of businesses
Tax on items relating to the components of other comprehensive income

Total other comprehensive gain/(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

22
22
6

6

2019
 £m
1,118

(357)
425
(10)
58

131
6
(2)
135
193
1,311

1,303
8
1,311

2018 
(restated1)
£m
1,138

68
21
(29)
60

(76)
–
(1)
(77)
(17)
1,121

1,113
8
1,121

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  139 

Consolidated Financial StatementsCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

Attributable to equity shareholders of the Company

Share 
capital
£m

Share 
premium 
account
£m

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m

Own
shares
£m

Other 
reserves
£m

Retained 
earnings
£m

Non-
controlling 
interests
£m

Notes

At 30 September 2018, as reported
Impact of change in accounting standards – 
IFRS 15 
At 30 September 2018, restated1
Impact of change in accounting standards – 
IFRS 9
At 1 October 2018, restated1
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
Reclassification adjustment for movements in 
foreign exchange on sale of businesses
Total other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year
Fair value of share-based payments
Changes to non-controlling interests due to 
acquisitions and disposals
Tax on items taken directly to equity
Change in the fair value of non-controlling 
interest put options
Purchase of own shares to satisfy employee 
share-based payments
Other changes

Dividends paid to shareholders 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
At 30 September 2019

1 

1

22

22

6 

24 

6 

8 

176

–
176

–
176
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

182

–
182

–
182
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–
–
176
–
–
176

–
–
182
–
–
182

295

–
295

–
295
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–
–
295
–
–
295

–

–
–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

4,208

(2,246)

–
4,208

–
4,208
–

27
(2,219)

(15)
(2,234)
1,110

131

–

–

–

(357)

425

(2)

(10)

6
135
135
27

–
–

(8)

–
58
1,168
–

–
4

–

–
(3)
(1,065)
(611)
–
(1,676)

(4)
–
(4)
–
–
(4)

–
–
4,362
–
–
4,362

Total
£m

2,640

27
2,667

(15)
2,652
1,118

131

(357)

425

(12)

6
193
1,311
27

(1)
4

(8)

(4)
(3)
3,978
(611)
(5)
3,362

25

–
25

–
25
8

–

–

–

–

–
–
8
–

(1)
–

–

–
–
32
–
(5)
27

1.  The Group has adopted IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ and IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’ effective for the year ended 30 September 2019. 

IFRS 15 has been applied retrospectively and comparatives for the prior year have been restated, whilst IFRS 9 has been applied prospectively from 
1 October 2018 by adjusting the opening balance sheet at that date. Additional information about the transitional impact of these standards is included in note 1.

OTHER RESERVES
At 1 October 2018
Other comprehensive income

Currency translation differences

Reclassification adjustment for movements in 
foreign exchange on sale of businesses
Tax on items relating to the components of other 
comprehensive income
Total other comprehensive income
Fair value of share-based payments
Change in the fair value of non-controlling 
interest put options
At 30 September 2019

6

24

 Share-based 
payment
reserve
£m
232

Notes

Merger 
reserve
£m
4,170

Revaluation 
reserve
£m
7

Translation 
reserve
£m
(130)

Adjustment  
for non-
controlling 
interest put 
options
reserve
£m
(71)

Total other 
reserves
£m
4,208

–

–

–
–

27

–

259

–

–

–
–

–

–

4,170

–

–

–
–

–

–

7

131

6

(2)
135

–

–

5

–

–

–
–

–

131

6

(2)
135

27

(8)

(79)

(8)

4,362

Own shares held by the Group represent 187,455 ordinary shares in Compass Group PLC (2018: nil ordinary shares) and are held by the Compass Group All 
Share Schemes Trust (ASST). These shares are listed on a recognised stock exchange and their market value at 30 September 2019 was £3.9 million (2018: 
£nil). The nominal value held at 30 September 2019 was £20,714 (2018: £nil).

ASST is a discretionary trust for the benefit of employees and the shares held are used to satisfy some of the Group’s liabilities to employees for long term 
incentive plans. 

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

140  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Attributable to equity shareholders of the Company

 Share 
premium 
account
£m

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m

Own
shares
£m

Other 
reserves
£m

Retained 
earnings
£m

Non-
controlling 
interests
£m

At 1 October 2017, as reported
Impact of change in accounting standards – 
IFRS 15
At 1 October 2017, restated1

Profit for the year1

Other comprehensive income

Currency translation differences

Remeasurement of post employment benefit 
obligations – gain

Return on plan assets, excluding interest  
income – gain
Tax on items relating to the components of other 
comprehensive income
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income

Total comprehensive (loss)/income  
for the year1

Fair value of share-based payments

Changes to non-controlling interests due to 
acquisitions and disposals

Tax on items taken directly to equity

Change in the fair value of non-controlling 
interest put options

Other changes

Dividends paid to shareholders 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

At 30 September 20181

Notes

1

Share 
capital
£m

176

–
176

182

–
182

295

–
295

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

176

182

–

–

–

–

176

182

295

–

–

295

22

22

6 

24 

6 

8 

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,320

(2,875)

–
4,320

22
(2,853)

–

1,130

(76)

–

–

(1)
(77)

(77)

21

–

–

(56)

–

–

68

21

(29)
60

1,190

–

(5)

1

–

(4)

4,208

(1,671)

–

–

(548)

–

4,208

(2,219)

22

–
22

8

–

–

–

–
–

8

–

4

–

–

–

34

–

(9)

25

Total
£m

2,120

22

2,142

1,138

(76)

68

21

(30)

(17)

1,121

21

(1)

1

(56)

(4)

3,224

(548)

(9)

2,667

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

 Share-based 
payment
reserve
£m

211

Notes 

OTHER RESERVES
At 1 October 2017

Other comprehensive income

Currency translation differences

Tax on items relating to the components of other 
comprehensive income

Total other comprehensive loss

Fair value of share-based payments

Change in fair value of non-controlling  
interest put options

At 30 September 2018

6 

24 

–

–

–

21

–

232

Merger 
reserve
£m

4,170

–

–

–

–

–

4,170

Revaluation 
reserve
£m

Translation 
reserve
£m

7

–

–

–

–

–

7

(53)

(76)

(1)

(77)

–

–

(130)

Adjustment  
for non-
controlling 
interest put 
options
reserve
£m

Total other 
reserves
£m

(15)

4,320

–

–

–

–

(76)

(1)

(77)

21

(56)

(71)

(56)

4,208

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  141 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 
At 30 September 2019 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Contract fulfilment assets and contract costs
Property, plant and equipment
Interests in joint ventures and associates 
Other investments
Post employment benefit assets
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax assets
Derivative financial instruments2
Non-current assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Tax recoverable
Cash and cash equivalents2
Derivative financial instruments2

Assets held for sale
Current assets
Total assets
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short term borrowings2
Derivative financial instruments2
Provisions
Current tax liabilities
Trade and other payables

Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale
Current liabilities
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long term borrowings2
Derivative financial instruments2
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
Own shares
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity shareholders' funds
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

Notes 

9
10
11
12
13
14
22
15
6
19
2 

16
15

17
19

2, 25

2

18
19
21

20

2, 25

18
19
22
21
6
20

2
2

23

30 September

2019
 £m

4,576
1,426
976
1,052
226
96
448
96
76
207
9,179

404
3,051
88
398
–
3,941
190
4,131
13,310

(186)
(6)
(223)
(247)
(4,718)
(5,380)
(30)
(5,410)

(3,679)
(6)
(259)
(266)
(114)
(214)
(4,538)
(9,948)
3,362

176
182
295
(4)
4,362
(1,676)
3,335
27
3,362

2018
(restated1)
£m

1 October 2017
(restated1)
£m

4,270
1,105
838
1,006
263
73
346
105
45
83
8,134

353
2,852
69
969
34
4,277
236
4,513
12,647

(813)
(12)
(167)
(227)
(4,317)
(5,536)
(72)
(5,608)

(3,611)
(33)
(224)
(227)
(57)
(220)
(4,372)
(9,980)
2,667

176
182
295
–
4,208
(2,219)
2,642
25
2,667

3,994
836
738
1,000
220
63
259
104
132
139
7,485

353
2,696
86
387
4
3,526
–
3,526
11,011

(20)
(6)
(132)
(227)
(3,892)
(4,277)
–
(4,277)

(3,939)
(11)
(231)
(266)
(58)
(87)
(4,592)
(8,869)
2,142

176
182
295
–
4,320
(2,853)
2,120
22
2,142

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

2.  Component of net debt.

Approved by the Board of Directors on 26 November 2019 and signed on its behalf by 

Dominic Blakemore, Director
Karen Witts, Director

142  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

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 companies2
Purchase of additional interest in joint ventures and associates
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary companies, joint ventures and associates net of exit costs2
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of contract fulfilment assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment/intangible assets/contract fulfilment assets
Purchase of other investments
Proceeds from sale of other investments
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates3
Interest received
Net cash from investing activities
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of own shares to satisfy employee share-based payments4
Receipts from issue of treasury shares to satisfy employee share scheme awards exercised
Purchase of non-controlling interests
Increase in borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Repayment of obligations under finance leases
Equity dividends paid
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Net cash from financing activities
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

Currency translation gains on cash and cash equivalents
Total cash and cash equivalents
Cash reclassified as held for sale
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

Notes 

26

6

25
13

11
12

14
14
13

27
27
27
8

27
17, 27

27

25, 27
17, 27

2019
 £m

2,396
(116)
26
(354)
1,952

(451)
(27)
101
(185)
(286)
(352)
47
(13)
3
48
9
(1,106)

(4)
–
–
1,830 
(2,631)
(4)
(611)
(5)
(1,425)

(579)
969

9
399
(1)
398

2018 
(restated1)
£m

2,270
(101)
26
(349)
1,846

(420)
(32)
39
(164)
(261)
(359)
54
(8)
1
35
6
(1,109)

–
1
(5)
1,506
(1,074)
(6)
(548)
(9)
(135)

602
387

2
991
(22)
969

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. There is no 

net cash impact as a result of the adoption of IFRS 15. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

2.  Net of cash acquired or disposed and payments received or made under warranties and indemnities.
3. 
4. 

Includes dividends received from joint ventures and associates classified as held for sale.
Including stamp duty and brokers’ commission. 

RECONCILIATION OF FREE CASH FLOW

Net cash from operating activities
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of contract fulfilment assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment/intangible assets/contract fulfilment 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: Cash related to cost action programme in the year
Underlying free cash flow

2019
 £m
1,952
(185)
(286)
(352)
47
(13)
3
48
9
(5)
1,218
29
1,247

2018 
(restated1)
£m
1,846
(164)
(261)
(359)
54
(8)
1
35
6
(9)
1,141
–
1,141

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. There is no 

net cash impact as a result of the adoption of IFRS 15. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  143 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

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 2019. They have 
been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified 
by the revaluation of certain financial instruments.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going 
concern basis. The Group’s business activities, together with the 
factors likely to affect its future development, performance and 
position are set out in the Strategic Report on pages 1 to 63. The 
financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position 
and borrowing facilities are discussed in the Business Review on 
pages 34 to 40. 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.

In the current financial year, the Group has adopted:

•  IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ and 
subsequent amendments 'Clarifications to IFRS 15'

•  IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’
•  Amendments to IFRS 2 ‘Classification and measurement of 

share-based payment transactions’

•  Annual improvements to IFRS standards 2014–2016 cycle 

– Amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 28

•  IFRIC 22 ‘Foreign currency transactions and advance 

consideration’

The Group has updated its accounting policies to reflect the 
impact of IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 as described below. There is no 
significant impact on the Group's consolidated results or 
balance sheet as a result of adopting other new IFRS standards.

IFRS 15 'Revenue from contracts with customers'
The Group has adopted IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with 
customers’ and subsequent amendments ‘Clarifications to IFRS 
15’ on 1 October 2018. IFRS 15 sets out the requirements for 
recognising revenue and costs from contracts with customers 
and includes additional disclosure requirements. The standard 
establishes a five-step model that applies to revenue arising 
from contracts with customers. Revenue is recognised at an 
amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity 
expects to be entitled in exchange for goods and services and at 
a point when the performance obligations associated with these 
goods and services have been satisfied.

The Group has applied the standard on a fully retrospective 
basis, restating prior period and year end comparatives and 
electing to use the following expedients:

144  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

•  Expedient not to disclose the amount of the transaction price 
allocated to the remaining performance obligations and an 
explanation of when the Group expects to recognise that 
amount as revenue for the comparative reporting periods 
presented before 1 October 2018

•  Expedients in relation to the use of hindsight in contracts with 
variable consideration and contracts that were completed 
and/or modified before the beginning of the comparative 
periods presented

The adjustment to opening retained earnings at 1 October 2017 
arising from the changes to revenue recognition amounted to 
1% of total equity. Further details of the change in the Group’s 
accounting policy in respect of revenue recognition and an 
explanation of the impact on the Group's prior period financial 
statements are set out in note 1.

IFRS 9 'Financial instruments'
The Group has adopted IFRS 9 'Financial instruments' on 
1 October 2018. The adoption of IFRS 9 has not had a material 
impact and the Group has adjusted opening retained earnings to 
reflect additional provision for impairment of trade receivables 
using the expected credit loss model. Further details of the 
change in the Group's accounting policy in respect of the 
classification and measurement of financial instruments and an 
explanation of the impact on the Group's financial statements 
are set out in note 1.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS, AMENDMENTS AND 
INTERPRETATIONS TO EXISTING STANDARDS THAT ARE 
NOT YET EFFECTIVE
The following accounting standards, interpretations and 
amendments that are applicable to the Group and effective in 
future years have been issued by the IASB and endorsed by the 
European Union:

•  IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
•  IFRIC 23 ‘Uncertainty over income tax treatments’
•  Amendments to IFRS 9 ‘Prepayment features with negative 

compensation’

•  Amendments to IAS 28 ‘Long term interests in associates and 

joint ventures’

•  Amendments to IAS 19 ‘Plan amendment, curtailment or 

settlement’

•  Annual improvements to IFRS standards 2015–2017 cycle
•  Amendments to references to the conceptual framework in 

IFRS standards

•  Amendments to IFRS 3 ‘Definition of a business’
•  Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 ‘Definition of material’

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 16 ‘Leases’ replaces IAS 17 'Leases', IFRIC 4 'Determining 
whether an arrangement contains a lease' and related 
interpretations. The standard is effective for accounting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2019 and will be adopted by the 
Group on 1 October 2019.

IFRS 16 changes lease accounting for lessees and will impact 
the Group’s financial statements as follows:

•  lease agreements will give rise to the recognition of an asset 

representing the right to use the leased item and a liability for 
future lease payments. The liability recorded for future lease 
payments will be for amounts payable for the ‘reasonably 
certain’ period of the lease, which may include future lease 
periods for which the Group has options to extend the 
minimum lease term. Liabilities will be discounted at the 
incremental borrowing rate for each lease based on factors 
such as the lessee legal entity, lease term and currency. 
Under IAS 17, future operating lease payments are generally 
not recorded on the balance sheet but disclosed as 
commitments on an undiscounted basis, see note 30 

•  lease costs will be recognised in the form of depreciation of 
the right to use the asset and interest on the lease liability. 
Interest charges will typically be higher in the early stages of a 
lease and will reduce over the term. Under IAS 17, operating 
lease rentals have been expensed on a straight-line basis over 
the lease term within operating expenses (see note 3)
•  net cash inflows from operating activities and payments 

classified within cash flow from financing activities will both 
increase, as payments made at both lease inception and 
subsequently will be characterised as repayments of lease 
liabilities and interest. There is no net cash impact as a result 
of the adoption of IFRS 16

Lessee accounting for finance leases will be similar under 
IFRS 16 to existing IAS 17 accounting. Lessor accounting under 
IFRS 16 is also similar to existing IAS 17 accounting and is 
expected to be materially the same for the Group.

The main judgement in applying IFRS 16 relates to the 
determination of the lease term and whether optional periods 
should be included. Lease terms under IFRS 16 may exceed the 
minimum lease period and include optional lease periods where 
it is reasonably certain that an extension option will be exercised 
or that a termination option will not be exercised by the Group. 
Lease terms are assessed based on the Group's business plans 
and historical experience.

The Group will adopt IFRS 16 on a modified retrospective basis 
with the initial cumulative impact of applying the standard as an 
adjustment to retained earnings on the date of adoption with no 
restatement of comparative information.

The Group intends to apply the following transition practical 
expedients allowed under IFRS 16:

•  the right of use assets will be measured at an amount equal to 
the lease liability at adoption. Existing lease prepayments will 
also be added to the value of the right of use assets on 
adoption and existing lease provisions and accruals will be 
deducted

•  reliance will be placed on existing onerous lease assessments 

under IAS 37 to impair right of use assets recognised on 
adoption instead of performing a new impairment assessment 
for those assets on adoption

•  leases with a lease term end date within one year of the date 
of initial application will not be recognised on the balance 
sheet

•  no reassessment will be performed as to whether existing 
contracts are, or contain, a lease at the date of initial 
application

As an accounting policy choice, the Group will not recognise 
leases for low value assets, which the Group considers to be 
those with an initial fair value less than approximately £5,000, or 
leases with a term of 12 months or less on the balance sheet.

The Group has finalised its IFRS 16 accounting policies, 
determined the appropriate discount rates to apply to lease 
payments, selected and implemented an IT system to collate 
and report lease data and established procedures and controls 
for accounting and reporting under IFRS 16.

The Group’s current estimate of the impact of these changes 
on the consolidated balance sheet on adoption is the recognition 
of an additional lease liability at 1 October 2019 of between 
£950 million and £1,050 million. The additional lease liability will 
not equal the operating lease commitment disclosed in note 30 
primarily because: a) lease terms determined under IFRS 16 
may be longer than under IAS 17; b) lease liabilities will be 
discounted under IFRS 16; and c) low value and short term 
leases will not be included in the Group's lease liability.

The right of use asset recognised at 1 October 2019 is expected 
to be slightly lower than the lease liability, as the value of existing 
lease prepayments added to the balance is expected to be lower 
than the value of accruals and provisions for onerous leases that 
are deducted. Overall, these adjustments are not expected to 
have a material impact on Group retained earnings.

The net impact on the consolidated income statement for the 
year to 30 September 2020 is expected to be immaterial. The 
final impact of adopting IFRS 16 will depend on factors that may 
occur during the year including new leases entered into, 
changes or reassessments of the Group’s existing lease portfolio 
and changes to exchange rates or discount rates.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  145 

Consolidated Financial StatementsGROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

These impacts are based on the assessments undertaken to 
date. The exact financial impacts of the accounting changes of 
adopting IFRS 16 at 1 October 2019 may be revised. The Group 
will issue further details on the impact of adopting IFRS 16 as 
part of the condensed financial statements for the six months 
ending 31 March 2020.

B  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES, ASSUMPTIONS 
AND JUDGEMENTS IN APPLYING ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES
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, judgements 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 Group's accounting policies do not include any 
critical judgements. The policies which require the most use of 
management estimation are set out below, however none of 
these estimates are expected to have a material adjustment in 
the next financial year: 

TAXES
The Group has operations in around 45 countries that are 
subject to direct and indirect taxes. The tax position is often not 
agreed with tax authorities until sometime after the relevant 
period end and, if subject to a tax audit, may be open for an 
extended period. In these circumstances, the recognition of tax 
liabilities and assets requires management estimation to reflect 
a variety of factors; these include the status of any ongoing tax 
audits, historical experience, interpretations of tax law and the 
likelihood of settlement. 

The changing regulatory environment affecting all multi-
nationals increases the estimation uncertainty associated 
with calculating the Group’s tax position. This is as a result 
of amendments to tax law at the national level, increased 
co operation between tax authorities and greater cross 
border transparency. 

The Group estimates and recognises additional tax liabilities as 
appropriate based on management’s interpretation of country 
specific tax law, external advice and the likelihood of settlement. 
Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from 
the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will 
impact the results in the year in which such determination is 
made. Further details of this are provided in note 6 and note 28.

In addition, calculation and recognition of temporary differences 
giving rise to deferred tax assets requires estimates and 
judgements to be made on the extent to which future taxable 
profits are available against which these temporary differences 
can be utilised. 

146  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

GOODWILL
The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any 
impairment in accordance with the accounting policy set out in 
section M on page 150. The recoverable amounts of cash-
generating units (CGU) have been determined based on value in 
use calculations. These calculations require the use of estimates 
and assumptions consistent with the most up to date budgets 
and plans that have been formally approved by management. 
The key assumptions used for the value in use calculations are 
set out in note 9. 

POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The Group’s defined benefit pension schemes and similar 
arrangements are assessed annually in accordance with IAS 19. 
The present value of the defined benefit liabilities is based on 
assumptions determined with independent actuarial advice. The 
size of the net surplus/deficit is sensitive to the market value of 
the assets held by the schemes and to actuarial assumptions, 
which include price inflation, pension and salary increases, the 
discount rate used in assessing actuarial liabilities, mortality and 
other demographic assumptions and the levels of contributions. 
Further details and sensitivities are included in note 22.

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, 
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 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 year 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 consolidated income 
statement.

Where not all the equity of a subsidiary is acquired, the non-
controlling interest is recognised at the non-controlling interest’s 
proportionate share of the net assets of the subsidiary. Put 
options over non-controlling interests are recognised as a 
financial liability measured at fair value which is re-evaluated at 
each year end with a corresponding entry in other reserves.

F  FOREIGN CURRENCY
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in sterling, 
which is the functional and reporting 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 consolidated income statement for the year, 
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 
for the Group’s accounting policies in respect of derivative 
financial instruments).

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s 
overseas operations (expressed in their functional currencies, 
being the currency of the primary economic environment in 
which each entity operates) are translated at the exchange rates 
on the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are 
translated at the average exchange rates for the period. 
Exchange differences arising, if any, are classified as equity and 
transferred to the Group’s translation reserve. Such translation 
differences are recognised as income or expense in the period in 
which the operation is disposed of.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of 
a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign 
entity and translated at the closing rate.

G  REVENUE AND CONTRACT COSTS
Revenue represents income derived from contracts for the 
provision of food and support services by the Group to 
customers in exchange for consideration in the normal course of 
business. The Group’s revenue is comprised of revenues under 
its contracts with clients. Clients engage the Group to provide 
food and support services at their locations. Depending on the 
type of client and service, we are paid either by our client and/or 
directly by the consumers to whom we have been provided 
access by our client, such as the client’s employees, visitors, 
pupils, patients and spectators. 

PERFORMANCE OBLIGATIONS
The Company recognises revenue when its performance 
obligations are satisfied. Performance obligations are satisfied 
as control of the goods and services is transferred to the client 
and/or consumers. In certain cases, clients engage us to provide 
food and support services in a single multi service contract. We 
recognise revenue for each separate performance obligation in 
respect of food and support services as these are provided. 
There is little judgement involved in determining if a 
performance obligation has been satisfied.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  147 

Consolidated Financial StatementsGROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

At contract inception, the contract is assessed to identify each 
promise to transfer either a distinct good or service or a series of 
distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and 
have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. Goods and 
services are distinct and accounted for as separate performance 
obligations in the contract if the customer can benefit from them 
either on their own or together with other resources that are 
readily available to the customer and they are separately 
identifiable in the contract. Performance obligations are usually 
clearly identified within contracts and revenue is recognised for 
each separate performance obligation. Generally, where the 
Group has the obligation to its clients to make available the 
provision of food service for a predetermined period, its 
performance obligation represents a series of services delivered 
over time. There are also contracts under which the Group sells 
products directly to consumers and these performance 
obligations represent a transfer of a good at a point in time.

TRANSACTION PRICE
The transaction price is the amount of consideration to which 
the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the 
promised goods and services to the customer, excluding value 
added tax and similar sales taxes. For example, the transaction 
price may be based on a price per meal, which may vary with 
volume, or could be based on costs incurred plus an agreed 
management fee.

The Group makes a variety of ongoing payments to clients, 
mainly commissions, concession rentals and reimbursement of 
utility costs. These are assessed for treatment as consideration 
paid to customers and where they are not in exchange for a 
distinct good or service they are recognised as a reduction of the 
transaction price. In addition, the Group may make a cash 
payment to a client typically at the start of a contract which is 
not an investment in service assets and does not generate or 
enhance the Group’s resources. Such payments are reported as 
prepayments and, as they are considered not to be in exchange 
for a distinct good or service, they are charged to the income 
statement as a deduction to revenue recognised over the 
contract term rather than as an operating cost.

TIMING OF REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognised as performance obligations are satisfied 
as control of the goods and services is transferred to the 
customer. For each performance obligation within a contract, 
the Group determines whether it is satisfied over time or at a 
point in time.

The Group has determined that most of its performance 
obligations are satisfied over time as the client simultaneously 
receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group as 
the food service and/or support service are rendered at the client 
site. In these circumstances, revenue is recognised at the 
amount which the Group has the right to invoice, where that 
amount corresponds directly with the value to the customer of 
the Group’s performance completed to date. Where the Group 
is contracted to sell directly to consumers, for example in a 

retail café concession, the performance obligation is satisfied 
at a point in time, namely when the products are sold to 
the consumer.

The nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash 
flows for performance obligations within a contract that are 
satisfied over time and at a point in time are considered to be 
similar and they are affected by the same economic factors.

COSTS TO OBTAIN A CONTRACT
Costs incurred during the bidding period, prior to a contract 
being awarded, are expensed to the income statement. Costs 
incurred in securing the contract after preferred bidder status 
has been obtained are generally expensed as incurred, unless 
they fulfil the conditions for capitalisation as an asset.

The incremental costs to obtain a contract with a customer, 
such as commissions to the salesforce, are capitalised if it is 
expected that those costs will be recoverable. Costs to obtain a 
contract that would have been incurred regardless of whether 
the contract was obtained are recognised as an expense in the 
period. Only commissions directly attributable to an individual 
contract award are capitalised, while commissions payable due 
to multiple contract wins or due to a portfolio of client contracts 
are expensed as incurred as they cannot be directly attributable 
to an identified contract.

COSTS TO FULFIL A CONTRACT
Costs incurred in the fulfilment of the Group’s obligations to the 
client under the contract are recognised in the consolidated 
balance sheet and include contributions towards service assets, 
such as kitchen and restaurant fit out costs and equipment, 
which are capitalised as contract fulfilment assets. Contract 
fulfilment costs covered within the scope of another accounting 
standard, such as property, plant and equipment and intangible 
assets, are not capitalised as contract fulfilment assets but are 
treated according to other standards.  

UTILISATION, DERECOGNITION AND IMPAIRMENT OF 
CONTRACT FULFILMENT ASSETS AND CAPITALISED 
COSTS TO OBTAIN A CONTRACT
Contract fulfilment assets are amortised on a straight line basis 
over the shorter of the life of the client contract and the useful 
economic life of the assets. The amortisation charge is included 
within operating costs. Costs incurred to obtain a contract are 
unwound over the life of the client contract as an expense.

Capitalised costs are derecognised either when disposed of or 
when no further economic benefits are expected to flow from 
their use or disposal. 

Whenever impairment indicators exist, the Group determines 
the recoverability of the contract fulfilment assets and 
capitalised costs to obtain a contract by comparing their 
carrying amount to the remaining amount of consideration that 
the Group expects to receive less the costs that relate to 
providing services under the relevant contract.

148  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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 
consolidated 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 consolidated 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. Tax benefits are recognised if it is probable that 
these will be accepted by the relevant tax authorities. 
Subsequently, they are reviewed each year to assess whether 
provisions against full recognition of the benefits are necessary.

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.

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 consolidated income statement 
and an impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not 
subsequently reversed.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  149 

Consolidated Financial StatementsGROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

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. Group investment in 
rights to generate significant consumer revenue under client 
contracts is recognised at cost as other intangible assets. 
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:

•  client contract related intangible assets: the life  

of the contract

•  computer software: 20% to 33% per annum

The typical life of contract related intangibles is 2 to 20 years.

Client contracts related intangible assets arising on acquisition 
of a business 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.

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 
consolidated income statement.

150  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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. Goodwill is allocated to the held for sale business 
on a relative fair value basis where this business forms part of a 
larger CGU. Investments in joint ventures and associates that 
have been classified as held for sale are no longer accounted for 
using the equity method. 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. Financial assets are classified as 
either fair value through profit and loss, fair value through other 
comprehensive income, or amortised cost. Classification and 
subsequent remeasurement depends on the Group’s business 
model for managing the financial asset and its cash flow 
characteristics. Assets that are held for collection of contractual 
cash flows, where those cash flows represent solely payments of 
principal and interest, are measured at amortised cost.

INVESTMENTS
Other investments comprising debt and equity instruments are 
recognised at fair value plus direct transaction costs.

Debt instruments are classified at fair value through other 
comprehensive income. Gains and losses arising from changes 
in fair value are recognised directly in other comprehensive 
income, except for impairment gains or losses, interest income 
and foreign exchange gains and losses, which are recognised in 
the income statement. When the debt instrument is 
derecognised, cumulative amounts in other comprehensive 
income are reclassified to the income statement.

Equity investments have been irrevocably designated at fair 
value through other comprehensive income. Gains and losses 
arising from changes in fair value are recognised directly in 
other comprehensive income, and are not subsequently 
reclassified to the Group income statement, including 
on derecognition.

Impairment losses are not recognised separately from other 
changes in fair value. Dividends are recognised in the Group 
income statement when the Group’s right to receive payment 
is established.

Other investments that are not equity investments, whose cash 
flows are not solely principal and interest or are not held in order 
to collect contractual cash flows, are classified and measured at 
fair value through profit and loss. Investments 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. 

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 
consolidated 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 an 
unrecognised firm commitment; 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; or net investment 
hedges where they hedge the exposure to foreign currency 
arising from a net investment in foreign operations.

Fair value hedges. In relation to fair value hedges which meet 
the conditions for hedge accounting, any gain or loss from 
remeasuring the hedging instrument at fair value is recognised 
immediately in the consolidated 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 consolidated income statement. Where the 
adjustment is to an unrecognised firm commitment, an asset or 
liability is recognised on the balance sheet. When the hedged 
transaction occurs, that asset or liability is recognised in the 
initial measurement of the acquisition cost and carrying amount 
of the asset or liability. 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.

Cash flow hedges. 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 may designate these as cash flow 
hedges of interest rate risk whenever the hedge accounting 
conditions are met. There are no hedging relationships currently 
designated as cash flow hedges.

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 Group designates 
these as a hedge of its net investments in foreign operations and 
recognises the gains or losses on the retranslation of the 
borrowings in other comprehensive income. If the Group uses 
derivatives as the hedging instrument, the effective portion of 
the hedge is recognised in other comprehensive income, with 
any ineffective portion being recognised immediately in the 
income statement. Exchange differences arising from a 
monetary item receivable from or payable to a Group foreign 
operation, the settlement of which is neither planned nor likely in 
the foreseeable future, are considered to form part of a net 
investment in a foreign operation and are recognised directly in 
equity in the translation reserve. 

Gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income 
are recycled through the consolidated income statement on 
disposal of the foreign operation.

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 consolidated income 
statement in the period.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  151 

Consolidated Financial StatementsGROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

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 
consolidated 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 to the consolidated income statement.

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
The Group operates two types of pension plans:

•  Defined contribution plans where the Group makes 

contributions to a member’s pension plan but has no further 
payment obligations once the contributions have been paid
•  Defined benefit plans which provide pension payments upon 

retirement to members as defined by the plan rules

For defined contribution plans, the Group pays contributions to 
separately administered pension plans. The Group has no 
further payment obligations once the contributions have been 
paid. The contributions payable by the Group in respect of 
defined contribution plans are charged to the consolidated 
income statement when they are due. Payments made to state 
managed schemes are treated 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 plans, the calculation of the defined benefit 
obligation is performed at least once a year by a qualified 
actuary using the projected unit credit method. The 
consolidated balance sheet reflects a net asset or net liability for 
each defined benefit pension plan. The liability recognised is the 
present value of the defined benefit obligation discounted using 
the yields on high quality corporate bonds less the fair value of 
plan assets (at bid price), if any. If the fair value of the plan 
assets exceeds the defined benefit obligation, a pension surplus 
is only recognised if the Group considers that it has an 
unconditional right to a refund.

For the UK defined benefit plan, the Group considers that it has 
an unconditional right to a refund of a surplus, assuming the 
gradual settlement of the plan liabilities over time until all 
members have left the plan. The trustees cannot unconditionally 
wind up the plan or use the surplus to enhance member benefits 
without employer consent. The Group’s judgement is that these 
trustee rights do not prevent the Group from recognising an 
unconditional right to a refund and therefore a surplus.

Net interest income (if a plan is in surplus) or interest expense (if 
a plan is in deficit) is calculated using yields on high quality 
corporate bonds and recognised in the consolidated income 
statement. A current service cost is also recognised which 
represents the expected present value of the defined benefit 
pension entitlement earned by members in the period.

Remeasurements, which include gains and losses as a result of 
changes in actuarial assumptions, the effect of the limit on the 
plan surplus (if any) and returns on plan assets (other than 
amounts included in net interest) are recognised in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the period 
in which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to 
profit or loss in subsequent periods.

152  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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 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.

HOLIDAY PAY
Paid holidays and similar entitlements are regarded as an 
employee benefit and are charged to the consolidated income 
statement as the benefits are earned. An accrual is made at the 
balance sheet date to reflect the fair value of holidays earned 
but not taken.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  153 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

1  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ – impact of the adoption
The impact of the adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ on the Group’s consolidated financial statements is 
included below. IFRS 15 has been adopted retrospectively and prior year comparatives have been restated. The following tables 
show the impact of these changes on each of the Group’s primary statement line items affected. Where practical, line items which 
are not impacted by the restatement have been aggregated within the relevant sub-totals. The impact of the new standard is also 
explained in more detail within the footnotes that follow the tables.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (EXTRACT) 

Year ended 
30 September 
2018
As previously 
reported 
£m
23,239
(275)
22,964
(21,324)
1,640
50
1,690
1,741
(58)
(112)
1,520
(387)
1,133

1,125
8
1,133
71.0p
71.0p

Year ended 
30 September 
2018
As previously 
reported 
£m
1,133
(17)
1,116

Year ended 
30 September 
2018
Restated
£m
23,147
(275)
22,872
(21,229)
1,643
50
1,693
1,744
(58)
(112)
1,523
(385)
1,138

1,130
8
1,138
71.3p
71.3p

IFRS 15 
£m
(92)
–
(92)
95
3
–
3
3
–
–
3
2
5

5
–
5
0.3p
0.3p

Year ended 
30 September 
2018
Restated
£m
1,138
(17)
1,121

IFRS 15 
£m
5
–
5

1,108
8
1,116

5
–
5

1,113
8
1,121

Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures
Less: share of sales of equity accounted joint ventures
Revenue
Operating costs
Operating profit before joint ventures and associates
Share of profit after tax of joint ventures and associates
Operating profit
Underlying operating profit
Net loss on sale and closure of businesses
Finance costs and other financing items
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

Notes 
(i), (iv)

(i), (iv)
(i), (ii), (iv)

(ii)

ATTRIBUTABLE TO
Equity shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Profit for the year
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (PENCE)

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (EXTRACT)

Profit for the year
Total other comprehensive loss for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year

ATTRIBUTABLE TO
Equity shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income for the year

154  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (EXTRACT) 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Other intangible assets
Contract fulfilment assets and 
contract costs
Other non-current assets
Non-current assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Trade and other receivables
Other current assets
Current assets
Total assets

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Deferred tax liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

EQUITY
Retained earnings
Other reserves
Total equity

1 October  
2017
As previously 
reported
£m

Notes 

1 October  
2017
Restated
£m

30 September 
2018
As previously 
reported
£m

IFRS 15 
£m

30 September 
2018
Restated
£m

IFRS 15 
£m

(iii), (iv)

1,537

(701)

836

1,903

(798)

1,105

(ii), (iii)

(iv)

(ii)

–
5,911
7,448

2,701
830
3,531
10,979

(48)
(4,534)
(4,582)

(4,277)
(8,859)
2,120

(2,875)
4,995
2,120

738
–
37

(5)
–
(5)
32

(10)
–
(10)

–
(10)
22

22
–
22

738
5,911
7,485

2,696
830
3,526
11,011

(58)
(4,534)
(4,592)

(4,277)
(8,869)
2,142

(2,853)
4,995
2,142

–
6,191
8,094

2,857
1,661
4,518
12,612

(49)
(4,315)
(4,364)

(5,608)
(9,972)
2,640

(2,246)
4,886
2,640

838
–
40

(5)
–
(5)
35

(8)
–
(8)

–
(8)
27

27
–
27

838
6,191
8,134

2,852
1,661
4,513
12,647

(57)
(4,315)
(4,372)

(5,608)
(9,980)
2,667

(2,219)
4,886
2,667

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  155 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

1  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT AND CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS (EXTRACT) 

Notes 
(ii)
(iii)
(iii)
(iv)
(ii)
(iv)
(ii)
(iv)

(iii)
(iii)
(iv)

Notes 
(iv)
(iii)
(iii)
(iv)

30 September 
2018
As previously 
reported
£m
1,640
233
–
–
–
–
–
147
277
2,297
(424)
1,873
(425)
–
(386)
(325)
(1,136)
(135)
602

30 September 
2018
As previously 
reported
£m
1,873
(425)
–
(386)
79
1,141

30 September 
2018
Restated
£m
1,643
69
164
21
13
(27)
(16)
126
277
2,270
(424)
1,846
(164)
(261)
(359)
(325)
(1,109)
(135)
602

IFRS 15 
£m
3
(164)
164
21
13
(27)
(16)
(21)
–
(27)
–
(27)
261
(261)
27
–
27
–
–

30 September 
2018
Restated
£m
1,846
(164)
(261)
(359)
79
1,141

IFRS 15 
£m
(27)
261
(261)
27
–
–

Operating profit before joint ventures and associates
Amortisation of intangible assets
Amortisation of contract fulfilment assets
Amortisation of contract prepayments
Unwind of costs to obtain contracts
Investment in contract prepayments
Increase in costs to obtain contracts
Operating cash flows from movement in working capital
Other cash generated from operations
Cash generated from operations
Other cash flows from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of contract fulfilment assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Other cash flows from investing activities
Net cash from investing activities
Net cash from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

CONSOLIDATED FREE CASH FLOW (EXTRACT) 

Net cash from operating activities 
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of contract fulfilment assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Other
Free cash flow 

156  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 
As a result of the adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ from 1 October 2018, the following adjustments were 
made to restate the amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement and balance sheet of previous periods:

Revenue
Operating costs
Operating profit
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

Adjustments for the year ended
30 September 2018

Consideration 
payable to 
customer
(i) 
£m
(71)
71
–
–
–

Capitalisation 
of costs to 
obtain a 
contract
(ii) 
£m
–
3
3
2
5

Contract 
prepayments
(iv) 
£m
(21)
21
–
–
–

Year ended 
30 September 
2018 
£m
(92)
95
3
2
5

ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Adjustments to the balance sheet at
1 October 2017

Adjustments to the balance sheet at
30 September 2018

Capitalisation 
of costs to 
obtain a 
contract
(ii) 
£m
–

Contract 
fulfilment 
assets  
(iii) 
£m
(706)

Contract 
prepayments
(iv) 
£m
5

Capitalisation 
of costs to 
obtain a 
contract
(ii) 
£m
–

1 October 
2017
£m
(701)

Contract 
fulfilment 
assets 
 (iii) 
£m
(803)

Contract 
prepayments
(iv) 
£m
5

30 September 
2018 
£m
(798)

32

706

–
(10)
22

–
–
–

–

(5)
–
–

738

(5)
(10)
22

35

–
(8)
27

803

–
–
–

–

(5)
–
–

838

(5)
(8)
27

Other intangible assets
Contract fulfilment assets 
and contract costs 
Trade and other receivables 
– current
Deferred tax liabilities
Net assets

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  157 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

1  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(i) Consideration payable to a customer
The Group makes a variety of payments to clients, mainly commissions, concession rentals and reimbursement of utility costs.  
The adjustments under IFRS 15 for consideration payable to a customer primarily relate to reclassifications of some of these 
payments from operating costs to a deduction from revenue. The Group has conducted a detailed assessment of payments to  
clients to establish where these are not in exchange for a distinct good or service and therefore should be reported as a deduction 
from revenue. 

This change results in a reduction to revenue and no change to operating profit. The consolidated income statement for the year 
ended 30 September 2018 was restated to recognise a reduction in revenue of £71 million. This amount was previously reported as 
operating costs.

(ii) Capitalisation of costs to obtain a contract
Prior to adoption of IFRS 15, the Group’s policy was to expense commissions paid to the salesforce on winning or retaining client 
contracts as incurred. Under IFRS 15, there is a requirement to recognise as an asset the incremental costs of obtaining a contract 
with a customer if the Group expects to recover them. These costs are then unwound over the life of the contract to which they relate 
on a straight line basis. Only commissions directly attributable to individual contract award are capitalised, while commissions 
payable due to multiple contract wins or due to a portfolio of client contracts will continue to be expensed as incurred as they cannot 
be directly attributable to an identified contract.

From a balance sheet perspective, this change has resulted in an adjustment of £32 million at the opening balance sheet date as at 
1 October 2017 to recognise the net book value of the costs to obtain a contract. The opening balance sheet as at 1 October 2017 
has also been adjusted to recognise the associated deferred tax impact of £10 million. The consolidated balance sheet as at 
30 September 2018 was also restated to recognise the additional net book value of the costs to obtain a contract of £3 million.

The consolidated income statement for the year ended 30 September 2018 was restated to recognise a net decrease in operating 
costs of £3 million due to the de-recognition of commissions paid to the salesforce now capitalised net of the charge recorded for the 
year in relation to these assets (£16 million and £13 million respectively for the year ended 30 September 2018).

The consolidated income statement for the year ended 30 September 2018 was also restated to recognise a reduction in the 
deferred tax liability of £2 million, giving a rise to an income statement deferred tax credit of the same amount. 

(iii) Contract fulfilment assets
The Group has historically classified certain client investments as contract intangible assets as a result of having to rely on, or 
analogise to, requirements that were not developed specifically for contracts with customers. As a result of the implementation of 
IFRS 15, all client investments previously classified as intangible assets that relate to contributions towards assets that the Group 
uses in the performance of its obligations in its contracts with clients have now been reclassified within contract fulfilment assets and 
contract costs. This new classification better represents the underlying nature of these assets as they are used in the fulfilment of the 
Group’s performance obligations to its clients and improves the revenue generated from our client contracts. These investments 
represent contributions towards service assets such as catering equipment rather than unrestricted payments, which are treated as 
contract prepayments.

As a result, a balance sheet reclassification from intangible assets to contract fulfilment assets of £706 million was made at the 
opening balance sheet date as at 1 October 2017. The consolidated balance sheet as at 30 September 2018 was also restated to 
recognise the additional reclassification to contract fulfilment assets in the period of £97 million, which includes an increase in the 
net book value of contract fulfilment assets of £76 million net of the impact of a foreign currency translation gain of £21 million. 

(iv) Contract prepayments
The Group may give signing-on bonuses and cash payments to its clients which the client can use at its own discretion. Prior to 
IFRS 15, such payments were considered contract prepayments and reported as other receivables, which then were charged to 
operating costs over the period in which the Group was expected to benefit from those contracts.

Under IFRS 15, these payments are assessed for treatment as ‘consideration payable to a customer’ and where they are not in 
exchange for a distinct good or service, they continue to be recorded as a contract prepayment, however they are charged to the 
consolidated income statement as a deduction to revenue recognised over the contract term rather than an operating cost. As a 
result, the consolidated income statement for the year ended 30 September 2018 was restated to recognise a reduction in revenue 
of £21 million.

158  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

1  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
The Group has conducted a detailed review of its contract prepayments resulting in a net reclassification of £5 million of  
payments to clients from contract prepayments to intangible assets at the opening balance sheet date as at 1 October 2017 and  
as at 30 September 2018.

In the consolidated cash flow statement, these client prepayments are reclassified from investing activities to cash flow 
from operations.

(v) Other adjustments and disclosure requirements 
The Group has assessed whether other adjustments were required as a result of the transition to IFRS 15 and concluded that the 
standard did not have a significant impact on the timing and recognition of revenue.

The Group is a food service and support services provider and generates revenue by providing these services. Revenue is recognised 
when the service is performed or when the goods (i.e. food, drinks or meals) are sold. Revenue recognised often corresponds to the 
amount invoiced or to be invoiced for services delivered in the year, with the associated cost of delivery recognised as incurred. 
There are no significant judgements associated with this approach.

The Group disaggregates revenue recognised from contracts with customers into categories that depict how the nature, amount, 
timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. The Group also discloses information to show the 
relationship between the disclosure of disaggregated revenue and revenue information discloses for each reportable segment. Refer 
to note 2 for the disclosure on disaggregated revenue.

IFRS 9 Financial instruments – impact of the adoption
The Group has adopted IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’ on 1 October 2018. The amendments to IFRS 9 mainly relate to the 
classification and measurement of financial instruments. The accounting policies for financial instruments following the adoption of 
IFRS 9 are consistent with the Group’s pre-existing policy under IAS 39 ‘Financial instruments: recognition and measurement’, with 
the key impacts set out below:

Classification of financial instruments
IFRS 9 largely retains the existing requirements in IAS 39 ‘Financial instruments: recognition and measurement’ for the classification 
and measurement of financial liabilities; however, it eliminates the previous IAS 39 categories for financial assets held to maturity, 
loans and receivables and available for sale. As a result, other investment amounts previously classified as available for sale and 
recognised at fair value are now classified as fair value through profit and loss (FVPL) or as fair value through other comprehensive 
income (FVOCI). The carrying values of these assets approximated to fair value and therefore there is no impact from this 
reclassification.

Impairment of financial assets
With respect to provisions for impairment of trade receivables, IFRS 9 replaces the ‘incurred loss’ model in IAS 39 with an ‘expected 
credit loss’ model. From 1 October 2018, the Group measures provisions for impairment of trade receivables at an amount equal to 
lifetime expected credit losses. In determining credit risk, the Group considers reasonable and supportable information that is 
relevant and available without undue cost or effort. This includes both quantitative and qualitative information and analysis based on 
the Group’s historical experience, and forward looking information. The Group considers the model and the assumptions used in 
calculating these expected credit losses as sources of estimation uncertainty.

As a result, the carrying values of trade receivables and contract assets are now reduced by the estimated future credit losses at the 
date of initial recognition and going forward where previously credit losses were not recognised on such assets until there was an 
indicator of impairment, such as a payment default. The application of IFRS 9 at 1 October 2018 results in a £15 million adjustment 
to retained earnings reflective of an additional provision for impairment of trade receivables of £19 million net of a deferred tax asset 
of £4 million.

Hedging 
The Group elected to continue to apply the hedge accounting guidance in IAS 39. 

On the date of initial application, 1 October 2018, the Group assessed which business models apply to the financial assets and 
financial liabilities held by the Group and has classified its financial instruments into the appropriate IFRS 9 categories.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  159 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

1  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
The main effects resulting from this reclassification are detailed in the table below with the impact on the carrying amounts relating 
solely to the recognition of loss allowances:

Notes

Original classification 
and measurement under IAS 39

New classification 
and measurement under IFRS 9

FINANCIAL ASSETS
Other investments – equity 
investments
Other investments – debt instruments
Other investments – corporate owned 
life insurance policies
Trade receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative financial instruments used 
for hedging
Other derivative financial instruments
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Derivative financial instruments used 
for hedging
Other derivative financial instruments
Trade payables
Bank loans and overdrafts
Loan notes1
Finance lease liabilities
Bonds1

14 Available for sale – fair value
14 Available for sale – fair value

FVOCI
FVOCI

14 Available for sale – fair value
15 Loans and receivables – amortised cost Financial assets – amortised cost
17 Loans and receivables – amortised cost Financial assets – amortised cost

FVPL

Derivatives in a hedge relationship – 
fair value

19
19 Held for trading – fair value

Hedging instrument – fair value
FVPL

Derivatives in a hedge relationship – 
fair value

19
19 Held for trading – fair value
20 Other liabilities – amortised cost
18 Other liabilities – amortised cost
18 Other liabilities – amortised cost
18 Other liabilities – amortised cost
18 Other liabilities – amortised cost

Hedging instrument – fair value
FVPL
Other financial liabilities – amortised cost
Other financial liabilities – amortised cost
Other financial liabilities – amortised cost
Other financial liabilities – amortised cost
Other financial liabilities – amortised cost

1.  Where a financial instrument is the hedged item in a fair value hedge, the amortised cost is adjusted due to changes in the hedged risk with the change being 

recorded in the consolidated income statement.

160  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

2  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. The following table presents Group revenues disaggregated by geographical segment and sector: 

REVENUE1
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2019
Business & Industry
Education
Healthcare & Seniors
Sports & Leisure
Defence, Offshore & Remote
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted joint ventures2,3,4
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20185
Business & Industry
Education
Healthcare & Seniors
Sports & Leisure
Defence, Offshore & Remote
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

5,077
3,495
4,422
2,454
246
15,694

4,251
3,092
3,997
2,160
218
13,718

3,077
776
923
588
490
5,854

3,254
778
904
426
400
5,762

1,517
253
501
284
1,049
3,604

1,542
241
528
287
1,069
3,667

9,671
4,524
5,846
3,326
1,785
25,152

9,047
4,111
5,429
2,873
1,687
23,147

1.  There is no inter-segmental trading.
2.  This is the underlying 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 £2,143 million (2018: £2,179 million). Underlying 

revenue from external customers arising in the US region was £14,747 million (2018: £12,875 million). Underlying revenue from external customers arising 
in all foreign countries from which the Group derives revenue was £23,009 million (2018: £20,968 million).
Includes revenue of £154 million of joint ventures classified as held for sale.

4. 
5.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  161 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

Geographical segments

North America 
£m 

Europe 
£m 

Rest of World 
£m 

Central 
activities 
£m 

1,289
1
1,290
10
1,300
(32)
–
–

–
1,268

368
–
368
8
376
(16)
(12)
(141)

–
207

249
36
285
1
286
(3)
–
(45)

(25)
213

(80)
–
(80)
–
(80)
(3)
–
(4)

–
(87)

Geographical segments

North America
£m

Europe
£m

Rest of World
£m

Central 
activities
£m

1,121
2
1,123
14
1,137
(36)
–
1,101

395
–
395
6
401
(9)
–
392

246
30
276
–
276
(4)
(2)
270

(70)
–
(70)
–
(70)
–
–
(70)

2  SEGMENTAL REPORTING (CONTINUED)

OPERATING PROFIT
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2019
Underlying operating profit before joint ventures 
and associates
Add: Share of profit before tax of joint ventures1
Regional underlying operating profit2
Add: Share of profit of associates1
Group underlying operating profit2
Less: Acquisition related costs
Less: One-off pension charge
Less: Cost action programme charge
Less: Share of profit of joint ventures and associates held 
for sale
Total operating profit
Net loss on sale and closure of businesses
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

OPERATING PROFIT
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20183
Underlying operating profit before joint ventures 
and associates
Add: Share of profit before tax of joint ventures
Regional underlying operating profit2
Add: Share of profit of associates
Group underlying operating profit2
Less: Acquisition related costs
Less: Tax on share of profit of joint ventures
Total operating profit
Net loss on sale and closure of businesses
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

Total 
£m 

1,826
37
1,863
19
1,882
(54)
(12)
(190)

(25)
1,601
(7)
12
(122)
(15)
1,469
(351)
1,118

Total
£m

1,692
32
1,724
20
1,744
(49)
(2)
1,693
(58)
6
(120)
2
1,523
(385)
1,138

Includes share of profit of joint ventures and associates classified as held for sale.

1. 
2.  Underlying operating profit is the profit measure considered by the chief operating decision maker.
3.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

From 1 October 2019 the Group’s geographical segments of Europe and Rest of World will be reclassified to reflect a change in the 
way those segments are managed by the chief operating decision maker: Turkey will form part of the Europe segment. Revenue of 
£306 million and regional underlying profit of £21 million will be reclassified from Rest of World to Europe for the year ended 
30 September 2019.

162  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2  SEGMENTAL REPORTING (CONTINUED)

BALANCE SHEET
AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2019
Total assets
Total liabilities 
Net assets/(liabilities)
Total assets include:
Interests in joint ventures and associates 
Non-current assets1
AT 30 SEPTEMBER 20182
Total assets
Total liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)
Total assets include:
Interests in associates and joint ventures
Non-current assets1

Geographical segments

Unallocated

North 
America
£m

Europe
£m

Rest of 
World
£m

Central 
activities
£m

Current and 
deferred tax
£m

Net debt
£m

Total
£m

7,192
(3,282)
3,910

3,494
(1,478)
2,016

1,295
(740)
555 

126
5,253

99
2,496

1
647

6,131
(2,936)
3,195

3,535
(1,398)
2,137

1,387
(678)
709

93
4,372

99
2,518

71
747

560 
(210)
350 

–
500

394
(215)
179

–
369

164
(361)
(197)

605
(3,877)
(3,272)

13,310
(9,948)
3,362

–
76

–
207

226
9,179

114
(284)
(170)

1,086
(4,469)
(3,383)

12,647
(9,980)
2,667

–
45

–
83

263
8,134

1.  Non-current assets located in the UK, the Group’s country of domicile, were £1,767 million (2018: £1,793 million). Non-current assets located in the USA 
were £4,889 million (2018: £4,095 million). Non-current assets located in all foreign countries in which the Group holds assets were £7,412 million (2018: 
£6,341 million). 

2.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  163 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

2  SEGMENTAL REPORTING (CONTINUED)

OTHER SEGMENTAL INFORMATION
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2019
Additions to other intangible assets
Additions to contract fulfilment assets
Additions to property, plant and equipment1
Amortisation of other intangible assets2
Amortisation of contract fulfilment assets
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Assets held for sale
Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale
Total other non-cash expenses3

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 20184
Additions to other intangible assets
Additions to contract fulfilment assets
Additions to property, plant and equipment1
Amortisation of other intangible assets2
Amortisation of contract fulfilment assets
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Assets held for sale
Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale
Total other non-cash expenses3

Geographical segments

North
America
£m

Europe
£m

Rest of
World
£m

Central
activities
£m

102
279
210
105
177
140
86
(12)
12

119
257
182
75
156
125
111
(17)
10

38
5
85
32
6
93
14
(8)
5

18
2
100
25
7
94
43
(30)
3

11
2
55
12
1
48
90
(10)
4

13
2
83
13
1
47
82
(25)
4

29
–
2
1
–
1
–
–
6

14
–
–
–
–
1
–
–
4

Total
£m

180
286
352
150
184
282
190
(30)
27

164
261
365
113
164
267
236
(72)
21

Includes leased assets of £1 million (2018: £3 million).
Including the amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition.

1. 
2. 
3.  Other non-cash expenses are mainly comprised of share-based payments.
4.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

164  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

3  OPERATING COSTS

OPERATING COSTS
Cost of food and materials
Cost of inventories consumed
Labour costs
Employee remuneration 
Overheads
Commissions and fees paid to clients
Depreciation – owned property, plant and equipment 
Depreciation – leased property, plant and equipment
Amortisation – owned intangible assets 
Amortisation – contract fulfilment assets
Cost action programme charge
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)
Other expenses 
Operating costs before costs relating to acquisitions
Amortisation – intangible assets arising on acquisition
Acquisition transaction costs
Adjustment to contingent consideration on acquisition
Total

Notes

2019 
£m

2018
(restated1) 
£m

7,091

6,542

4 

11,370

10,556

12
12
10
11

1,020
280
2
88
184
190
91
71
12
98
6
2,751
23,254
62
8
(16)
23,308

899
265
2
69
164
–
100
85
10
87
7
2,394
21,180
44
4
1
21,229

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

The Group’s consolidated income statement includes a cost action programme charge of £190 million, of which £29 million has 
been paid in the year to 30 September 2019.

Included within the total cost action programme charge is a non-cash charge of £120 million in respect of losses on onerous 
contracts and impairment of non-current assets. Provisions are described further in note 21.

The onerous contract provisions are estimated at the lower of any termination penalties or directly attributable unavoidable 
losses (including minimum lease payments) over the remaining non-cancellable contract term after impairment of any contract 
related assets. 

The programme will continue into 2020 with a further expected cost of approximately £110 million.

AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES
AUDIT SERVICES
Fees payable for the audit of the Company and consolidated financial statements
Fees payable for the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries and joint ventures
Total audit fees
NON-AUDIT SERVICES
Audit related assurance
Other tax advisory
Total non-audit fees
TOTAL AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES
Total audit and non-audit services

2019
£m

2018
£m

0.9
5.2
6.1

0.4
–
0.4

6.5

0.9
5.4
6.3

0.6
0.1
0.7

7.0

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  165 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

4  EMPLOYEES
AVERAGE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DIRECTORS AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES
North America
Europe
Rest of World
Total

AGGREGATE REMUNERATION OF ALL EMPLOYEES INCLUDING DIRECTORS
Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Share-based payments
Pension costs – defined contribution plans
Pension costs – defined benefit plans
Total

2019
288,133
157,879
150,440
596,452

2019
 £m
9,637
1,547
27
126
33
11,370

2018
269,752
149,382
176,707
595,841

20181
£m
8,970
1,431
21
110
24
10,556

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

In addition to the pension cost shown in operating costs above, there is a pensions-related net credit to finance income of £3 million 
(2018: £nil).

The remuneration of directors and key management personnel1 is set out below. Additional information on directors’ and key 
management remuneration, long term incentive plans, pension contributions and entitlements can be found in the audited section 
of the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 98 to 121 and forms part of these accounts. 

REMUNERATION OF KEY PERSONNEL1
Salaries 
Other short term employee remuneration
Share-based payments 
Pension salary supplement
Total

2019
 £m
7.3
6.3
4.6
1.3
19.5

2018 
£m
6.7
7.6
3.5
1.3
19.1

1.  Key management personnel is defined as the Board of Directors and the individuals who made up the Executive Committee from time to time during the year, 

more details of which can be found on pages 70 and 71 and pages 24 and 25.

166  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

5  FINANCE INCOME, COSTS AND OTHER FINANCING ITEMS
Finance income and costs are recognised in the consolidated income statement in the year in which they are earned or incurred.

FINANCE INCOME AND COSTS
FINANCE INCOME
Bank interest
Interest on net post employment benefit obligations (note 22)
Other finance income
Total finance income
FINANCE COSTS
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
Total finance costs
ANALYSIS OF FINANCE COSTS BY DEFINED IFRS 9¹ 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)
Total finance costs

1. IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’.

2019
 £m

7
3
2
12

13
101
–
114
8
122

(4)
(11)
3
126
114
8
122

2018
£m

6
–
–
6

13
100
1
114
6
120

1
(19)
5
127
114
6
120

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 consolidated 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 LOSSES/(GAINS)
HEDGE ACCOUNTING INEFFECTIVENESS
Unrealised net losses/(gains) on unhedged derivative financial instruments1
Unrealised net (gains)/losses on derivative financial instruments in a designated fair value hedge2
Unrealised net losses/(gains) 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
Total financing related losses/(gains)

2019
 £m

19
(163)
163
19

(4)
15

2018
£m

(4)
50
(44)
2

(4)
(2)

1.  Categorised as ‘fair value through profit or loss’ (IFRS 9).
2.  Categorised as derivatives that are designated and effective as hedging instruments carried at fair value (IFRS 9).
3.  Life insurance policies used by overseas companies to meet the cost of unfunded post employment benefit obligations included in note 22. 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  167 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

6  TAX

RECOGNISED IN THE CONSOLIDATED 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 

2019
 £m

387
(29)
358

(8)
(1)
2
(7)

2018 
(restated1)
£m

380
(11)
369

17
(6)
5
16

351

385

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1. 

The income tax expense for the year is based on the effective United Kingdom statutory rate of corporation tax for the period of 
19.0% (2018: 19.0%). Overseas tax is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions.

The income tax effects of the adjustments between statutory and underlying results are shown in note 34 to the consolidated 
financial statements. There is no difference between the statutory and underlying cash tax paid of £354 million (2018: statutory and 
underlying £349 million).

RECONCILIATION  OF EFFECTIVE TAX RATE 
Profit before tax
Notional income tax expense at the effective UK statutory rate of 19.0% (2018: 19.0%) 
on profit before tax
Effect of different tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other jurisdictions
Impact of changes in statutory tax rates
Permanent differences
Impact of share-based payments
Tax on profit of associates and equity accounted joint ventures
Unrelieved current year tax losses 
Prior year items
Income tax expense

2019
 £m
1,469

2018 
(restated1)
£m
1,523

279
112
(1)
(18)
–
–
6
(27)
351

289
128
(6)
(22)
3
(2)
1
(6)
385

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

Permanent differences include 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, the application of the statute of limitations and the resolution of open items.

The global nature of the Group’s operations gives rise to several factors which could affect the future tax rate. These include the mix 
of profits, changes to statutory tax rates or tax legislation and the foreign exchange rates applicable when those profits are translated 
into sterling. In addition, the future tax charge may be affected by the impact of acquisitions, disposals or other restructurings and 
the resolution of open issues with tax authorities.

Tax uncertainties and associated risks are increasing for all multi national groups as a consequence of changes to local and 
international tax rules. Tax risk can arise from unclear regulations and differences in interpretation, but most significantly where tax 
authorities apply diverging standards in assessing intra-group cross-border transactions. The Group has recognised potential 
liabilities in respect of uncertain tax positions as described in section B of the Group accounting policies, none of which is individually 
material. In determining such liabilities, having regard to the specific circumstances of each tax position and external advice where 
appropriate, the Group assesses the range of potential outcomes and estimates whether additional tax may be due. The Group does 
not currently anticipate any material changes to the amounts recorded at 30 September 2019 (see also note 28). 

168  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
6  TAX (CONTINUED)

TAX CHARGED TO OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Current and deferred tax charge on actuarial and other movements on post employment benefits
Current and deferred tax charge on foreign exchange movements
Tax charges 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

2019
£m
10
2
12

2019
£m
(4)
(4)

MOVEMENT IN NET DEFERRED TAX ASSET/
(LIABILITY)
At 1 October 20171
Credit/(charge) to income
Charge to equity/other comprehensive income
Business acquisitions
Reclassification between categories
Other movements
Exchange adjustment
At 30 September 20181
Implementation of IFRS 91
At 1 October, as adjusted
(Charge)/credit to income
(Charge)/credit to equity/other comprehensive income
Business acquisitions
Sale and closure of businesses
Other movements
Exchange adjustment
At 30 September 2019

Intangibles 
and contract 
fulfilment 
assets
£m
(300)
63
–
(45)
(8)
–
1
(289)
–
(289)
(6)
–
(24)
2
(1)
(14)
(332)

Net 
pensions 
and post 
employment 
benefits
£m
148
(26)
(30)
–
(8)
(1)
2
85
–
85
13
(10)
–
–
–
8
96

Tax 
depreciation
£m
(52)
3
–
–
–
1
(2)
(50)
–
(50)
(30)
–
(1)
–
–
(5)
(86)

Net 
self-funded 
insurance 
provisions
£m
87
(29)
–
–
–
–
2
60
–
60
4
–
–
–
–
3
67

Net  
short term 
temporary 
differences
£m
176
(25)
(3)
3
16
(1)
(1)
165
4
169
27
1
(2)
–
–
6
201

Tax  
losses
£m
17
(4)
–
3
–
1
–
17
–
17
(1)
–
–
–
–
–
16

2018
£m
29
1
30

2018
£m
(1)
(1)

Total
£m
76
(18)
(33)
(39)
–
–
2
(12)
4
(8)
7
(9)
(27)
2
(1)
(2)
(38)

1.  The Group has adopted IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’ and IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ effective for the year ending 30 September 

2019. IFRS 15 has been applied retrospectively and comparatives for the prior year have been restated, whilst IFRS 9 has been applied prospectively from 
1 October 2018 by adjusting the opening balance sheet at that date. Additional information about the transitional impact of these standards is included 
in note 1.

Net short term temporary differences relate principally to accruals and other liabilities and provisions 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 liability

2019
 £m
76
(114)
(38)

2018 
(restated1)
£m
45
(57)
(12)

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1. 

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of tax losses of £232 million (2018: £41 million) and other temporary 
differences of £24 million (2018: £20 million). Of the total tax losses, £212 million (2018: £26 million) will expire at various dates 
between 2020 and 2025. 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 £474 million (2018: £474 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.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  169 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

7  EARNINGS PER SHARE
The calculation of earnings per share is based on earnings after tax and the weighted average number of shares in issue during the 
period. The underlying earnings per share figures have been calculated based on earnings excluding the effect of the acquisition 
related costs, one-off pension charge, cost action programme charge, gains and losses on sale and closure of businesses, hedge 
accounting ineffectiveness, change in fair value of investments and the tax attributable to these amounts, but including share of 
profit of joint ventures and associates classified as held for sale. 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
Adjustments stated net of tax:
Acquisition related costs
One-off pension charge
Cost action programme charge
Share of profit of joint ventures and associates held for sale
Net loss on sale and closure of businesses 
Other financing items including hedge accounting ineffectiveness  
and change in the fair value investments
Underlying 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

2019 
Attributable 
profit 
£m
1,110

2018 
(restated1) 
Attributable 
profit 
£m
1,130

41
10
149
25
4

37
–
–
–
68

12
1,351

(1)
1,234

2019
Ordinary 
shares of 
111/20p each
1,586
1
1,587

2018
Ordinary  
shares of 
111/20p each
1,584
1
1,585

EARNINGS PER SHARE 
From operations 
Adjustments stated net of tax:
Acquisition related costs
One-off pension charge
Cost action programme charge
Share of profit of joint ventures and associates held for sale
Net loss on sale and closure of businesses 
Other financing items including hedge accounting ineffectiveness  
and change in the fair value investments
From underlying operations

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

2019
Earnings per 
share
pence
70.0

2018
(restated1)
Earnings per 
share
pence
71.3

2019
Earnings per 
share
pence
69.9

2018
(restated1)
Earnings per 
share
pence
71.3

2.6
0.6
9.4
1.6
0.2

0.8
85.2

2.4
–
–
–
4.3

(0.1)
77.9

2.6
0.6
9.4
1.6
0.2

0.8
85.1

2.4
–
–
–
4.3

(0.1)
77.9

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1. 

170  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8  DIVIDENDS
A final dividend in respect of 2019 of 26.9 pence per share, £427 million in aggregate1, has been proposed, giving a total dividend in 
respect of 2019 of 40.0 pence per share (2018: 37.7 pence per share). The proposed final dividend is subject to approval by 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 6 February 2020 and has not been included as a liability in these 
financial statements.

DIVIDENDS ON ORDINARY SHARES
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity shareholders during 
the year:
Final 2017 
Interim 2018
Final 2018
Interim 2019
Total dividends

2019

Dividends  
per share 
pence

–
–
25.4
13.1
38.5

2018

Dividends  
per share 
pence

22.3
12.3
–
–
34.6

£m

–
–
403
208
611

1.  Based on the number of ordinary shares, excluding treasury shares, in issue at 30 September 2019 (1,586 million shares).

9  GOODWILL
During the year the Group made a number of acquisitions. See note 25 for more details.

GOODWILL
COST
At 1 October 2017
Additions 
Disposals
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2018
Additions 
Disposals
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2019
IMPAIRMENT
At 30 September 2018
At 30 September 2019
NET CARRYING VALUE 
At 30 September 2018
At 30 September 2019

£m

353
195
–
–
548

£m

4,510
312
(2)
(38)
4
4,786
198
(13)
(25)
146
5,092

516
516

4,270
4,576

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  171 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

9  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 

2019 
£m
2,160
189
2,349
1,446
401
1,847
142
238
380
4,576

2018 
£m
1,893
175
2,068
1,430
390
1,820
153
229
382
4,270

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. The 
recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit (CGU) is determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for these 
calculations are externally derived long term growth rates, pre-tax discount rates and 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
Japan
Rest of World

2019

2018

Residual growth rates Pre-tax discount rates

1.9%
2.1%
2.0%
1.1 – 4.3%
1.2%
0.9 – 9.6%

6.8%  
7.3%  
6.7%  
6.1 – 11.8%  

7.2%

5.6 – 19.8%  

Residual growth rates
2.0%
1.9%
2.1%
1.2 – 4.0%
1.3%
1.1 – 9.9%

Pre-tax discount rates
8.6%
8.5%
8.0%
7.5 – 13.7%
8.7%
7.0 – 18.5%

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.

As a result of the instability caused by the UK’s decision to exit the European Union (Brexit), there is a wide range of potential 
outcomes regarding the possible future performance of the UK business. At this stage we consider that no reasonable change to any 
of the key assumptions underpinning the UK’s impairment test would cause its carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount.

172  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
10  OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
COST
At 1 October 20173
Additions 
Disposals
Business acquisitions
Sale and closure of businesses
Reclassified
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 20183
Additions 
Disposals
Business acquisitions
Sale and closure of businesses
Reclassified
Reclassification to assets held for sale 
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2019
AMORTISATION
At 1 October 20173
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Sale and closure of businesses
Reclassified
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 20183
Charge for the year 
Impairment
Disposals 
Sale and closure of businesses
Reclassified
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2019
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 20183
At 30 September 2019

Client contract  
and other intangibles

Computer 
software 
£m

Arising on
acquisition1
£m

Other2
£m

Total 
£m

325
54
(46)
–
–
1
(5)
(4)
325
77
(7)
2
(1)
(1)
(1)
9 
403

229
30
(45)
–
(1)
(4)
–
209
34
–
(5)
–
1
–
5 
244

116
159

717
–
–
239
–
(1)
(27)
(6)
922
1
–
266
(6)
(3)
(8)
54
1,226

176
44
5
–
–
(12)
(4)
209
62
–
–
(3)
(2)
(3)
10
273

713
953

348
110
(48)
–
(3)
42
(6)
13
456
102
(19)
–
–
(7)
–
21 
553

149
39
(32)
(3)
26
(3)
4
180
54
18
(17)
–
(3)
–
7 

239

276
314

1,390
164
(94)
239
(3)
42
(38)
3
1,703
180
(26)
268
(7)
(11)
(9)
84 
2,182

554
113
(72)
(3)
25
(19)
–
598
150
18
(22)
(3)
(4)
(3)
22 
756

1,105
1,426

1.  The intangible assets arising on acquisition are mainly client contract related.
2.  Client contract related intangible assets, other than those arising on acquisition, arise from payments made to clients to obtain the right to generate 

significant consumer revenue.

3.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 'Revenue from contracts with customers'. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  173 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

11  CONTRACT BALANCES
The following table provides information about contract costs, contract assets and liabilities from contracts with customers and other 
contract related balances.

CONTRACT BALANCES
CONTRACT COSTS
Contract fulfilment assets
Costs to obtain contracts
Contract fulfilment assets and contract costs
CONTRACT ASSETS
Accrued income
CONTRACT LIABILITIES
Deferred income
OTHER CONTRACT BALANCES
Contract prepayments
Trade receivables
Net contract balances

Notes

15

20

15
15

2019 
£m

934
42
976

272

2018 
(restated1) 
£m

803
35
838

249

(373)

(312)

84
2,211
3,170

68
2,078
2,921

The Group’s deferred income and accrued income balances solely relate to revenue from contracts with customers. Movements 
during the year were driven by transactions entered into by the Group within the normal course of business in the year. 

Contract fulfilment assets relate to contributions towards assets that the Group uses in the performance of its obligations in its 
contracts with clients.

CONTRACT FULFILMENT ASSETS
At 1 October
Additions
Derecognition
Business acquisitions
Charge for the year
Reclassified
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Currency adjustment
At 30 September

2019 
£m
803
286
(18)
–
(184)
(2)
1
48
934

2018 
(restated1) 
£m
706
261
(14)
4
(164)
(11)
–
21
803

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

IMPAIRMENT
Contract fulfilment assets and capitalised costs to obtain contracts are reviewed annually to identify indicators of impairment. When 
such indicators exist, the Group determines the recoverability by comparing their carrying amount to the remaining consideration 
that the Group expects to receive less the costs associated to providing services under the relevant contract. Management is 
required to make an assessment of the costs that relate to providing services under the relevant contract. The ability to accurately 
forecast such costs involves estimates around cost savings to be achieved over time and anticipated profitability of the contract.

If any indicators of impairment are identified, judgement is applied to ascertain whether or not the future economic benefits from 
these contracts are sufficient to recover these assets. The directors believe that there is no impairment required.

174  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
COST
At 1 October 2017
Additions1
Disposals
Sale and closure of businesses
Business acquisitions 
Reclassified
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2018
Additions1
Disposals
Sale and closure of businesses
Business acquisitions 
Reclassified
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2019
DEPRECIATION
At 1 October 2017
Charge for the year 
Disposals
Sale and closure of businesses
Reclassified 
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2018
Charge for the year 
Impairment
Disposals
Sale and closure of businesses
Reclassified 
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Currency adjustment
At 30 September 2019
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2018
At 30 September 2019

Land and 
buildings 
£m

Plant and 
machinery 
£m

Fixtures and 
fittings 
£m

392
22
(29)
(2)
1
15
(16)
–
383
23
(28)
(3)
4
45
(15)
11
420

218
23
(23)
(1)
1
(6)
(2)
210
28
4
(27)
(1)
4
(10)
6
214

173
206

1,446
228
(95)
(11)
12
(11)
(98)
(1)
1,470
239
(124)
(13)
8
(3)
(5)
48
1,620

913
167
(76)
(7)
5
(53)
2
951
174
14
(105)
(13)
3
(1)
28
1,051

519
569

736
115
(50)
(3)
1
–
(8)
(12)
779
90
(46)
(1)
8
(12)
(6)
15
827

443
77
(42)
(3)
1
(5)
(6)
465
80
18
(41)
–
23
(5)
10
550

314
277

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 2018
At 30 September 2019

1. 

Includes leased assets at a net book value of £1 million (2018: £3 million).

Land and 
buildings 
£m
1
3

Plant and 
machinery 
£m
5
9

Fixtures and 
fittings 
£m
1
1

Total 
£m

2,574
365
(174)
(16)
14
4
(122)
(13)
2,632
352
(198)
(17)
20
30
(26)
74
2,867

1,574
267
(141)
(11)
7
(64)
(6)
1,626
282
36
(173)
(14)
30
(16)
44
1,815

1,006
1,052

Total 
£m
7
13

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  175 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

13  INTERESTS IN JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES
Significant interests in associates are:

ASSOCIATES
Twickenham Experience Limited2
Oval Events Limited3
AEG Facilities, LLC4
Thompson Hospitality Services, LLC4

England & Wales
England & Wales
USA
USA

2019
ownership1
16%
37.5%
49%
49%

2018
ownership1
16%
37.5%
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 30 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:

JOINT VENTURES
Quadrant Catering Ltd2
ADNH-Compass Middle East LLC3
Express Support Services Limitada4

England & Wales
United Arab Emirates
Angola

2019
ownership1
49%
50%
–

2018
ownership1
49%
50%
49%

1.  % ownership is of the ordinary share capital.
2.  49% ownership entitles Compass Group to 50% of voting rights.
3.  During the year the Group has classified its entire 50% interest in ADNH-Compass Middle East LLC as held for sale and discontinued equity accounting. 
4.  During the year the Group completed the acquisition of the remaining 51% interest in Express Support Services Limitada joint venture.

None of these investments are held directly by the ultimate Parent Company. All joint ventures provide food and/or support services 
in their respective countries of incorporation and make their accounts up to 30 September. All holdings are in the ordinary shares of 
the respective joint venture company.

These investments are structured through separate vehicles and the Group has a residual interest in their respective net assets. 
Accordingly, the Group has classified its interests as joint ventures which are equity accounted. The tables below reconcile the 
summarised financial information to the carrying amount of the Group's interests in its associates and joint ventures.

INTERESTS IN JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES
NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Additions
Sale and closure of businesses
Share of profits less losses (net of tax)1
Dividends received2
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale
Currency and other adjustments 
At 30 September 
COMPRISED OF
Interests in associates
Interests in joint ventures
Total

1.  Excludes £25 million share of profit of joint ventures and associates classified as held for sale during the year.
2. 

Includes dividends received of £25 million of joint ventures and associates classified as held for sale during the year.

2019 
£m

2018 
£m

263
27
(1)
31
(48)
(55)
9
226

209
17
226

220
32
(4)
50
(35)
(1)
1
263

179
84
263

176  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

13  INTERESTS IN JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES (CONTINUED)
The Group’s share of revenues and profits is included below:

JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES
SHARE OF REVENUE AND PROFITS
Revenue
Expenses/tax2
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

2019

Joint 
ventures1
£m

Associates 
£m

Total 
£m

Associates 
£m

2018

Joint  
ventures 
£m

102
(83)
19

199
97
(12)
(75)
209

120
(108)
12

1
23
(1)
(6)
17

222
(191)
31

200
120
(13)
(81)
226

79
(59)
20

181
79
(13)
(68)
179

–

(29)

(29)

–

275
(245)
30

40
140
(12)
(84)
84

(30)

Total 
£m

354
(304)
50

221
219
(25)
(152)
263

(30)

1.  Excludes revenue of £154 million and £129 million expenses, including the relevant portion of income tax, of joint ventures classified as held for sale during 

the year.

2.  Expenses include the relevant portion of income tax recorded by associates and joint ventures.

14 OTHER INVESTMENTS

OTHER INVESTMENTS 
NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Additions
Disposals
Changes in fair value
Currency and other adjustments
At 30 September
COMPRISED OF1, 2
Other investments3
Life insurance policies and mutual fund investments4, 5
Total

2019 
 £m

2018 
£m

73
13
(3)
8
5
96

22
74
96

63
8
(1)
–
3
73

17
56
73

1. 

IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’ was applied for the first time on 1 October 2018 and introduces new classifications for financial instruments, including 
investments. Under IAS 39 ‘Financial instruments: recognition and measurement’, other investments were classified as available for sale. Additional 
information about the impact of IFRS 9 is included in note 1.

2.  As per the fair value hierarchies defined by IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurement’, other investments are Level 1 and the life insurance policies are Level 2.
3.  Categorised as ‘fair value through other comprehensive income’ financial assets (IFRS 9).
4.  Categorised as ‘fair value through profit or loss’ and ‘fair value through other comprehensive income’ financial assets respectively (IFRS 9).
5.  Life insurance policies used by overseas companies to meet the cost of unfunded post employment benefit obligations as set out in note 22.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  177 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019 

15  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 
Provision for impairment of trade receivables
Net trade receivables2
Other receivables3
Provision for impairment of other receivables3
Net other receivables 
Accrued income 
Prepayments
Amounts owed by associates, joint ventures 
and related parties2
Trade and other receivables

2019

20181

Current
£m

 Non-current
£m

Total
£m

Current
£m

 Non-current
£m

Total
£m

2,852
112
87
3,051

2,283
(73)
2,210
449
(21)
428
272
138

3
3,051

105
(13)
4
96

1
–
1
116
(25)
91
–
4

–
96

2,957
99
91
3,147

2,284
(73)
2,211
565
(46)
519
272
142

3
3,147

2,696
187
(31)
2,852

2,141
(63)
2,078
400
(8)
392
249
128

5
2,852

104
2
(1)
105

–
–
–
120
(22)
98
–
7

–
105

2,800
189
(32)
2,957

2,141
(63)
2,078
520
(30)
490
249
135

5
2,957

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

2.  Categorised as ‘amortised cost’ financial assets (IFRS 9).
3. 

Includes net contract prepayments balance of £84 million (2018: £68 million).

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. Expected credit losses are measured using historical cash collection data grouped according to payment terms. The 
historical default rates are adjusted where macroeconomic factors are expected to have a significant impact when determining 
future expected credit loss rates. The expected credit loss provision is calculated using a provision matrix, in which the provision 
increases as balances age. 

Trade receivables and contract assets are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery and enforcement activity 
has ceased. An impairment analysis is performed at each reporting date to measure expected credit losses. 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 2019 were 39 days (2018: 41 days) on a constant currency basis.

178  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (CONTINUED)
The ageing of gross trade receivables and of the provision for impairment is as follows:

TRADE RECEIVABLES
Expected loss rate
Gross trade receivables
Provision for impairment of trade receivables
Net trade receivables

TRADE RECEIVABLES 
Gross trade receivables
Provision for impairment of trade receivables
Net trade receivables

2019

Not yet due
£m
–
1,695
(8)
1,687

0-3 months 
overdue
£m
3%
472
(12)
460

3-6 months 
overdue
£m
25%
55
(14)
41

6-12 months 
overdue
£m
32%
22
(7)
15

2018

Not yet due
£m
1,615
–
1,615

0-3 months 
overdue
£m
414
(15)
399

3-6 months 
overdue
£m
51
(10)
41

6-12 months 
overdue
£m
24
(9)
15

Over 12 
months 
overdue
£m
80%
40
(32)
8

Over 12 
months 
overdue
£m
37
(29)
8

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
Implementation of IFRS 91
At 1 October, as adjusted1
Charged to income statement
Credited to income statement
Utilised
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Reclassified
Currency adjustment
At 30 September

2019

2018

Trade
£m
63
18
81
23
(16)
(16)
(1)
–
2
73

Other
£m
30
1
31
10
(4)
(3)
–
9
3
46

Total
£m
93
19
112
33
(20)
(19)
(1)
9
5
119

Trade
£m
73
–
73
22
(13)
(16)
(1)
1
(3)
63

Other
£m
26
–
26
5
–
–
–
4
(5)
30

Total
£m
3%
2,284
(73)
2,211

Total
£m
2,141
(63)
2,078

Total
£m
99
–
99
27
(13)
(16)
(1)
5
(8)
93

1.  Adjusted as a result of the Group’s adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’. Additional information about the impact of IFRS 9 is included in note 1.

At 30 September 2019, trade receivables of £524 million (2018: £463 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 the expected credit loss, and all amounts not 
provided for are considered to be recoverable.

16  INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES
NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Business acquisitions
Net movement
Currency adjustment
At 30 September

2019
 £m

353
11
26
14
404

2018
£m

353
7
(7)
–
353

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  179 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

17  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 ‘amortised cost’ financial assets (IFRS 9).

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BY CURRENCY
Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Japanese Yen
Other
Cash and cash equivalents

2019
 £m
345
53
398

2019
 £m
99
92
38
9
160
398

2018
£m
325
644
969

2018
£m
658
105
47
5
154
969

The Group’s policy to manage the credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents is set out in note 19. The book value of cash 
and cash equivalents represents the maximum credit exposure.

MASTER NETTING OR SIMILAR AGREEMENTS
The Group operates a multi-currency notional pooling cash management arrangement whereby cash balances and overdrafts held 
within the same bank are offset to give a net balance which is included within cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet. 
These cash and bank overdraft figures before netting are shown in the table below:

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdrafts

18  SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM BORROWINGS

SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM 
BORROWINGS
Bank overdrafts
Bank loans
Loan notes
Bonds
Borrowings (excluding finance leases)
Finance leases
Borrowings (including finance leases)1

1.  Categorised as ‘other financial liabilities’ (IFRS 9).

Current
£m
17
5
162
–
184
2
186

2019

Non-current
£m
–
–
1,211
2,467
3,678
1
3,679

Total
£m
17
5
1,373
2,467
3,862
3
3,865

Gross
£m
412
(31)

Gross
£m
989
(96)

Current
£m
76
5
191
538
810
3
813

2019

Offset
£m
(14)
14

2018

Offset
£m
(20)
20

2018

Non-current
£m
–
–
1,261
2,347
3,608
3
3,611

Net
£m
398
(17)

Net
£m
969
(76)

Total
£m
76
5
1,452
2,885
4,418
6
4,424

Interest on bank overdrafts and commercial paper is at the relevant money market rates. During the year, the Group established a 
$2 billion commercial paper programme. Commercial paper is issued to meet short term liquidity requirements and is supported by 
£2 billion of syndicated committed bank facilities which mature in August 2024. As at 30 September 2019, no commercial paper 
was outstanding under the programme and no amounts were drawn under the syndicated committed bank facility.

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.

180  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

18  SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)

LOAN NOTES
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
Euro Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Euro Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond

Nominal 
 value
$250m
$200m
$398m
$352m
$100m
$300m
$300m

Redeemable
Oct 2018
Sep 2020
Oct 2021
Oct 2023
Dec 2024
Sep 2025
Dec 2026

Nominal  
value
€600m
€500m
€750m
£250m
£250m
€500m
£300m

Redeemable
Feb 2019
Jan 2023
Jul 2024
Sep 2025
Jun 2026
Sep 2028
Jul 2029

Interest
3.31%
3.09%
3.98%
4.12%
3.54%
3.81%
3.64%

Interest
3.13%
1.88%
0.63%
2.00%
3.85%
1.50%
2.00%

No bonds were issued during the year.

BANK LOANS

Other bank loans

2019
Nominal  
value

2018
Nominal  
value

Facility 
maturity  
date

Interest1

Various

Various

Various

Floating

1. 

Interest rates are referenced to market specific benchmark rates for each currency equivalent plus a margin.

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)

2019
Carrying  
value
£m
–
162
323
301
81
263
243
1,373

2019
Carrying  
value
£m
–
469
695
260
249
483
311
2,467

2019
Carrying  
value
£m

5
5

2019
 £m
184
–
323
469
996
1,890
3,862

2018
Carrying  
value
£m
191
153
305
268
76
229
230
1,452

2018
Carrying  
value
£m
538
464
669
246
249
438
281
 2,885 

2018
Carrying  
value
£m

5
 5 

2018
£m
810
153
–
305
464
2686
4,418

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  181 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

18  SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)
The fair value of the Group’s borrowings is calculated by discounting future cash flows to net present values at current market rates 
for similar financial instruments. The fair values have been determined by reference to Level 2 inputs as defined by the fair value 
hierarchy of IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurements’. The table below shows the fair value of borrowings excluding accrued interest:

CARRYING VALUE AND FAIR VALUE OF BORROWINGS  
(EXCLUDING FINANCE LEASES)
Bank overdrafts
Bank loans
Loan notes
Bank overdrafts, loans and loan notes
€600m Eurobond Feb 2019
€500m Eurobond Jan 2023
€750m Eurobond Jul 2024
£250m Eurobond Sep 2025
£250m Eurobond Jun 2026
€500m Eurobond Sep 2028
£300m Eurobond Jul 2029
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

Less: Future finance charges
Gross and present value of finance lease liabilities

BORROWINGS BY CURRENCY
Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Other
Total

2019

Finance  
leases
£m
–
–
1
2
3

Borrowings
£m
814
1,373
1,649
26
3,862

2019

2018

Carrying  
value
£m
17
5
1,373
1,395
–
469
695
260
249
483
311
2,467
3,862

 Fair  
value
£m
17
5
1,411
1,433
–
470
681
263
293
480
313
2,500
3,933

Carrying  
value
£m
76
5
1,452
1,533
538
464
669
246
249
438
281
2,885
4,418

2019

Gross
£m

Present  
value
£m

2018

Gross
£m

2
1
3
–
3

2
1
3
–
3

Total
£m
814
1,373
1,650
28
3,865

Borrowings
£m
838
1,454
2,111
15
4,418

3
3
6
–
6

2018

Finance  
leases
£m
–
1
2
3
6

 Fair  
value
£m
76
5
1,449
1,530
541
471
656
247
277
440
283
2,915
4,445

Present  
value
£m

3
3
6
–
6

Total
£m
838
1,455
2,113
18
4,424

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

2019 
£m
2,000

2018 
£m
1,690

182  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
19  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The Group manages its capital structure to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going concern. The capital structure of the 
Group consists of cash and cash equivalents as disclosed in note 17; debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in note 18; and 
equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company, comprising issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings as 
disclosed in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The Group manages 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
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group may not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.

The Group finances its operations through cash generated by the business and 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 2019 shows that the average period to maturity is 5.4 years (2018: 5.4 years). Liquidity risk faced by 
the Group is mitigated by having diverse sources of finance available to it and by maintaining substantial unutilised committed 
banking facilities to maintain a level of headroom in line with Board approval. The level of undrawn facilities is set out in note 18.

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK
The Group’s policy is to balance 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 and the euro. 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 
instruments 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 at 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%
(Decrease)/increase in profit for the year (after tax)
Increase in total equity

2019

2018

Against  
US Dollar
£m
(17)
114

Against 
Euro
£m
(10)
37

Against  
US Dollar
£m
4
168

Against 
Euro
£m
5
92

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  183 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

19  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
INTEREST RATE RISK
As set out above, the Group has effective borrowings in a number of currencies and the policy is to ensure that, in the short term, 
it is not materially exposed to fluctuations in interest rates in its principal currencies. The Group implements this policy either by 
borrowing fixed rate debt or by using interest rate swaps so that the interest rates on at least 80% of the Group’s projected debt are 
fixed for one year. For the second and third year interest rates are fixed within ranges of 30%–70% and 0%–40% respectively.

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 £nil (2018: 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 – (debt)/cash
(Decrease)/increase in profit for the year (after tax)

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
Increase in interest rate
Floating rate exposure – cash/(debt)
Increase/(decrease) in profit for the year (after tax)

Sterling
£m
+1%
(286)
(2)

Sterling
£m
+1%
154
1

US Dollar
£m
+1%
(49)
–

US Dollar
£m
+1%
(759)
(6)

2019

Euro
£m
+1%
138
1

2018

Euro
£m
+1%
10
–

Other
£m
+1%
180
1

Other
£m
+1%
(247)
(1)

Total
£m
n/a
(17)
–

Total
£m
n/a
(842)
(6)

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
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its 
contractual obligations.

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 long term credit rating from Moody’s of Baa2 and a short term credit rating from Moody’s of P-1 or equivalent from another 
recognised agency. To reduce credit exposures, the Group has International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master 
Agreements with all of its counterparties for financial derivatives, which permit net settlement of assets and liabilities in certain 
circumstances. The maximum exposure to credit risk resulting from financial activities, without considering netting arrangements, is 
equal to the carrying value of the Group’s financial assets. 

The Group’s policy to manage the credit risk associated with trade and other receivables is set out in note 15.

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 and cross currency 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 and foreign exchange rates. These swaps all qualify for fair value hedge accounting as defined by 
IAS 39, some of which are designated in fair value hedge relationships where appropriate.

184  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

19  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
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 carrying value of debt and derivatives in a net investment hedge was £1,339 million (2018: £1,683 million). A foreign exchange 
loss of £133 million (2018: loss of £73 million) relating to the net investment hedges has been netted off within currency translation 
differences as presented in 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 used for interest and cash management.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
All derivative financial instruments are shown at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet. The fair values have been determined 
by reference to Level 2 inputs as defined by the fair value hierarchy of IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurements’. Derivative financial 
instrument fair values are present values determined from future cash flows discounted at rates derived from market sourced data. 
There were no transfers between levels in either the year ended 30 September 2019 or 2018. 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
Cross currency swaps
Fair value hedges1
Forward currency contracts
Fair value hedges1
Net investment hedges3
Not in a hedging relationship2
Total

2019

2018

Current  
assets
£m

Non-current 
assets
£m

Current 
liabilities
£m

Non-current 
liabilities
£m

Current 
assets
£m

Non-current 
assets
£m

Current 
liabilities
£m

Non-current 
liabilities
£m

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

99
1

107

–
–
–
207

–
(3)

–

(2)
–
(1)
(6)

–
(6)

–

–
–
–
(6)

4
4

23

–
3
–
34

6
4

73

–
–
–
83

–
–

–

–
(9)
(3)
(12)

(19)
(1)

(13)

–
–
–
(33)

1.  Derivatives that are designated and effective as hedging instruments carried at fair value (IFRS 9).
2.  Derivatives carried at ‘fair value through profit or loss’ (IFRS 9).
3.  Derivatives that are designated and effective in net investment hedges carried at fair value (IFRS 9).

NOTIONAL AMOUNT OF DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  
BY CURRENCY
Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Japanese Yen
Other
Total

2019

2018

Fair value 
swaps
£m
550
529
1,548
–
–
2,627

Cash flow 
swaps
£m
1,342 
186 
442
92
143
2,205 

Fair value 
swaps
£m
550
692
1,514
–
–
2,756

Cash flow 
swaps
£m
–
522
499
118
277
1,416

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  185 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

19  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.

2019

Forward 
currency 
contracts1 
£m
1,182
(202)
(1,207)
94
104
(29)

Gross 
borrowings 
£m
814
1,373
1,650
–
28
3,865

Effective 
currency of 
borrowings 
£m
1,996
1,171
443
94
132
3,836

2019

2018

Forward 
currency 
contracts1 
£m
(109)
541
(1,020)
138
405
(45)

Effective 
currency of 
borrowings 
£m
729
1,996
1,093
138
423
4,379

Gross 
borrowings 
£m
838
1,455
2,113
–
18
4,424

GROSS DEBT MATURITY ANALYSIS
FIXED INTEREST
£300m Eurobond 2029
€500m Eurobond 2028
£250m Eurobond 2026
£250m Eurobond 2025
€750m Eurobond 2024
€500m Eurobond 2023
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 instruments1
Forward currency contracts2
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

–
–
–
–
–
–
162
162
786 
–
948 

5
17
22
(786)
–
(764)

2
–
2
186

3
3
192

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,261 
–
1,261 

–
–
–
(1,261)
–
(1,261)

1
–
1
1

5
–
6

–
–
–
–
–
–
323
323
158 
–
481

–
–
–
(158)
–
(158)

–
–
–
323

–
–
323

–
–
–
–
–
441
–
441
–
(442)
(1)

–
–
–
–
442
442

–
28
28
469

(76)
–
393

–
–
–
–
659
–
286
945
–
(950)
(5)

–
–
–
–
950
950

–
51
51
996

(50)
–
946

298
439
249
248
–
–
567
1,801
–
(1,235)
566

–
–
–
–
1,235
1,235

–
89
89
1,890

(80)
–
1,810

1.  Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are included in the other non-cash movements caption in note 27). 
2.  Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are included in the currency translation gains/(losses) caption in note 27).

Total
£m

298
439
249
248
659
441
1,338
3,672
2,205 
(2,627)
3,250 

5
17
22
(2,205)
2,627
444

3
168
171
3,865

(198)
3
3,670

186  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

PRINCIPAL AND  
INTEREST MATURITY ANALYSIS
Gross debt
Overdrafts
Fees and premiums capitalised on issue
Other non-cash items
Repayment of principal 
Interest cash flows on debt and derivatives 
(settled net)
Settlement of forward currency contracts 
– payable leg
Settlement of forward currency contracts 
– receivable leg
Repayment of principal and interest 

GROSS DEBT MATURITY ANALYSIS
FIXED INTEREST
£300m Eurobond 2029
€500m Eurobond 2028
£250m Eurobond 2026
£250m Eurobond 2025
€750m Eurobond 2024
€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 instruments1
Forward currency contracts2
Gross debt

Less than 1 
year
£m
192
(17)
3
(6)
172

Between 1  
and 2 years
£m
6
–
3
(5)
4

Between 2 
and 3 years
£m
323
–
3
–
326

2019

Between 3  
and 4 years
£m
393
–
3
48
444

Between 4  
and 5 years
£m
946
–
3
(1)
948

Over  
5 years
£m
1,810
–
4
(9)
1,805

Total
£m
3,670
(17)
19
27
3,699

84

(451)

449
254

89

–

–
93

77

–

–
403

71

–

–
515

2018

60

–

120

501

–

(451)

–
1,008

–
1,925

449
4,198

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

–
–
–
–
–
–
534
191
725
802
(593)
934

5
76
81
(802)
593
(128)

3
4
7
813

(31)
9
791

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
153
153
614
–
767

–
–
–
(614)
–
(614)

2
–
2
155

(3)
–
152

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

1
–
1
1

–
–
1

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
305
305
–
–
305

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
305

–
–
305

–
–
–
–
–
444
–
–
444
–
–
444

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
20
20
464

(73)
–
391

297
442
249
248
662
–
–
805
2,703
–
(2,163)
540

–
–
–
–
2,163
2,163

–
(17)
(17)
2,686

26
–
2,712

Total
£m

297
442
249
248
662
444
534
1,454
4,330
1,416
(2,756)
2,990

5
76
81
(1,416)
2,756
1,421

6
7
13
4,424

(81)
9
4,352

1.  Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are included in the other non-cash movements caption in note 27).
2.  Non-cash item (changes in the value of this non-cash item are included in the currency translation (losses)/gains caption in note 27).

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  187 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

19  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

PRINCIPAL AND  
INTEREST MATURITY ANALYSIS
Gross debt
Overdrafts
Fees and premiums capitalised on issue
Other non-cash items
Repayment of principal 
Interest cash flows on debt and derivatives 
(settled net)
Settlement of forward currency contracts 
– payable leg
Settlement of forward currency contracts 
– receivable leg
Repayment of principal and interest 

20  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Less than 1 
year
£m
791
(76)
4
18
737

Between 1 
and 2 years
£m
152
–
3
3
158

Between 2 
and 3 years
£m
1
–
3
–
4

2018

Between 3  
and 4 years
£m
305
–
3 
–
308

Between 4  
and 5 years
£m
391
–
2
53
446

Over 
 5 years
£m
2,712
–
5
(9)
2,708

Total
£m
4,352
(76)
20
65
4,361

103

(1,379)

1,368
829

89

–

–
247

81

–

–
85

74

–

–
382

71

–

–
517

192

610

(453)

(1,832)

445
2,892

1,813
4,952

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
NET BOOK VALUE
At 1 October
Net movement
Reclassification
Currency adjustment
At 30 September
COMPRISED OF
Trade payables1
Social security and other taxes
Other payables1
Contingent and deferred consideration on acquisitions1
Accruals2
Deferred income
Capital creditors
Trade and other payables

2019

2018

Current
£m

 Non-current
£m

Total
£m

Current
£m

 Non-current
£m

Total
£m

4,317
256
(5)
150
4,718

2,088
358
324
35
1,538
373
2
4,718

220
(25)
9
10
214

–
–
22
174
18
–
–
214

4,537
231
4
160
4,932

2,088
358
346
209
1,556
373
2
4,932

3,892
351
72
2
4,317

1,876
349
326
33
1,414
312
7
4,317

87
119
11
3
220

1
–
18
177
24
–
–
220

3,979
470
83
5
4,537

1,877
349
344
210
1,438
312
7
4,537

1.  Categorised as ‘financial liabilities’ (IFRS 9).
2.  Of this balance £691 million (2018: £672 million) is categorised as ‘other financial liabilities’ (IFRS 9).

The Group has Supply Chain Financing (SCF) arrangements in place. The principal purpose of these arrangements is to enable the 
supplier, if it so wishes, to sell its receivables due from the Group to a third party bank prior to their due date, thus providing earlier 
access to liquidity. From the Group’s perspective, the invoice payment due date remains unaltered and the payment terms of 
suppliers participating in the SCF programmes are similar to those suppliers that are not participating, and to the wider industry 
more generally. If a receivable is purchased by a third party bank, that third party bank does not benefit from additional security 
when compared to the security originally enjoyed by the supplier.

At 30 September 2019, the value of invoices sold under the SCF programmes was £575 million, with £541 million related to the 
Group’s programme in the USA (2018: £478 million and £444 million respectively). These amounts are included within trade 
payables and all cash flows associated with the programmes are included within operating cash flow as they continue to be part of 
the normal operating cycle of the Company.

188  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES (CONTINUED)

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Trade and other payables

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Trade and other payables

2019

Between 1  
and 2 years 
£m
163

Between 2  
and 3 years 
£m
36

Between 3  
and 4 years 
£m
3

Between 4  
and 5 years 
£m
1

2018

Between 1 and 
2 years
£m
45

Between 2 and 
3 years 
£m
132

Between 3  
and 4 years 
£m
28

Between 4  
and 5 years 
£m
3

Over  
5 years 
£m
11

Over  
5 years 
£m
12

Total 
£m
214

Total 
£m
220

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 2019 were 81 days (2018: 78 days) on a constant currency basis.

21  PROVISIONS

PROVISIONS
At 1 October 2017
Reclassified1
Expenditure in the year 
Charged to income statement 
Credited to income statement 
Business acquisitions
Unwinding of discount
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2018
Reclassified1
Expenditure in the year 
Charged to income statement 
Credited to income statement 
Business acquisitions
Sale and closure of businesses
Unwinding of discount
Currency adjustment 
At 30 September 2019

Workers' 
compensation 
and similar 
obligations
£m
270
11
(80)
76
(9)
–
6
11
285
–
(87)
93
(7)
–
–
5
15
304

Provisions in 
respect of 
discontinued 
and disposed 
businesses
£m
46
–
(6)
42
(28)
–
–
–
54
–
(41)
38
(20)
1
(3)
–
2
31

Onerous 
contracts
£m
15
–
(6)
(1)
–
2
–
2
12
–
(18)
69
(2)
7
–
1
–
69

Legal and  
other claims
£m
32
–
(4)
3
(15)
1
–
–
17
–
(2)
2
–
3
–
–
1
21

Severance
£m
6
–
(3)
1
(1)
–
–
(2)
1
–
(11)
48
–
–
–
–
–
38

1. 

Including items reclassified between accrued liabilities and other balance sheet captions.

PROVISIONS
Current
Non-current
Total provisions

Other
£m
29
(1)
–
–
(4)
–
–
1
25
4
(6)
7
(3)
1
(1)
2
(3)
26

2019
 £m
223
266
489

Total
£m
398
10
(99)
121
(57)
3
6
12
394
4
(165)
257
(32)
12
(4)
8
15
489

2018
£m
167
227
394

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  189 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

21  PROVISIONS (CONTINUED)
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 and other contracts which will be 
utilised over the life of each individual contract. A full analysis is performed at least annually of the future profitability of all contracts 
with marginal performances and of the balance sheet items directly linked to these contracts.

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 severance primarily include people costs such as redundancy costs and cost of people change associated with the 
cost action programme. The Group expects these provisions to be substantially utilised within the next two years. 

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. In estimating 
the provisions above management have made estimates and used assumptions in determining the nature, amount and timing of 
potential outflows. Management do not consider that any of the provision estimates made at the date of the balance sheet are at a 
significant risk of a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the liability recorded or any contract related balances.

22  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
PENSION SCHEMES OPERATED
The Group operates a number of pension arrangements throughout the world which have been developed in accordance with 
statutory requirements and local customs and practices. The majority of schemes are self-administered and the schemes’ assets are 
held independently of the Group’s assets. Pension costs are assessed in accordance with the advice of independent, professionally 
qualified actuaries. The Group makes employer contributions to the various schemes in existence within the range of 2% to 57% of 
pensionable salaries (2018: 2% to 46%).

The contributions payable for defined contribution schemes of £126 million (2018: £110 million) have been fully expensed against 
profits in the current year.

UK SCHEMES
UK employees that are in a pension arrangement are either in the Compass Retirement Income Savings Plan (CRISP) because they 
meet the eligibility criteria, in a GAD section of the Compass Group Pension Plan (the Plan) or have been automatically enrolled into 
the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST).

CRISP was launched on 1 February 2003 and has been the main vehicle for pension provision for eligible new joiners in the UK since 
that date. CRISP is a defined contribution (money purchase) arrangement whereby the Group will match employee contributions up 
to 6% of pay (minimum 5%). 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 are offered an additional employer-only 
contribution into CHIP. The amount of contribution and eligibility for CHIP are decided annually at the Company’s discretion. A CHIP 
payment may be taken in part, or in whole, as a cash allowance instead of a pension contribution.

CRISP has a corporate trustee. The Chairman is a former employee of the Group. The other six trustee directors are UK based 
employees of the Group, three 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, typically up until 31 March 2015, have been eligible to join the Plan, 
which has otherwise been closed to new entrants since 2003. Such transferees entered into the GAD sections of the Plan and are 
known as ‘GAD members’. However, under the Government’s revised guidance for ‘Fair Deal for staff pensions’, the expectation is 
and therefore the approach has been that the Group participates in the relevant public-sector pension scheme and closes the Plan 
to future entrants. 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.

190  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

22  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
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 2019. At the valuation date the total market value of the assets of the Plan was 
£2,563 million which represented 106% 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 2022. The Plan is reappraised annually by independent actuaries in accordance with IAS 19 ‘Employee benefits’ 
requirements.

The Plan has a corporate trustee. There is an independent chairman and one other independent trustee director. There are a further 
five trustee directors, who are either UK based employees or former employees of the Group (three of whom have been nominated 
by Plan members).

The Company is subject to the Pension Automatic Enrolment Regulations for its workforce in the UK. All new UK employees who 
meet the statutory eligibility criteria, and who do not join CRISP or the Plan, are automatically enrolled into the NEST. Responsibility 
for the Group’s ongoing compliance with the Pension Automatic Enrolment Regulations and for ensuring that the administration and 
investment of funds relating to automatic enrolment remain appropriate lies with the Group’s Pension Automatic Enrolment 
Governance Committee.

The Lloyds Banking Group’s High Court hearing on Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation was published on 26 October 
2018. As a result, and based on actuarial advice, the Group has recognised £12 million of past service costs in the consolidated 
income statement. This non-cash charge has been excluded from the Group’s underlying operating profit.

OVERSEAS SCHEMES
In the USA, the defined benefit plans are frozen to new participants and the main vehicles for retirement are the defined contribution 
plans. The actuary provides Compass USA with the contributions required each year to the defined benefit plans, in order to work 
towards a 100% funding level on a projected salary basis.

Compass USA participates in a number of unions and is required to abide by the individual collective bargaining agreements (CBA) 
negotiated with each union. Under the terms of these CBAs, Compass USA is required to pay the union members’ salary and 
contribute to various multi-employer benefit plans which include (i) post employment benefits, including pensions and post 
employment healthcare, (ii) defined contribution plans, such as 401(k) and annuity and savings plans and (iii) other plans which 
include legal funds, training funds and education funds.

Participation in multi-employer pension plans bears risks that differ from single-employer plans. These risks include:

•  assets contributed to the plans by Compass USA may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers
•  if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan for any reason, the unfunded obligation remaining may transition to the 

remaining employers participating in the plan

•  if Compass USA stops participating in the plan for any reason, the company may be required to pay a proportionate amount to the 

plan for its share of the unfunded liability, known as a withdrawal liability

Compass USA is involved with 37 multi-employer benefit plans (2018: 38). The Group is not aware of, and has no reasonable 
expectation that, any plan in which it currently participates is in imminent danger of becoming insolvent, or is likely to experience a 
mass withdrawal.

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 £21 million in the year (2018: £17 million) 
to these arrangements.

In Canada, Germany, Norway, Spain 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.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  191 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

22  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
ALL DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES
The Group’s obligations in respect of defined benefit pension schemes are calculated separately for each scheme by estimating the 
amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior years. That benefit is 
discounted to determine its present value and the fair value of scheme assets is then deducted. The discount rate used is the yield 
at the valuation date on high quality corporate bonds, whose term is consistent with the timing of the expected benefit payments 
over future years.

The Group takes advice from independent actuaries relating to the appropriateness of the assumptions which include life 
expectancy of members, expected salary and pension increases, and inflation. It is important to note that comparatively small 
changes in the assumptions used may have a significant effect on the consolidated income statement and balance sheet.

The liabilities of the defined benefit schemes are measured by discounting the best estimate of future cash flows to be paid using 
the projected unit method. This method is an accrued benefits valuation method that makes allowances for projected earnings.  
These calculations are performed by a qualified actuary.

Disclosures showing the assets and liabilities of the schemes are set out below. These have been calculated using 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 presented as a weighted average.

UK schemes

USA schemes

Other schemes

2019
1.8%
3.3%
2.3%
3.3%
3.2%
2.8%

2018
2.9%
3.2%
2.5%
3.2%
3.1%
2.8%

2019
2.9%
2.2%
n/a
3.0%
2.2%
0.0%

2018
4.0%
2.3%
n/a
3.0%
2.3%
0.0%

2019
1.7%
1.8%
n/a
2.2%
0.2%
0.0%

2018
2.4%
1.8%
n/a
1.9%
0.2%
0.0%

The mortality assumptions used to value the current year UK pension schemes are derived from the S3PA generational mortality 
tables (2018: S2PA generational mortality tables) with improvements in line with the projection model prepared by the 2018 
Continuous Mortality Investigation of the UK actuarial profession (2018: 2015 model), with an S-kappa of 7.5, with 115% weighting 
for male non-pensioners, 111% for male pensioners (2018: +0.2 years age rating for male non-pensioners, -0.2 years age rating for 
male pensioners) and 102% weighting for all females (2018: -0.1 years age rating for all females), with a long term underpin of 
1.5% p.a. (2018: 1.25% p.a.). 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 and USA plans’ 
liabilities to be 18 years (2018: 18 years) and nine years (2018: 9 years) respectively.

Examples of the resulting life expectancies for the UK Plan are as follows:

 LIFE EXPECTANCY AT AGE 65
Member aged 65 in 2019 (2018)
Member aged 65 in 2044 (2043)

2019

Male
21.5
23.4

Female
24.4
26.5

2018

Male
22.6
24.4

Female
24.5
26.9

The other demographic assumptions have been set having regard to the latest trends in scheme experience and other relevant data. 
The assumptions are reviewed and updated as necessary as part of the periodic actuarial valuation of pension schemes.

For the overseas schemes, regionally appropriate assumptions have been used where recommended by local actuaries. The 
mortality assumptions used to value USA schemes are derived from the RP2014 combined healthy table, generational MP2018 
scale. Examples of the resulting life expectancies for the US schemes are as follows:

LIFE EXPECTANCY AT AGE 65
Member aged 65 in 2019 (2018)
Member aged 65 in 2044 (2043)

2019

2018

Male
22.2
24.1

Female
23.7
25.6

Male
22.2
24.2

Female
23.7
25.6

192  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
22  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
RISKS
The Group bears a number of risks in relation to its defined benefit pension schemes. These risks and how they mitigated for the 
Group’s largest defined benefit plan are described below:

RISK

Interest  
rate

Inflation

Description of risk

Mitigation

A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase the 
schemes’ benefit obligations under IAS 19. The 
schemes are therefore exposed to the risk that falls in 
interest rates will decrease the schemes’ surplus. 

The schemes' benefit obligations are linked to inflation. 
A higher rate of expected long term inflation will 
therefore lead to higher liabilities, both for the IAS 19 
and funding liability.

Investment

Asset returns are volatile and there is a risk that the 
value of pension schemes' assets may not move in line 
with changes in pension scheme liabilities. 

As part of the investment strategy, the UK Plan aims to 
mitigate this risk through investment in a liability driven 
investment (LDI) portfolio. LDI is a form of investing 
designed to match to a large extent the movement in 
pension plan assets with the movement in projected 
benefit obligations over time.

The UK Plan contains caps on increases to scheme 
benefits to mitigate the risk of increase in inflation. 
Additionally the UK Plan invests in LDI products which 
increase (decrease) in value when expectations of 
future inflation rates increase (fall), thus providing 
protection against inflation risk.

To mitigate against investment risk the UK Plan invests 
in a way which aims to hedge a large proportion of the 
movements in the corresponding liabilities and 
investments are diversified across and within asset 
classes, to avoid overexposure to any one asset class 
or market. The trustees and the Group regularly 
monitor the funding position and operate a diversified 
investment strategy.

Life 
expectancy

The schemes' obligations are to provide benefits for the 
life of the member and so increases in life expectancy 
will lead to higher liabilities.

The UK Plan's trustees and the Group regularly 
monitor the impact of changes in longevity on 
scheme obligations.

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:

ASSUMPTION

UK

Discount rate

Inflation

CPI Inflation

Change in assumption

Impact on scheme obligation 2019

Impact on scheme obligation 2018

Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%

Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%

Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%

Decrease by £212 million
Increase by £227 million

Decrease by £188 million
Increase by £201 million

Increase by £139 million
Decrease by £117 million

Increase by £110 million
Decrease by £106 million

Increase by £31 million
Decrease by £26 million

Increase by £25 million
Decrease by £24 million

Life expectations from age 65

Increase by 1 year

Increase by £105 million

Increase by £89 million

USA AND OTHERS

Discount rate

Inflation

Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%

Increase by 0.5%
Decrease by 0.5%

Decrease by £15 million
Increase by £16 million

Decrease by £12 million
Increase by £13 million

Increase by £6 million
Decrease by £6 million

Increase by £5 million
Decrease by £5 million

Life expectations from age 65

Increase by 1 year

Increase by £6 million

Increase by £5 million

The sensitivities above consider the impact of the single change shown, with the other assumptions assumed to be unchanged. The 
sensitivity analyses have been determined based on a method that extrapolates the impact on the defined benefit obligations as a 
result of reasonable changes in key assumptions occurring at the end of the reporting period. In practice, changes in one assumption 
may be accompanied by offsetting changes in another assumption (although this is not always the case). The impact of a change in 
the UK inflation rate shown above includes the impact of a change in both the RPI and CPI inflation rates.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  193 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

22  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
The Group’s net pension surplus is the difference between the schemes’ assets and liabilities. 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 may be little effect on the Group’s liability.

ANALYSIS OF THE FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS
At 30 September 2019, 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

UK
£m

147
–

578
1,346
–
–

551
–
–

197
–
–
–
9
2,828

2019

2018

USA
£m

188
–

–
–
–
–

44
–
–

152
–
–
–
55
439

Other
£m

11
17

–
–
16
21

–
–
–

1
15
12
11
1
105

Total
£m

346
17

578
1,346
16
21

595
–
–

350
15
12
11
65
3,372

UK
£m

170
–

554
997
–
–

515
–
–

176
–
–
–
13
2,425

USA
£m

272
–

–
–
–
–

65
–
–

–
–
–
–
48
385

Other
£m

15
17

–
–
9
20

–
–
–

1
13
12
9
1
97

Total
£m

457
17

554
997
9
20

580
–
–

177
13
12
9
62
2,907

The UK Plan has 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 UK Plan 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.

194  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

22  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

MOVEMENTS IN THE FAIR  
VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS
At 1 October
Currency adjustment
Interest income on plan assets
Return on plan assets, excluding 
interest income
Employee contributions
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Administration expenses paid from 
plan assets
Disposals and plan settlements
At 30 September

MOVEMENT IN THE PRESENT 
VALUE OF DEFINED BENEFIT 
OBLIGATIONS
At 1 October
Currency adjustment
Current service cost
Past service cost1
Interest expense on benefit 
obligations
Remeasurements – demographic 
assumptions
Remeasurements – financial 
assumptions
Remeasurements – experience
Employee contributions
Benefits paid
Disposals and plan settlements
Business combinations
At 30 September

2019

2018

UK
£m
2,425
–
69

425
–
3
(94)

–
–
2,828

UK
£m
2,127
–
1
12

60

(108)

439
(5)
–
(94)
–
–
2,432

USA
£m
385
24
11

(3)
36
21
(35)

–
–
439

2019

USA
£m
485
29
12
–

15

–

6
(1)
36
(35)
–
–
547

Other
£m
97
3
2

3
2
12
(14)

–
–
105

Other
£m
173
4
8
–

4

2

19
5
2
(14)
–
1
204

Total
£m
2,907
27
82

425
38
36
(143)

–
–
3,372

Total
£m
2,785
33
21
12

79

(106)

464
(1)
38
(143)
–
1
3,183

UK
£m
2,461
–
65

–
–
3
(104)

–
–
2,425

UK
£m
2,252
–
2
–

60

–

(82)
1
–
(106)
–
–
2,127

USA
£m
425
11
11

20
35
17
(34)

(1)
(99)
385

2018

USA
£m
522
13
10
1

15

(1)

16
(1)
35
(31)
(94)
–
485

Other
£m
92
1
1

1
2
12
(12)

–
–
97

Other
£m
176
(2)
6
–

2

–

(3)
2
2
(10)
–
–
173

Total
£m
2,978
12
77

21
37
32
(150)

(1)
(99)
2,907

Total
£m
2,950
11
18
1

77

(1)

(69)
2
37
(147)
(94)
–
2,785

1.  The Lloyds Banking Group’s High Court hearing on Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation was published on 26 October 2018. As a result, and 

based on actuarial advice, the Group has recognised £12 million of past service costs in the consolidated income statement.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  195 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

22  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

PRESENT VALUE OF DEFINED 
BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
Funded obligations
Unfunded obligations
Total obligations

UK
£m
2,380
52
2,432

2019

USA
£m
439
108
547

Other
£m
128
76
204

Total
£m
2,947
236
3,183

UK
£m
2,079
48
2,127

2018

USA
£m
385
100
485

Other
£m
110
63
173

Other
£m
(204)
105

Total
£m
 2,574 
211
2,785

Total
£m
(803)
544

UK1
£m
(2,380)
2,828

Total
£m
(2,380)
2,828

2019

UK2
£m
(52)
–

USA
£m
(547)
439

448

448

(52)

(108)

(99)

(259)

UK1
£m
(2,079)
2,425

Total
£m
(2,079)
2,425

2018

UK2
£m
(48)
–

USA
£m
(485)
385

Other
£m
(173)
97

Total
£m
(706)
482

346

346

(48)

(100)

(76)

(224)

POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT ASSETS/(OBLIGATIONS) 
RECOGNISED IN THE BALANCE SHEET
Present value of defined benefit obligations 
Fair value of plan assets
Post employment benefit asset/(obligations) recognised in 
the balance sheet

POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT ASSETS/(OBLIGATIONS) 
RECOGNISED IN THE BALANCE SHEET
Present value of defined benefit obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Post employment benefit asset/(obligation) recognised in 
the balance sheet

1.  UK funded defined benefit pension scheme.
2.  UK unfunded defined benefit pension scheme.

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, £74 million (2018: £56 million), may not be offset against 
pension obligations under IAS 19 and is reported within note 14.

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 cost1
Loss on settlement2
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
1
12
–
13

60
(69)
(9)

2019

USA
£m
12
–
–
12

15
(11)
4

4

16

Other
£m
8
–
–
8

4
(2)
2

10

Total
£m
21
12
–
33

79
(82)
(3)

30

UK
£m
2
–
–
2

60
(65)
(5)

2018

USA
£m
10
1
5
16

15
(11)
4

(3)

20

Other
£m
6
–
–
6

2
(1)
1

7

Total
£m
18
1
5
24

77
(77)
–

24

1.  The Lloyds Banking Group’s High Court hearing on Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation was published on 26 October 2018. As a result, and 

based on actuarial advice, the Group has recognised £12 million of past service costs in the income statement.

2.  Compass Group USA Inc. Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees was settled. As a result, a £5 million loss was recognised in the consolidated income 

statement on the settlement of the scheme liabilities for the year ended 30 September 2018.

196  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
22  POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
The Group made total contributions to defined benefit schemes of £36 million in the year (2018: £32 million) and expects to make 
total contributions to these schemes of £30 million in 2020, including £16 million related to the defined benefit plans in the USA and 
£3 million in the UK.

The UK Plan is the largest scheme within the Group and was in surplus on a funding basis at the date of the most recent actuarial 
valuation as at 5 April 2019 and so no deficit contributions are currently required. The remaining Group funded schemes do not have 
significant minimum funding requirements whilst contributions to unfunded pension schemes are quite stable. As a result, we do not 
expect the required future contributions to change substantially beyond next year.

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED THROUGH THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The amounts recognised through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are as follows:

Effect of changes in demographic assumptions
Effect of changes in financial assumptions
Effect of experience adjustments
Remeasurement of post employment benefit obligations – (loss)/gain
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income – gain
Total recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income

2019
 £m
106
(464)
1
(357)
425
68

2018 
£m
1
69
(2)
68
21
89

23  SHARE CAPITAL
During the year, 2,341,811 treasury shares were released to satisfy employee share-based payments commitments 
(2018: 2,556,731), leaving a balance held at 30 September 2019 of 3,329,634 (2018: 5,671,445). Proceeds received from the 
reissuance of treasury shares to satisfy employee share awards were £0.4 million (2018: £0.5 million).

ALLOTTED SHARE CAPITAL
Allotted and fully paid:
Ordinary shares of 111/20 pence each 
At 30 September

2019

2018

Number of shares

 £m 

Number of shares

1,589,736,625

1,589,736,625

176
176

 £m 

176
176

24 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
INCOME STATEMENT EXPENSE
The Group recognised an expense of £27 million (2018: £21 million) in respect of share-based payment transactions. All share-
based payment plans are equity-settled.

The expense is broken down by share-based payment scheme as follows:

Long term incentive plans
Other share-based payment plans

2019
 £m
24
3
27

2018
£m
18
3
21

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
Full details of The Compass Group PLC Long Term Incentive Plan 2010 (2010 LTIP) can be found in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report on pages 98 to 121.

The following table shows the movement in share awards during the year:

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
Outstanding at 1 October 
Awarded
Vested
Lapsed 
Outstanding at 30 September 

2019
Number of shares
5,897,389
2,191,879
(1,779,067)
(518,350)
5,791,851

2018
Number of shares
6,306,286
2,252,014
(1,717,595)
(943,316)
5,897,389

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  197 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

24  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (CONTINUED)
The vesting conditions of the LTIP awards are included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

The fair value of awards subject to FCF 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 FCF and ROCE forecasts.

The weighted average share price at the date of vesting for LTIP awards vested during 2019 was 1,673.00 pence  
(2018: 1,538.44 pence).

The LTIP awards outstanding at the end of the year have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.4 years  
(2018: 1.4 years).

For the year ended 30 September 2019, a Board LTIP award was made on 21 November 2018 and 16 May 2019 for which the 
estimated fair value was 1,185.63 pence and 1,229.53 pence respectively. Leadership LTIP awards were also made on 
21 November 2018 and 16 May 2019 for which the estimated fair value were 1,366.01 pence and 1,227.53 pence respectively. 

For the year ended 30 September 2018, a Board LTIP award was made on 9 February 2018 for which the estimated fair value was 
1,071.36 pence. Leadership LTIP awards were also made on 22 November 2017 and 10 May 2018 for which the estimated fair 
value were 1,252.19 pence and 1,040.24 pence respectively.

These awards were all made under the terms of the 2010 LTIP. The inputs to the option pricing model are reassessed for each 
award. The following assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of LTIP awards made during the year:

ASSUMPTIONS – LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Dividend yield
Expected life
Weighted average share price at date of grant

2019

17.6%
1.2%
2.2%
2.7 years
1,746.52p

2018

17.7%
1.5%
2.2%
2.6 years
1,510.60p

OTHER SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS
The following table shows the movements in other smaller share-based payment plans during the year:

OTHER SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS
Outstanding at 1 October
Awarded 
Vested, released and exercised
Lapsed (following net settlement)
Lapsed
Outstanding at 30 September 

2019
Number of shares
2,175,063
386,991
(617,596)
(218,773)
(102,649)
1,623,036

2018
Number of shares
3,349,787
90,210
(854,711)
(244,768)
(165,455)
2,175,063

198  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

24  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (CONTINUED)
The expense relating to these plans is not significant and no further disclosure is necessary except for the general details 
provided below:

SHARE OPTIONS 
Full details of The Compass Group Share Option Plan 2010, the Compass Group Share Option Plan, the Compass Group 
Management Share Option Plan and the UK Sharesave Plan are set out in prior years’ annual reports which are available on the 
Company’s website.

DEFERRED ANNUAL BONUS PLAN (DAB) 
Certain senior executives participate in the DAB. A portion of the annual bonus awarded to certain executives is converted into 
shares. Subject to the achievement of local organic revenue growth and cumulative PBIT over the three year deferral period, the 
number of deferred shares may be increased. Enhancements to the deferred shares are only released to the participants subject to 
the performance levels being met.

RESTRICTED SHARES 
These are occasional awards to certain employees in order to incentivise the achievement of particular business objectives under 
specific circumstances or where similar such shares have been forfeited by a new employee on joining the Company. The plan can 
take different forms such as an award of shares dependent on a service or achievement of specific performance conditions other 
than service.

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 Executive Share Option Plan (ESOP) and 
the Compass Group All Share Schemes Trust (ASST). 

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  199 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

25  ACQUISITION, SALE AND CLOSURE OF BUSINESSES
ACQUISITIONS
The total cash spent on acquisitions during the year, net of cash acquired, was £451 million (2018: £420 million). The most 
significant acquisition during the year relates to Client Rewards.

On 12 December 2018, Compass Group USA, Inc., a USA subsidiary of the Group, purchased the trading net assets of Client 
Rewards for an initial consideration of £164 million ($209 million). Client Rewards is an Iowa based company that provides 
procurement and supply chain management services. The preliminary goodwill in relation to the assets acquired is £78 million  
($100 million). 

In addition to the acquisition set out above, the Group has also completed several smaller bolt-on acquisitions in several countries. A 
summary of all acquisitions completed during the period is included below:

2019

2018

Book value
£m

Fair value
£m

Book value
£m

Fair value
£m

Net assets acquired
Goodwill arising on acquisition
Contract related and other intangibles arising on acquisition
Trade and other receivables
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Deferred tax
Trade and other payables
Other liabilities
Fair value of net assets acquired

Non-controlling interest acquired

Satisfied by
Cash consideration
Contingent consideration1
Total consideration

Cash flow
Cash consideration
Cash acquired
Acquisition transaction costs
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition
Deferred consideration and other payments relating to previous 
acquisitions
Total cash outflow arising from the purchase of subsidiary companies

–
18
33
30
12
–
(46)
(14)

198
268
33
30
12
(27)
(46)
(14)
454

–

422
32
454

422
(12)
8
418

33
451

–
27
46
21
9
–
(51)
(15)

312
243
46
21
9
(39)
(51)
(16)
525

(4)

406
115
521

406
(9)
4
401

19
420

1.  Contingent consideration is an estimate at the date of acquisition of the amount of additional consideration that will be payable in the future. The actual 

amount paid can vary from the estimate depending on the terms of the transaction and, for example, the actual performance of the acquired business.

The adjustments made in respect of acquisitions in the year to 30 September 2019 are provisional and will be finalised within 12 
months of the acquisition date, principally in relation to the valuation of contracts acquired.

The goodwill arising on the acquisition of the businesses represents the premium the Group paid to acquire companies which 
complement the existing business and create significant opportunities for cross-selling and other synergies. The goodwill arising is 
not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

In the period from acquisition to 30 September 2019, the acquisitions contributed revenue of £123 million and operating profit of 
£14 million to the Group’s results (2018: £210 million and £13 million respectively).

If the acquisitions had occurred on 1 October 2018, it is estimated that the combined sales of Group and equity accounted joint 
ventures for the year would have been £25,308 million and total Group operating profit (including associates) would have been 
£1,608 million.

200  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25  ACQUISITION, SALE AND CLOSURE OF BUSINESSES (CONTINUED)
SALE AND CLOSURE OF BUSINESSES
Following a strategic review of the business, the Group decided to take actions to simplify its portfolio of businesses based on an 
assessment of market growth opportunity, scalability and the Group’s market position and capabilities.

As a result of this review, the Group is in the process of selling or exiting its operations in a number of countries, sectors or 
businesses. The Group has successfully completed the disposal of several businesses, including its operations in South Africa, 
Vision Security Group in the UK, Sports & Leisure in Japan and part of its US laundries business. The Group's consolidated income 
statement includes a £7 million net loss on sale and closure of businesses (2018: £58 million loss) and a related tax credit of 
£3 million. The net loss includes £57 million of asset write downs and exit costs relating to committed or completed business exits 
and those that were held for sale which has been offset by a net gain of £50 million (2018: £3 million loss) on completed disposals. 
Included within the net loss is a £22 million write down of net assets for businesses that are held for sale where the carrying amount 
was higher than net realisable value (2018: £19 million). 

As at the balance sheet date, the Group has classified certain businesses as held for sale as these disposals are highly probable and 
are expected to be completed within 12 months. 

The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale as at year end are as follows:

Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Interest in joint ventures and associates
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Other
Total assets held for sale
Trade and other payables
Other
Total liabilities directly associated with the assets held for sale 

2019
Carrying 
amount
£m
21
6
44
55
42
20
2
 190 
(20)
(10)
 (30)

2018
Carrying 
amount
£m
21
17
58
1
82
33
24
236
 (70)
 (2)
 (72)

Cumulative income or expenses included in other comprehensive income relating to these businesses amount to £38 million of 
foreign exchange gain (2018: £21 million loss).

The non-recurring fair value measurement of the businesses held for sale is categorised as a Level 3 fair value, and is primarily based 
on offers received or agreed sale price for these businesses from interested parties.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  201 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

26  RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS

RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS
Operating profit before joint ventures and associates
Adjustments for: 
Acquisition related costs
One-off pension charge
Cost action programme charge
Amortisation of intangible assets
Amortisation of contract fulfilment assets
Amortisation of contract prepayments 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Unwind of costs to obtain contracts
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment/intangible assets/contract fulfilment assets
Other non-cash changes
Decrease in provisions
Investment in contract prepayments
Increase in costs to obtain contracts
Post employment benefit obligations net of service costs
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 from operations

2019
 £m
1,570

54
12
190
88
184
23
282
14
–
(2)
(41)
(30)
(19)
(15)
27
2,337
(30)
(121)
210
2,396

2018
(restated1)
£m
1,643

49
–
–
69
164
21
267
13
(7)
–
(45)
(27)
(16)
(8)
21
2,144
(30)
(208)
364
2,270

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s full retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. 

Additional information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

202  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
27  RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT
This table is presented as additional information to show movement in net debt, defined as overdrafts, bank and other borrowings, 
finance leases and derivative financial instruments, net of cash and cash equivalents.

NET DEBT
At 1 October 2017
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash outflow from repayment of bank loans
Cash inflow from borrowing of bank loans
Cash inflow from issue of bonds
Cash (inflow)/outflow from other changes in 
gross debt
Cash outflow from repayments of obligations 
under finance leases
Increase in net debt as a result of new 
finance leases
Reclassified as held for sale
Currency translation gains/(losses)
Other non-cash movements
At 30 September 2018
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash outflow from repayment of bank loans
Cash inflow from borrowing of bank loans
Cash outflow from repayment of loan notes
Cash outflow from repayment of bonds
Cash outflow from other changes in gross 
debt
Cash outflow from repayments of obligations 
under finance leases
Increase in net debt as a result of new 
finance leases
Reclassified as held for sale
Currency translation gains/(losses)
Other non-cash movements
At 30 September 2019

Gross debt

Cash  
and cash 
equivalents
£m
387
602
–
–
–

Bank 
overdrafts
£m
(8)
–
–
–
–

Bank  
and other 
borrowings
£m
(3,941)
–
1,074
(772)
(686)

Total 
overdrafts 
and 
borrowings
£m
(3,949)
–
1,074
(772)
(686)

Finance 
leases
£m
(10)
–
–
–
–

Derivative 
financial 
instruments
£m
126
–
–
–
–

Total  
gross debt
£m
(3,833)
–
1,074
(772)
(686)

Net debt
£m
(3,446)
602
1,074
(772)
(686)

–

–

–
(22)
2
–
969
(579)
–
–
–
–

–

–

–
(1)
9
–
398

(67)

–

–
–
(1)
–
(76)
–
–
–
–
–

60

–

–
–
(1)
–
(17)

17

–

(50)

–

–
–
(62)
28
(4,342)
–
1,830
(1,830)
195
530

–
–
(63)
28
(4,418)
–
1,830 
(1,830) 
195
530

2

–

62

–

–
–
(64)
(166)
(3,845)

–
–
(65)
(166)
(3,862)

–

6

(2)
–
–
–
(6)
–
–
–
–
–

–

4

(1)
–
–
–
(3)

2

–

–
–
(6)
(50)
72
–
–
–
–
–

14

–

(48)

(48)

6

6

(2)
–
(69)
(22)
(4,352)
–
1,830 
(1,830) 
195
530

(2)
(22)
(67)
(22)
(3,383)
(579)
1,830
(1,830)
195
530

76

4

76

4

–
–
(30)
139
195

(1)
–
(95)
(27)
(3,670)

(1)
(1)
(86)
(27)
(3,272)

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  203 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

27  RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT (CONTINUED)
Other non-cash movements are comprised as follows:

OTHER NON-CASH MOVEMENTS IN NET DEBT
Amortisation of fees and discount on issuance
Loans acquired through business acquisition
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

2019
£m
(6)
–
(160)
(166)
139
(27)

CASH FLOWS ARISING 
FROM FINANCING 
ACTIVITIES
Debt
Equity
Total

CASH FLOWS ARISING 
FROM FINANCING 
ACTIVITIES
Debt
Equity
Total

2019

Repayment 
of bank loans 
£m
1,830
–

Borrowing of 
bank loans 
£m
(1,830)
–

Repayment 
of loan notes 
£m
195
–

Repayment 
of bonds 
£m
530
–

Cash 
(inflow)/
outflow from 
other 
£m
80
–

Dividends 
£m
–
616

Purchase of 
own shares 
£m
–
4

Repayment 
of bank loans 
£m
1,074
–

Borrowing of 
bank loans 
£m
(772)
–

Repayment 
of loan notes 
£m
–
–

2018

Cash  
(inflow)/
outflow from 
other 
£m
(43)
5

Issue of 
bonds 
£m
(686)
–

Dividends 
£m
–
557

Purchase of 
own shares 
£m
–
–

28  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

PERFORMANCE BONDS, GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES
Performance bonds, guarantees and indemnities (including those of associated undertakings)1

2019
 £m
383

2018
£m
(4)
(12)
44
28
(50)
(22)

Total 
£m
805
620
1,425

Total 
£m
(427)
562
135

2018
£m
358

1.  Excludes post employment obligations and borrowings (including finance and operating leases) recorded on the balance sheet or disclosed in note 30.

PERFORMANCE BONDS, GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES
The Company and certain subsidiary undertakings have, in the normal course of business, given guarantees and entered into 
counter-indemnities in respect of such guarantees relating to the Group’s own contracts and/or the Group’s share of certain 
contractual obligations of joint arrangements and associates. Where the Group enters into such arrangements, it does so in order to 
provide assurance to the beneficiary that it will fulfil its existing contractual obligations. The issue of such guarantees and 
indemnities does not therefore increase the Group’s overall exposure and the disclosure of such performance bonds, guarantees 
and indemnities is given for information purposes only.

204  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)
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.

The increasingly complex international corporate tax environment and an increase in audit activity from tax authorities means that 
the potential for tax uncertainties and disputes has increased. The Group is currently subject to a number of audits and reviews in 
jurisdictions around the world that primarily relate to complex corporate tax issues. None of these tax audits is currently expected to 
have a material impact on the Group’s financial position. In addition, we continue to engage with tax authorities and other regulatory 
bodies on both payroll and sales tax reviews, and compliance with labour laws and regulations. Again, we currently do not expect any 
of these to have a material impact on the Group’s financial position.

In April 2019, the European Commission published its final decision on the Group Financing Exemption in the UK’s Controlled 
Foreign Company legislation concluding that part of the legislation is in breach of EU State Aid rules. Like many other multinational 
groups that have acted in accordance with the UK legislation in force at the time, the Group may be affected. The UK government 
and UK-based multinational companies, including Compass, have appealed to the General Court of the European Union against the 
decision. The UK government is required to start collection proceedings in advance of the appeal results and it is possible that the 
Group will be required to make a payment in the year ending 30 September 2020. At present it is not possible to determine the 
amount that the UK government will seek to collect. If the decision of the European Commission is upheld, we have calculated our 
maximum potential liability to be £113 million at 30 September 2019. The final impact on the Group remains uncertain and our 
current assessment is that no provision is required.

During the course of the year, the federal tax authorities in Brazil have issued a number of notices of deficiency which we have 
formally objected to and which are now proceeding through the appeals process. These assessments relate primarily to the PIS / 
COFINS treatment of certain food costs and the corporate income tax treatment of goodwill deductions. As at 30 September 2019, 
the total amount assessed in respect of these matters is £44 million. The possibility of further assessments cannot be ruled out and 
the judicial process is likely to take a number of years to conclude. Based on the opinion of our local legal advisors, we do not 
currently consider it likely that we will have to settle a liability with respect to these matters, and on this basis no provision has been 
recorded. We therefore do not currently expect any of these issues 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.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  205 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

29  CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
Contracted for but not provided for 

The majority of capital commitments are for intangible assets.

2019
 £m

605

2018 
£m

498

30 OPERATING LEASE AND CONCESSIONS COMMITMENTS
The Group leases offices and other premises under non-cancellable operating leases. The leases have varying terms, purchase 
options, escalation clauses and renewal rights. 

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases and concessions agreements are as follows:

OPERATING LEASE AND 
CONCESSIONS COMMITMENTS
Falling due within 1 year 
Falling due between 2 and 5 years 
Falling due in more than 5 years 
Total

2019

Operating leases

Land and 
buildings
£m
81
221
241
543

Other 
assets
£m
90
167
27
284

Other
occupancy
rentals 
£m
61
106
108
275

2018

Operating leases

Land and 
buildings
£m
70
188
150
408

Other 
assets
£m
71
127
11
209

Other
occupancy
rentals 
£m
75
154
162
391

31  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following transactions were carried out with related parties of Compass Group PLC:

SUBSIDIARIES
Transactions between the ultimate Parent Company and its subsidiaries, and between subsidiaries, have been eliminated 
on consolidation.

JOINT VENTURES
There were no significant transactions between joint ventures or joint venture partners and the rest of the Group during the year.

ASSOCIATES
The balances with associated undertakings are shown in note 15. 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 4. 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.

206  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

32  POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
There are no material post balance sheet events.

33  EXCHANGE RATES

AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE FOR THE YEAR1
Australian Dollar
Brazilian Real
Canadian Dollar
Chilean Peso
Euro
Japanese Yen
New Zealand Dollar
Norwegian Krone
Turkish Lira
UAE Dirham
US Dollar

CLOSING EXCHANGE RATE AT 30 SEPTEMBER1
Australian Dollar
Brazilian Real
Canadian Dollar
Chilean Peso
Euro
Japanese Yen
New Zealand Dollar
Norwegian Krone
Turkish Lira
UAE Dirham
US Dollar

2019

2018

1.81
4.96
1.69
875.59
1.13
140.53
1.92
11.02
7.16
4.69
1.28

1.83
5.13
1.63
897.37
1.13
133.18
1.97
11.20
6.96
4.53
1.23

1.77
4.73
1.73
850.39
1.13
149.06
1.93
10.88
5.92
4.95
1.35

1.80
5.21
1.69
860.15
1.12
148.12
1.97
10.62
7.83
4.79
1.30

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.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  207 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

34  STATUTORY AND UNDERLYING RESULTS

Operating profit 
Net loss on sale and closure 
of businesses
Net finance cost
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Tax rate
Profit for the year
Non-controlling interests
Profit attributable to equity 
shareholders of the Company
Average number of shares
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE 
(PENCE)

Operating profit 
Net loss on sale and closure of 
businesses
Net finance cost
Finance income
Finance costs
Other financing items
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Tax rate
Profit for the year
Non-controlling interests
Profit attributable to equity 
shareholders of the Company
Average number of shares
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE 
(PENCE)2

2019
Statutory
£m
1,601 

Notes
2

(7)
(125)
12 
(122)
(15)
1,469 
(351)
23.9%
1,118 
(8)

1,110 
1,586 

Adjustments

1
54

–
–
–
–
–
54
(13)

41
–

41

2
12

–
–
–
–
–
12
(2)

10
–

10

3
190

–
–
–
–
–
190
(41)

149
–

149

4
25

–
–
–
–
–
25
–

25
–

25

7

70.0 

2.6

0.6

9.4

1.6

2018
Statutory
(restated1)
£m
1,693 

Notes
2

(58)
(112)
6 
(120)
2 
1,523 
(385)
25.3%
1,138 
(8)

1,130 
1,584 

1
49

–
–
–
–
–
49
(12)

37
–

37
–

7

71.3 

2.4

2
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–

–

Adjustments

3
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–

–

4
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–

–

6
–

7
–
–
–
–
7
(3)

4
–

4

7
–

–
15
–
–
15
15
(3)

12
–

12

2019
Underlying
£m
1,882 

–
(110)
12 
(122)
– 
1,772 
(413)
23.3%
1,359 
(8)

1,351 
1,586 

0.2

0.8

85.2

2018
Underlying
(restated1)
£m
1,744 

– 
(114)
6 
(120)
– 
1,630 
(388)
23.8%
1,242 
(8)

1,234 
1,584 

7
–

–
(2)
–
–
(2)
(2)
1

(1)
–

(1)
–

6
–

58
–
–
–
–
58
10

68
–

68
–

4.3

(0.1)

77.9

5
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–

5
2

–
–
–
–
–
2
(2)

–
–

–
–

–

1.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

2.  Underlying constant currency earnings per share is based on a Group constant currency profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company and 

includes positive constant currency adjustment of £39 million net of £12 million constant currency adjustment to income tax expense.

208  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

34  STATUTORY AND UNDERLYING RESULTS (CONTINUED)
The Executive Committee manages and assesses the performance of the Group using various underlying and other alternative 
performance measures. These measures are not recognised under EU-adopted IFRS and may not be directly comparable with 
alternative performance measures used by other companies. Underlying and other alternative performance measures are defined in 
the glossary of terms on pages 246 and 247. Underlying operating profit is considered to better reflect ongoing trading, facilitate 
meaningful year on year comparison and hence provides financial measures that, together with the results prepared in accordance 
with adopted IFRS, provide better analysis of the results of the Group. In determining the adjustments to arrive at underlying result, 
we use a set of established principles relating to the nature and materiality of individual items or group of items, including, for 
example, events which (i) are outside the normal course of business, (ii) are incurred in a pattern that is unrelated to the trends in the 
underlying financial performance of our ongoing business, or (iii) are related to business acquisitions or disposals as they are not part 
of the Group’s ongoing trading business, and the associated cost impact arises from the transaction rather than from the continuing 
business. Adjustments from statutory to underlying results are explained further below.

1. Acquisition related costs 
Represent charges in respect of intangible assets acquired through business combinations, direct costs incurred as part of a 
business combination or other strategic asset acquisitions and changes in consideration in relation to past acquisition activity. 
See note 3 for details.

2. One-off pension charge 
One-off pension charge in relation to GMP equalisation, see note 22 (page 191) for additional details. 

3. Costs action programme charge
Charges related to actions taken to adjust our cost base, see note 3 for additional details.

4. Share of profit of joint ventures and associates held for sale 
The Group’s share of profit of joint ventures and associates after these were classified as held for sale, see note 13 for additional details.

5. Tax on share of profit of joint ventures 
Reclassification of tax on share of profit of joint ventures to income tax expense.

6. Net gain/(loss) on sale and closure of businesses 
These represent profits and losses on the sale of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and other financial assets. See note 25 for 
additional details.

7. Other financing items 
Represent financing items including hedge accounting ineffectiveness and change in the fair value of investments. See note 5 
for details.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  209 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

35  ORGANIC REVENUE AND ORGANIC PROFIT

2019
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted 
joint ventures1
% growth reported rates
% growth constant currency
Organic adjustments
Organic revenue
% growth organic
20182
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted 
joint ventures
Currency adjustments
Constant currency underlying revenue
Organic adjustments
Organic revenue
2019
Regional underlying operating profit1
Share of profit of associates1
Group underlying operating profit1
Underlying operating margin (excluding associates)
% growth reported rates
% growth constant currency
Organic adjustments
Regional underlying organic operating profit (excluding 
associates)
Group underlying organic operating profit (including 
associates)1
% growth organic
20182
Regional underlying operating profit 
Share of profit of associates
Group underlying operating profit 
Underlying operating margin (excluding associates)
Currency adjustments – profit 
Currency adjustments – associates
Regional constant currency underlying profit (excluding 
associates)
Group constant currency underlying operating profit 
(including associates)
Organic adjustments
Regional underlying organic operating profit (excluding 
associates)
Share of profit from associates – constant currency
Group underlying organic operating profit (including 
associates)

Geographical segments

North America
£m

Europe
£m

Rest of World
£m

Central 
Activities
£m

Group
£m

15,694 
14.4% 
8.5% 
(104)
15,590 
7.7% 

13,718 
743 
14,461 
11 
14,472 

1,290 
10 
1,300 
8.2% 
14.9%
9.0%
(5)

5,854 
1.6% 
1.6% 
(69)
5,785 
4.1% 

5,762 
(3)
5,759 
(203)
5,556 

368 
8 
376 
6.3% 
(6.8%)
(6.6%)
–

3,604 
(1.7%)
0.8% 
(194)
3,410 
4.3% 

3,667 
(92)
3,575 
(306)
3,269 

285 
1 
286 
7.9% 
3.3%
5.9%
(23)

1,285 

368 

262 

1,295 
7.9% 

1,123 
14 
1,137 
8.2%
61 
1 

1,184 

1,199 
7 

1,191 
15 

1,206 

376 
(8.0%)

395 
6 
401 
6.9%
(1)
–

394 

400 
6 

400 
6 

406 

263 
7.4%

276 
–
276 
7.5%
(7)
–

269 

269 
(25)

244 
–

244 

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

(80)
 – 
(80)
–
–
– 
–

(80)

(80)
–

(70)
–
(70)

–
–

(70)

(70)
–

(70)
–

(70)

 25,152 
8.7% 
5.7% 
(367)
24,785 
6.4% 

 23,147 
648 
23,795 
(498)
23,297 

 1,863 
19 
 1,882 
7.4% 
7.9%
4.7%
(28)

1,835 

1,854 
3.8% 

1,724 
20 
1,744 
7.4%
53 
1 

1,777 

1,798 
(12)

1,765 
21 

1,786 

1.  Underlying revenue and underlying operating profit include share of profit of joint ventures and associates classified as held for sale during the year.

2.  Prior year comparatives have been restated as a result of the Group’s retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. Additional 

information about the impact of IFRS 15 is included in note 1.

210  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC

PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES

Ground Floor 35-51 Mitchell Street, McMahons Point, NSW 2060, Australia

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

Principal Activities

Compass Group (Australia) Pty Limited

Australia

100

Food and support services

Chaussée de Haecht 1179, B-1130 Bruxelles, Belgium

Compass Group Belgilux S.A.

Belgium

100

Food services

Rua Tutoia, 119, Vila Mariana, São Paulo, 04007-000, Brazil

GR Serviços e Alimentação Ltda. 

Brazil

100

Food and support services

1 Prologis Boulevard, Suite 400, Mississauga, Ontario L5W 0G2, Canada

Compass Group Canada Ltd. Groupe Compass Canada Ltée (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (viii)

Canada

100

Food and support services

Av. del Valle 787, 5 floor, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile

Compass Catering Y Servicios Chile Limitada

Chile

100

Food and support services

123 Avenue de la République – Hall A, 92320 Châtillon, France

Compass Group France Holdings SAS

Compass Group France SAS

Helfmann-Park 2, 65760, Eschborn, Germany

Compass Group Deutschland GmbH

Eurest Deutschland GmbH

Eurest Services GmbH

Medirest GmbH & Co OHG

Via Angelo Scarsellini, 14, 20161, Milano, Italy

Compass Group Italia S.p.A.

France

France

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

100

100

100

100

100

100

Holding company

Food and support services

Holding company

Food service to business and industry

Support services to business and industry

Food service to the healthcare and senior 
living market

Italy

100

Food service and support services

Hamarikyu Kensetsu Plaza, 5-5-12, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Seiyo Food-Compass Group, Inc. 

Japan

100

Food and support services

Laarderhoogtweg 11, 1101 DZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Compass Group International B.V.

Compass Group Nederland B.V.

Compass Group Nederland Holding B.V.

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

100

100

100

Holding company

Food and support services

Holding company

Drengsrudbekken 12, 1383, PO Box 74, NO-1371, Asker, Norway

Compass Holding Norge A/S

Norway

100

Holding company

Calle R, s/n, Mercapalma, 07007 Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain

Compass Group Holdings Spain, S.L.U.

Spain

100

Holding company

Oberfeldstrasse 14, 8302, Kloten, Switzerland

Compass Group (Schweiz) AG

Restorama AG

Switzerland

Switzerland

100

100

Food and support services

Food service

İçIerenköy Mah. Yesil vadi sokak, No: 3 D: 12-13-14, 34752 Atasehir, Istanbul, 
Turkey

Sofra Yemek Űretim Ve Hizmet A.Ş. (iii)

Turkey

100

Food and support services

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  211 

Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES

Parklands Court, 24 Parklands, Birmingham Great Park, Rubery, Birmingham, 
B45 9PZ, United Kingdom

Compass Contract Services (U.K.) Limited

Compass Group, UK and Ireland Limited

Foodbuy Europe Limited (iii) (iv)

Compass House, Guildford Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9BQ, United 
Kingdom

Compass Group Holdings PLC (i) (iii)

Hospitality Holdings Limited (i)

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

Principal Activities

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

100

100

100

100

100

Food and support services

Holding company

Client procurement services management in 
the UK

Holding company and corporate activities

Intermediate holding company

2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 150N, Sacramento, CA 95833-3505, USA

Bon Appétit Management Co. (viii)

USA

100

Food service

251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808, USA

Compass Group USA Investments Inc.

Compass Group USA, Inc. (viii)

Crothall Services Group

Foodbuy, LLC

Restaurant Associates Corp.

80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207-2543, USA

Flik International Corp.

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

100

100

100

100

100

Holding company

Food and support services

Support services to the healthcare market

Purchasing services in North America

Fine dining facilities

USA

100

Fine dining facilities

801 Adlai Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703, USA

Levy Restaurants Limited Partnership

USA

100

40 Technology Pkwy South, #300, Norcross, GA 30092, USA

Morrison Management Specialists, Inc. (viii) 

USA

100

Fine dining and food service at sports and 
entertainment facilities

Food service to the healthcare and senior 
living market

212  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Chez: Eurojapan Résidence No.23, RN n°3 
BP 398, Hassi Messaoud, Algeria

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Chaussée de Haecht 1179, B-1130 
Brussels, Belgium

Eurest Algerie SPA 

Algeria

100

Compass Group Service Solutions S.A.

F.L.R. Holding S.A. (ii)

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

Belgium

Belgium

100

100

Rua Dr. Ayres de Menezes Street, No.120, 
District Maianga, Maianga Municipality, 
Luanda, Angola

Express Support Services, Limitada

Angola 

100

Esteban Echeverría 1050, 6th floor, Vicente 
Lopez (1602), Buenos Aires, Argentina

Servicios Compass de Argentina S.A.

Argentina

100

Ground Floor 35 – 51 Mitchell Street, 
McMahons Point, NSW 2060, Australia

Compass Australia PTY Ltd (ii)

Compass (Australia) Catering & Services 
PTY Ltd (iii) (iv)

Compass Group B&I Hospitality Services 
PTY Ltd

Australia

Australia

Australia

Compass Group Defence Hospitality Services 
PTY Ltd

Australia

Compass Group Education Hospitality 
Services PTY Ltd

Compass Group Healthcare Hospitality 
Services PTY Ltd

Compass Group Health Services Pty Ltd

Compass Group Management Services 
PTY Ltd

Compass Group Relief Hospitality Services 
PTY Ltd

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Compass Group Remote Hospitality Services 
PTY Ltd

Australia

Delta Facilities Management PTY Ltd

Delta FM Australia PTY Ltd

Eurest (Australia) – Victoria PTY Ltd

Eurest (Australia) Food Services – 
NSW Pty Ltd

Eurest (Australia) Food Services – 
Wollongong PTY Ltd

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Eurest (Australia) Food Services PTY Ltd

Australia

Eurest (Australia) Licence Holdings PTY Ltd

Australia

Eurest (Australia) PTY Ltd

Foodbuy Pty Ltd

LAPG Education PTY Ltd

LAPG PTY Ltd

Life’s A Party Group PTY Ltd

Life’s A Party PTY Ltd

Omega Security Services PTY Ltd

Restaurant Associates (Australia) PTY Ltd

Sargem PTY Ltd

Level 22, 135 King Street, Sydney, 
NSW 2000, Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Haachtsesteenweg 1179, 1130 Brussels, 
Belgium

N.V. Gourmet Invent

Belgium

100

Rua Orissanga, 200, 1st Floor, 
Mirandópolis, São Paulo, 04. 052-030, 
Brazil

Clean Mall Serviços Ltda.

Brazil

100

Rua Orissanga, 200, 3rd Floor, 
Mirandópolis, São Paulo, 04.052-030, 
Brazil

GRSA Serviços LTDA.

Brazil

100

Craigmuir Chambers, PO Box 71, Roadtown, 
Tortola, VG1110, British Virgin Islands

Compass Group Holdings (BVI) Limited

British Virgin 
Islands

100

c/o Action Group Ltd., No.12, Street 614, 
Sangkat Boeung Kok II, Khan Tuol Kork, 
Phnom Penh City, Cambodia 

Compass Group (Cambodia) Co. Ltd. (ii)

Cambodia

100

100, Rue n° 1044 Hydrocarbures, 
Bonapriso, BP 5767, Douala, Cameroon

Eurest Cameroun SARL (ii)

Cameroon

Eurest Camp Logistics Cameroun SARL (ii)

Cameroon

1 Prologis Boulevard, Suite 400, 
Mississauga, Ontario L5W 0G2, Canada

Canteen of Canada Limited

Compass Canada Support  
Services Ltd (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (viii)

Compass Group Ontario Ltd

Canada

Canada

Canada

350 – 7th Avenue SW, Suite 3400, Calgary, 
AB T2P 3N9, Canada

2104797 Alberta Ltd (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (viii)

City Coin Vending Services Ltd (iii) (iv) (v) (viii)

Canada

Canada

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Suite 2300, Bentall 5, 550 Burrard Street, 
Vancouver, BC V6C 2B5, Canada

Tejazz Management Services Inc.

Canada

100

1969 Upper Water Street, Purdy’s Wharf 
Tower II, Suite 1300, Halifax, NS B3J 3R7, 
Canada

MBM Integrated Services Pty (ii)

Australia

100

Crothall Services Canada Inc. (iii) (iv)

Canada

100

IZD Tower, Wagramer Strasse 19/4. Stock, 
1220 Wien, Austria

Compass Group Austria Holdings One GmbH Austria

Compass Group Austria Holdings Two GmbH Austria

Eurest Restaurationbetriebs GmbH

Kunz Gebäudereinigung GmbH

Austria

Austria

100

100

100

100

1959 Upper Water Street, Suite 1100, 
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3E5, Canada

East Coast Catering (NS) Limited

Canada

100

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  213 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

30 Queen’s Road, St. John’s, Newfoundland 
and Labrador, A1C 2A5, Canada

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

195, Arch. Makariou III Avenue, Neocleous 
House, 3030 Limassol, Cyprus

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

East Coast Catering Limited (iii) (iv) (viii) (v)

Canada

Long Harbour Catering Limited Partnership (x) Canada

Long Harbour Catering Limited

Canada

421 7th Avenue SW, Suite 1600, Calgary, 
Alberta, T2P 4K9, Canada

Great West Catering Ltd

Tamarack Catering Ltd

Canada

Canada

100

100

100

100

100

2580 Rue Dollard, Lasalle, Quebec, H8N 
1T2, Canada

Groupe Compass (Québec) Ltée (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (viii)

Canada

100

550 Burrard Street, Suite 2300, Bentall 5, 
P.O. Box 30, Vancouver, British Columbia, 
V6C 2B5, Canada

Town Square Food Services Ltd

Canada

100

1177 West Hastings Street, Suite 1900, 
Vancouver, British Columbia, 
Canada V6E 2K3

Wosk’s Vending Service Ltd. (iii) (iv)

Canada

100

1700 – 360 Main Street, Winnipeg, 
Manitoba, Canada R3C 3Z3

Gourmet Coffee Specialists Ltd. (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

Canada

100

Chile

Chile

Chile

Chile

100

100

100

100

China

100

Av. del Valle 787, 5th floor, Huechuraba, 
Santiago, Chile

Cadelsur S.A.

Compass Catering S.A.

Compass Servicios S.A.

Scolarest S.A.

No. 1999 Floor 2, Xin Zhu Road, Minhang 
District, 200237, China

Compass (China) Management Services 
Company Limited

Room 532 Floor 5 No. 28 Lane 2777, East 
Jinxiu Road, Pudong District, Shanghai 
201206, China

Shanghai Eurest Food Technologies 
Service Co., Ltd.

ESS Design & Build Ltd (ii)

Eurest Support Services (Cyprus) 
International Ltd 

Cyprus

Cyprus

Jankovcova, 1603/47a, Holešovice 170 00, 
Prague 7, Czech Republic

Compass Group Czech Republic s.r.o.

Czech Republic

SCOLAREST- zařízení školního stravování 
spol. s.r.o

Czech Republic

100

100

100

100

Rued Langgards Vej 8, 1. sal, 2300 
København S, DK, Denmark

Compass Group Danmark A/S

Denmark

100

PL 1271, 00101, Helsinki, 00101, Finland

Compass Group Finland OY

Finland

100

123 Avenue de la République – Hall A, 
92320 Châtillon, France

7000 Set Meal SAS

France

Academie Formation Groupe Compass SAS

France

Caterine Restauration SAS

Delisaveurs SAS

Eurest International SNC

Eurest Sports & Loisirs SAS

Evhrest SAS

La Puyfolaise de Restauration SAS

Levy Restaurants France SAS

Mediance SAS

Memonett SAS

Servirest SAS

SHRM Angola SAS (ii)

Société De Prestations En Gestion 
Immobiliere SAS

Société Nouvelle Lecocq SAS

Sud Est Traiteur SAS

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

France

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Rue des Artisans, ZA de Bel Air, 12000 
Rodez, France

Central Restauration Martel (CRM)

France

100

China

100

Zone Artisanale, 40500 Bas Mauco, France

Culinaire Des Pays de L’Adour SAS

France

100

Autopista Norte No. 235 – 71, Bogota D.C., 
Colombia

40, Bd de Dunkerque, 13002 Marseille, 
France

Compass Group Services Colombia S.A.

Colombia

100

Société International D’Assistance SA (ii)

France

100

Enceinte de Brometo Centre Ville, BP 5208, 
Pointe-Noire, The Democratic Republic of 
the Congo

Eurest Services Congo SARL (ii)

Congo

100

Lieu Dit la Prade, 81580 Soual, France

Occitanie Restauration SAS

France

100

3 rue Camille Claudel Atlanparc Bat.M, 
Zone Kerluherne, CS 20043, 56890 
Plescop, France

Oceane de Restauration SAS

France

100

214  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Rue Eugène Sué, Zone Industrielle de 
Blanzat, 03100 Montluçon, France

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

3rd Floor, 43a, Yeats Way, Parkwest 
Business Park, Dublin 12, Ireland

Sogirest SAS

France

100

Amstel Limited (ii)

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

ZONE OPRAG, (Face á Bernabé Nouveau 
Port), BP 1292, Port Gentil, Gabon

Eurest Support Services Gabon SA

Gabon

100

Helfmann-Park 2, 65760, Eschborn, Germany

Compass Group GmbH

Eurest Bremen GmbH

Eurest Köln GmbH 

Eurest Süd GmbH

Food Affairs GmbH

Kanne Café GmbH

Menke Menue GmbH

Royal Business Restaurants GmbH

S.B. Verwaltungs GmbH (ii)

Sankt-Florian-Weg 1, 30880, Laatzen, 
Germany

Eurest West GmbH & Co. KG

orgaMed Betriebsgesellschaft fűr 
Zentralsterilisationen GmbH

plural Gebäudemanagement GmbH

plural Personalservice GmbH

plural servicepool GmbH

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Pfaffenwiese, 65929 Frankfurt/M., Germany

LPS Event Gastronomie GmbH

Germany

100

Zum Fliegerhorst 1304, 63526 Erlensee, 
Germany

Foodbuy CE GmbH

M.S.G. Frucht GmbH

Germany

Germany

100

100

PO Box 119, Martello Court, Admiral Park, 
St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 3HB

Compass Group Finance Ltd

Guernsey

100

Room 805, 8/F, New Kowloon Plaza, 38 Tai 
Kok Tsui Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Compass Group Hong Kong Ltd

Encore Catering Ltd

Shing Hin Catering Group Ltd

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

100

100

100

Irinyi József u. 4-20. B épület, H-1117 
Budapest, Hungary

Eurest Étteremüzemeltető Korlátolt 
Felelősségű Társaság

Unit #426, 4th Floor, Tower A, Space I 
– Tech Park Sohna Road, Sector 49 
Gurgaon, Gurgaon HR 122018 IN, India

Hungary

100

Compass Group (India) Support Services 
Private Ltd

India

Compass India Support Services Private Limited India

100

100

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Catering Management Ireland Limited (ii)

Cheyenne Limited (ii)

Compass Catering Services, Ireland Limited

Ireland

COH Ireland Investments Unlimited 
Company (viii)(ix)

Drumburgh Limited (ii)

Management Catering Services Limited

National Catering Limited (ii)

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland

Rushmore Investment Company Limited (ii)(viii)

Ireland

Sutcliffe Ireland Limited 

Zadca Limited (ii)

Ireland

Ireland

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

12-14 Finch Road, Douglas, IM99 1TT, 
Isle of Man

Consolidated Services Limited

Isle of Man

100

Tower House, Loch Promenade, Douglas, 
IM1 2LZ, Isle of Man

Queen’s Wharf Insurance Services Limited (viii)

Isle of Man

100

Shin-Hie Building 2nd Floor, 3-3-3, 
Hakataeki-Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-
City, Fukuoka-Prefecture, 812-0013 Japan

Eishoku-Medix, Inc.

Japan

100

Hamarikyu Kensetsu Plaza, 5-5-12, Tsukiji, 
Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Eurest Japan, Inc.

Fuyo, Inc.

MFS, Inc.

Nihon Kyushoku Service, Inc.

Seiyo Food-Compass Group Holdings, Inc. 

1-14-2, Kurumada-cho, Showa-ku, 
Nagoya-City, Aichi-Prefecture,  
466-0001, Japan

Japan

Japan

Japan

Japan

Japan

100

100

100

100

100

Sun Food Inc.

Japan

100

44 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 9WG

Malakand Unlimited

Jersey

100

060011, Atyrauskaya Oblast, Atyrau City, 
Beibarys Sultan Avenue 506, Kazakhstan

Compass Kazakhstan LLP

TOO Eurest Support Services LLP 

TOO ESS Support Services LLP

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

100

100

100

209/8919 Sigma Road Off Enterprises 
Road, PO BOX 14 662, Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya Oilfield Services Ltd (ii)

Kenya

100

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  215 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

100

100

100

100

100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

19, Rue Léon Laval, L-3372 Leudelange, 
Luxembourg

Automat’ Services SARL

Eurest Luxembourg S.A.

IMMO Capellen S.A.

Innoclean S.A.

Novelia Senior Services S.A.

Level 21, Suite 21.01, The Gardens South 
Tower, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed 
Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Luzernestraat 57, 2153 GM, Nieuw-Vennep, 
Netherlands

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

Famous Flavours B.V. (viii)

Netherlands

100

Stationsweg 95, 6711 PM Ede, Netherlands

Xandrion B.V.

Netherlands

100

85 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, Immeuble 
Carcopino 3000, BP 2353, 98846 Nouméa 
Cedex, New Caledonia

Eurest Caledonie SARL (ii)

New Caledonia

100

Compass Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Malaysia

100

50-8-1, TKT.8, Wsima UOA Damansara, 
50 Jalan. Dungun, Damansara Heights, 
Kuala Lumpur, 50490, Malaysia

Level 3, 15 Sultan Street, Ellerslie 1051, 
New Zealand

Compass Group New Zealand Limited

Crothall Services Group Limited (ii)

S.H.R.M. Sdn. Bhd. (ii)

Malaysia

100

Eurest NZ Limited (ii)

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

100

100

100

Drengsrudbekken 12, 1383, PO Box 74, 
NO-1371, Asker, Norway

Eurest A/S (iii) (iv)

Norway

100

Forusparken 2, 4031 Stavanger, Postboks 
8083 Stavanger Postterminal, 4068, 
Stavanger, Norway

ESS Mobile Offshore Units A/S

ESS Support Services A/S

Norway

Norway

100

100

c/o Warner Shand Lawyers Waigani, Level 1 
RH Hypermarket, Allotment 1 Section 479 
(off Kennedy Road), Gordons NCD, Papua 
New Guinea

Eurest (PNG) Catering & Services Ltd (ii)

Papua New 
Guinea

100

Unit 2410 24th flr City & Land Mega Plaza 
Adb Ave. Ortigas Ctr. San Antonio, Pasig 
City 1605, Philippines

Compass Group Philippines Inc (ii)

Philippines

100

Ul. Olbrachta 94, 01-102 Warszawa, Poland

Compass Group Poland Sp. Z o.o. 

Poland

100

Edíficio Prime, Avenida da, Quinta Grande, 
53-60, Alfragide 2614-521 Amadora, 
Portugal

Eurest (Portugal) – Sociedade Europeia de 
Restaurantes, Lda. 

Portugal

Eurest Catering & Services Group Portugal, Lda. Portugal

100

100

Bucureşti Sectorul 4, Strada Sold., 
Ilie Şerban, Nr. 8B., Romania

Eurest ROM SRL

Romania

100

Calle Jaime Balmes 11, Oficina 101 letra D, 
Colonia Los Morales Polanco, Alcaldía 
Miguel Hidalgo, 11510 Ciudad de México, 
Mexico

Eurest Proper Meals de Mexico  
S.A. de C.V. (iii) (iv)

Servicios Corporativos Eurest-Proper Meals 
de Mexico S.A. De C.V. (iii) (iv)

c/o 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, 
DE 19808, USA

Food Works of Mexico,  
S. de R.L. de C.V. (ii) (iii) (iv)

Food Works Services of Mexico, S. de R.L.  
De C.V. (ii) (iii) (iv)

Mexico

Mexico

Mexico

Mexico

Laarderhoogtweg 11, 1101 DZ, Amsterdam, 
Netherlands

Aurora HoldCo B.V.

CGI Holdings (2) B.V.

Compass Group Holding B.V.

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Compass Group Finance Netherlands B.V.

Netherlands

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.

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Compass Group International Finance 1 B.V. Netherlands

Compass Group International Finance 2 B.V. Netherlands

Compass Group Shanghai Eurest B.V. (ii)

Netherlands

Compass Group Vending Holding B.V.

Compass Hotels Chertsey B.V.

Eurest Services B.V.

Eurest Support Services (ESS) B.V.

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Eurest Support Services Sakhalin B.V. (ii)

Netherlands

Stichting Forte International

Netherlands

216  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

7 Gasheka Street, Bld. 1, 123056, Moscow, 
Russia

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

c/o Ueltschi Solutions GmbH, Gwattstrasse 
8, CH-3185 Schmitten, Switzerland

Aurora Rusco OOO 

Russia

100

Sevita AG (in liquidation) (ii)

Sevita Group GmbH

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

Switzerland

Switzerland

100

100

20 Kulakova Street, Bld 1 , Premises III, 
Floor 4, Room 2 ,Moscow, Russia

Compass Group Rus OOO

Russia

100

11 Changi South Street 3, Builders Shop 
Building, #04-02/03, 486122, Singapore

Compass Group (Singapore) PTE Ltd (iii) (iv)

Singapore

SHRM Far East Pte Ltd (ii)

Singapore

100

100

İçerenköy Mah. Yesil vadi sokak, No: 3 D: 
12 9, 34752 Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey

Euroserve Gűvenlik A.Ş.

Turkey

100

İçerenköy Mah. Yesil vadi sokak, No: 3 D: 
12 10, 34752 Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey

Euroserve Hizmet ve işletmecilik A.Ş.

Turkey

100

8 Marina Boulevard, # 05-02, Marina Bay 
Financial Centre, 018981, Singapore

Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai, United 
Arab Emirates

Compass Group Asia Pacific PTE. Ltd

Singapore

100

Compass Camea FZE

UAE

100

Karadžičova 2, Staré mesto, 811 09 
Bratislava, Slovakia

Compass Group Slovakia s. r. o.

Slovakia

100

Calle Frederic Mompou 5, planta 5a, 
Edificio Euro 3, 08960, San Just Desvern, 
Barcelona, Spain

Asistentes Escolares, S.L.

Eurest Catalunya, S.L.U.

Medirest Social Residencias, S.L.U.

Spain

Spain

Spain

100

100

100

Calle Castilla 8-10 – C.P. 50.009, Zaragoza, 
Spain

Servicios Renovados de Alimentacion, S.A.U. Spain

100

Calle Pinar de San Jose 98, Planta 1a, 
28054, Madrid, Spain

Eurest Club de Campo, S.L.U.

Eurest Servicios Feriales, S.L.U.

Spain

Spain

100

100

Poligono Ugaldeguren 1, Parcela 7, 
48160 Derio (Vizcaya), Spain

Eurest Euskadi S.L.U.

Spain

100

Calle R, s/n, Mercapalma, 07007 Palma de 
Mallorca, Baleares, Spain

Compass Group Holdings Spain, S.L.U.

Levy Compass Group Holdings, S.L. (ii)

Spain

Spain

Box 1222, 164 28, Kista, Sweden

Compass Group AB

Compass Group Sweden AB

Sweden

Sweden

c/o BDO AG, Industriestrasse 53 6312 
Steinhausen, Switzerland 

100

100

100

100

Parklands Court, 24 Parklands, Birmingham 
Great Park, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9PZ, 
United Kingdom

14Forty Limited (ii)

3 Gates Services Limited (ii)

A.C.M.S. Limited (ii)

Bateman Catering Limited (ii) (vii)

Bateman Healthcare Services Limited (ii)

Baxter and Platts Limited (iii) (iv) (v)

Bromwich Catering Limited (ii)

Business Clean Limited (ii)

Capitol Catering Management Services 
Limited

Carlton Catering Partnership Limited (ii) (iii)

Castle Independent Limited

Cataforce Limited (ii)

Caterexchange Limited (ii)

Caterskill Group Limited (ii)

Caterskill Management Limited (ii)

Chalk Catering Ltd (ii)

Chartwells Limited (ii)

Circadia Limited (ii)

Cleaning Support Services Limited (ii)

Compass Accounting Services Limited (ii)

Compass Catering Services Limited (ii)

Compass Cleaning Services Limited (ii)

Compass Contract Services Limited (ii)

Compass Contracts UK Limited (ii) (viii)

Compass Experience Limited (ii) (vii)

Compass Food Services Limited

Compass Group Medical Benefits Limited (ii)

Compass Mobile Catering Limited (ii)

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

Compass Office Cleaning Services Limited (ii) UK

Compass Payroll Services Limited (ii)

UK

UK

UK

Creative New Food Dream Steam GmbH

Switzerland

100

Compass Planning and Design Limited (ii)

Compass Purchasing Limited

Oberfeldstrasse 14, 8302, Kloten, 
Switzerland

Eurest Services (Switzerland) AG

Royal Business Restaurants GmbH

Switzerland

Switzerland

100

100

Compass Restaurant Properties Limited (ii) (vii) UK

Compass Road Services Limited (ii)

Compass Security Limited (ii) (vii)

Compass Security Oldco Group Limited (ii)

UK

UK

UK

Compass Security Oldco Holdings Limited (ii) UK

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

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 2019  217 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

P & C Morris (Catering) Ltd (ii) (vii)

P & C Morris Catering Group Limited (ii)

Payne & Gunter Limited 

PDM Training and Compliance Services 
Limited (ii)

Pennine Services Limited (ii)

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

Peter Parfitt Leisure Overseas Travel Limited UK

Peter Parfitt Sport Limited (ii) (vii)

PPP Infrastructure Management Limited

Prideoak Limited (ii)

QCL Limited (ii)

Reliable Refreshments Limited 

Rhine Four Limited (ii)(vii)

Roux Fine Dining Limited (ii)

Scolarest Limited

Security Office Cleaners Limited (ii)

Selkirk House (CVH) Limited (ii)

Selkirk House (FP) Limited (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

Selkirk House (GHPL) Limited (ii) (viii)

Selkirk House (GTP) Limited (ii)

Selkirk House (WBRK) Limited

Shaw Catering Company Limited 

Ski Class Limited (ii)

Solutions on Systems Ltd (ii)

Summit Catering Limited 

Sunway Contract Services Limited 

Sutcliffe Catering Midlands Limited (ii)

Sutcliffe Catering South East Limited (ii)

Sycamore Newco Limited 

The Bateman Catering Organization  
Limited (ii) (viii)

The Cuisine Centre Limited (ii)

THF Oil Limited (ii)

Tunco (1999) 103 Limited (ii)

Vendepac Holdings Limited (viii)

Waseley Fifteen Limited (ii)

Waseley Nominees Limited (ii)

Wembley Sports Arena Limited (ii)

Wheeler’s Restaurants Limited (ii) (vii)

Woodin & Johns Limited 

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

Compass Security Oldco Investments Limited (ii) UK

Compass Services (Midlands) Limited (ii)

UK

Compass Services for Hospitals Limited (ii) (viii) UK

Compass Services Group Limited

Compass Services Limited (ii)

Compass Services Trading Limited (ii)

Compass Services, UK and Ireland Limited 

Compass Services (U.K.) Limited

Compass Staff Services Limited (ii)

Cookie Jar Limited (ii)

CRBS Resourcing Limited (ii)

CRN 1990 (Four) Limited (ii)

Customised Contract Catering Limited (ii)

Cygnet Food Holdings Limited (ii)

Cygnet Foods Limited

Dine Contract Catering 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)

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK 

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

Eurest Offshore Support Services Limited (ii) (viii) UK

Eurest Prison Support Services Limited (ii)

Eurest UK Limited (ii)

Everson Hewett Limited (iii) (iv)

Facilities Management Catering Limited (ii)

FADS Catering Limited (ii)

Fairfield Catering Company Limited (ii)

Fingerprint Managed Services Limited (ii)

Funpark Caterers Limited (ii) (iii)

Goodfellows Catering Management Services 
Limited 

Gruppo Events Limited (ii)

Hallmark Catering Management Limited (ii)

Hamard Catering Management Services 
Limited (ii) (vii)

Hamard Group Limited (ii)

Henry Higgins Limited (ii)

Hospital Hygiene Services Limited (ii)

ICM Five Star Limited (ii)

Integrated Cleaning Management Limited

Integrated Cleaning Management Support 
Services Limited

Keith Prowse Limited (ii)

Kennedy Brookes Finance Limited (ii)

Knott Hotels Company of London (ii)

Langston Scott Limited (ii)

Leisure Support Services Limited (iii) (iv)

Leith’s Limited (ii)

Letheby & Christopher Limited

Meal Service Company Limited (ii)

Milburns Catering Contracts Limited (ii)

Milburns Limited (ii)

Milburns Restaurants Limited (ii) (iii)

National Leisure Catering Limited (ii)

NLC (Holdings) Limited (ii)

NLC (Wembley) Limited (ii)

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

218  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

Compass House, Guildford Street, Chertsey, 
Surrey, KT16 9BQ, United Kingdom

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

8040 Excelsior Drive, Suite 400, Madison, 
WI 53717, USA

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

Audrey (London) Limited (ii)

Audrey Investments Limited (ii)

Bateman Services Limited (ii)

Compass Group Finance No.2 Limited (i)

Compass Group Finance No.3 Limited

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

Compass Group Finance No.4 Limited (i) (iii) (iv) (viii) UK

Compass Group Finance No.5 Limited (ii) (xi)

Compass Group North America Investments 
No.2

Compass Group North America Investments 
Limited

Compass Group Pension Trustee Company 
Limited (ii)

Compass Group Procurement Limited

Compass Group Trustees Limited (ii)

Compass Healthcare Group Limited (ii) (viii) 

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

Compass Hospitality Group Holdings Limited (ii) UK

Compass Hospitality Group Limited (ii)

Compass Hotels Chertsey (iii)

Compass Nominee Company Number 
Fourteen Limited (ii)

Compass Overseas Holdings Limited

Compass Overseas Holdings No.2 Limited

Compass Overseas Services Limited (ii)

Compass Pension Trustees Limited (ii)

Compass Quest Limited (ii)

Compass Secretaries Limited (ii)

Compass Site Services Limited (ii) (vii)

Compass UK Pension Trustee Co Limited (ii)

Crisp Trustees Limited (ii)

Gogmore (ii)

Meritglen Limited (ii) (vii) (viii)

New Famous Foods Limited (ii)

Nextonline Limited (iii) (iv)

Riversdell (ii)

Sevita (UK) Limited

The Compass Group Foundation

The Excelsior Insurance Company Limited

Suite D, Pavilion 7 Kingshill Park, Venture 
Drive, Arnhill Business Park, Westhill, 
Aberdeenshire, AB32 6FL, United Kingdom

CCG (UK) Ltd (ii)

Coffee Partners Limited (ii)

Compass Offshore Catering Limited (ii) (viii)

Compass Scottish Site Services Limited (ii)

Waseley (CVI) Limited (ii)

Waseley (CVS) Limited (ii)

1st Floor, 12 Cromac Quay, Cromac Wood, 
Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT7 2JD, 
United Kingdom

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Ace Foods, Inc.

USA

100

2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 150N, 
Sacramento, CA 95833-3505, USA 

Bon Appétit Management Company 
Foundation

Cosmopolitan Catering, LLC

CulinArt of California,Inc.

Rainbow Vending, Inc.

211 E. 7th Street, Suite 620, Austin, TX 
78701-3218, USA

Bamco Restaurants of Texas LLC

Levy Premium Foodservice, L.L.C. (ii)

Morrison’s Health Care of Texas, Inc. 

University Food Services, Inc.

2345 Rice Street, Suite 230, Roseville, MN 
55113, USA

Canteen One Company, Inc.

Canteen One Consolidation Services, LLC

Canteen One, LLC

Street Eats Limited

Visinity, LLC

251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, DE 
19808, USA

Canteen One, Inc.

Cataforce, Inc.

Compass LCS, LLC

Compass LV, LLC

Compass Paramount, LLC

Concierge Consulting Services, LLC

Convenience Foods International, Inc.

Crothall Healthcare Inc.

Crothall Laundry Services Inc.

Eurest Services, Inc.

Facilities Holdings, LLC

Flik One, LLC

Levy Oklahoma, Inc.

Levy Prom Golf, LLC

Morrison Investment Company, Inc.

RAC Holdings Corp. (iii)

Rank + Rally, LLC

S-82 LLC

SpenDifference LLC

Touchpoint Support Services, LLC

Unidine Lifestyles, LLC 

University Food Services, LLC

Vendlink, LLC

Yorkmont Four, 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

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Lough Erne Holiday Village Limited (ii)

UK

100

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  219 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

801 Adlai Stevenson Drive, Springfield, 
IL 62703, USA

Bistro Restaurant Limited Partnership 

Curiology, LLC 

E15, LLC 

Levy (Events) Limited Partnership 

Levy (IP) Limited Partnership 

Levy Food Service Limited Partnership 

Levy GP Corporation 

Levy Holdings GP, Inc. 

Levy Illinois Limited Partnership 

Levy Premium Foodservice Limited 
Partnership 

Levy R & H Limited Partnership 

Levy World Limited Partnership 

Professional Sports Catering, LLC 

Restaurant One Limited Partnership 

Superior Limited Partnership 

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

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

OTHER WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 103, 
Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA

Crothall Facilities Management, Inc.

Custom Management Corporation Of 
Pennsylvania

Morrison’s Custom Management Corporation 
of Pennsylvania

Newport Food Service, Inc.

Williamson Hospitality Services, Inc.

50 West Broad Street, Suite 1330, 
Columbus, OH 43215, USA

Country of 
Incorporation

% 
Holding

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

100

100

100

100

100

Cuyahoga Dining Services, Inc.

USA

100

40 Technology Pkwy South, #300, Norcross, 
GA 30092, USA

Food Services Management By Mgr, LLC

Morrison Alumni Association, Inc.

The M-Power Foundation, Inc.

USA

USA

USA

100

100

100

7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, MD 
21202, USA

Bon Appétit Maryland, LLC

USA

100

221 Bolivar Street, Jefferson City, MO 
65101, USA

Dynamic Vending, Inc. 

USA

100

4000 Faber Place Drive STE. 300, North 
Charleston, South Carolina 29405, USA

CGSC Capital, Inc.

USA

100

Princeton South Corporate Ctr, Suite 160, 
100 Charles Ewing Blvd, Ewing, NJ 08628, 
USA

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Gourmet Dining, LLC

USA

100

300 Deschutes Way SW, Suite 304, 
Tumwater, WA 98501, USA

Inter Pacific Management, Inc.

USA

100

2900 SW Wanamaker Drive, Suite 204, 
Topeka, KS 66614, USA

Myron Green Corporation

PFM Kansas, Inc.

Treat America Company, LLC

Treat America Limited

8825 N. 23rd Avenue, Suite 100, Phoenix, 
AZ 85021, USA

Prodine, Inc.

Sacco Dining Services, Inc.

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

100

100

100

100

100

100

2908 Poston Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, 
USA

Southeast Service Corporation

USA

100

1400 West Benson Blvd, Suite 370, 
Anchorage, AK 99503, USA

Statewide Services, Inc.

USA

100

1709 North 19th Street, Suite 3, Bismarck, 
ND 58501-2121, USA

Compass ND, LLC

USA

100

501 Louisiana Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 
70802-5921, USA

Coastal Food Service, Inc.

S.H.R.M. Catering Services, Inc.

80 State Street, Albany,  
NY 12207-2543, USA

Coffee Distributing Corp.

CulinArt Group, Inc.

CulinArt, Inc.

Mazzone Hospitality, LLC

Quality Food Management, Inc.

RA Tennis Corp.

RANYST, Inc.

Restaurant Associates LLC

Restaurant Associates, Inc.

Restaurant Services Inc.

2626 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 550, Raleigh, 
NC 27608, USA

Compass 2K12 Services, LLC

Compass HE Services, LLC

Compass One, LLC

Compass Two, LLC

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

220  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

36  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

Ground Floor 35 – 51 Mitchell Street, 
McMahons Point, NSW 2060, Australia

ESS Eastern Guruma PTY Ltd

ESS Gumala PTY Ltd

ESS NYFL PTY Ltd

Level 3, 12 Newcastle Street, Perth 6000, 
Australia

ESS Thalanyji PTY Ltd

ESS Larrakia PTY Ltd

Pavilion on the Lake, Brisbane 
Entertainment Centre, Melaleuca Drive, 
Boondall, Qld 4034, Australia

AEG Ogden (BCEC) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Brisbane Stadium Management) 
Pty Ltd 

AEG Ogden (Brisbane) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Cairns) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Consulting) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Convex) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Darwin) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Dubai) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Global Partnerships) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Newcastle) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Perth Arena) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Perth Stadium) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Perth) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (SEC) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Sydney Arena) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Sydney) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden (Venue Services) Pty Ltd

AEG Ogden Holdings Pty Ltd (iii) (iv) (v)

AEG Ogden Pty Ltd (iii) (iv)

ICC Sydney Pty Ltd

Kings Basketball Pty Ltd (iii) (iv) (v)

Showclean Pty Ltd

Sydney Arena Sports Investments Pty Ltd

Australia 

Australia 

Australia 

Australia 

Australia 

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island Pty Ltd Australia

Sydney Live Pty Ltd

The Arena Network Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

Australian Pavilion Services Pty Ltd

Combined Venues Group Pty Ltd

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

AZ1010, Baku City, Yasamal District, jafar 
Jabbarli, House 44, Caspian Plaza, Baku 
1065, Azerbaijan

ESS Support Services LLC

Eurest Support Services LLC

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan

Av. Rio Branco, 1, sala 1201 Parte, Centro, 
20090-003, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

60

60

60

60

50

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

22

22

50

50

OTHER SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT ARRANGEMENTS, 
MEMBERSHIPS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHER 
SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS 

R. Prof. Atílio Innocenti 165, 2º andar, Sala 
02-119, Vila Nova Conceição, 04538-000, 
São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Country of 
Incorporation or 
Establishment

% 
Holding

AEG Administracao de Estadios do Sudeste LTDA Brazil

50

12 Kodiak Crescent, Toronto, Ontario, 
M3J 3G5, Canada

Imperial Coffee and Services Inc. (iii) (iv) (v)

Canada

88

1 Prologis Boulevard, Suite 400, 
Mississauga, Ontario, L5W 0G2, Canada

1912219 Ontario Inc. (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (viii)

Compass Group Sports and Entertainment 
– (Quebec) (x)

ECC – ESS Support Services (x)

2265668 Ontario Ltd (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (viii)

Amik Catering LP (x)

Dease River – ESS Support Services (x)

Dene West Limited Partnership (x)

ECC – Mi’kmaq Support Services (x)

ESS – DNDC Support Services (x)

ESS – Duncan’s and Paddle Prairie Support 
Services (x)

ESS – East Arm Camp Services (x)

ESS – Kaatodh Camp Services (x)

ESS – Loon River Support Services (x)

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

ESS – Missanabie Cree Support Services (x)

Canada

ESS – Na Cho Nyak Dun Camp Services (x)

ESS – Ochapowace Support Services (x)

ESS – Pessamit Camp Services (x)

Canada

Canada

Canada

ESS – Wapan Manawan Services de Soutien (x) Canada

ESS Haisla Support Services (x)

ESS HLFN Support Services (x)

ESS KNRA Support Services (x)

ESS Komatik Support Services (x)

ESS Liard First Nation Support Services (x)

ESS McKenzie Support Services (x)

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

ESS Okanagan Indian Band Support Services (x) Canada

ESS Tataskweyak Camp Services (x)

ESS/Bushmaster Camp Services (x)

ESS/Fort a la Corne Support Services (x)

ESS/McLeod Lake Indian Band Support 
Services (x)

ESS/Mosakahiken Cree Nation Support 
Services (x)

ESS/Nuvumiut Support Services (x)

ESS/Takla Lake Support Services (x)

ESS/WEDC Support Services (x)

First North Catering (x)

KDM – ESS Support Services (x)

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Mi’Kmaq-ECC Nova Scotia Support Services (x) Canada

Nisga'a Village – ESS Support Services (x)

Canada

Canada

Canada

75

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

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

AEG Administracao de Estadios do Brasil LTDA Brazil

49

Poplar Point Camp Services (x)

Songhees Nation Support Services (x)

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  221 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

36  DETAILS OF RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF COMPASS GROUP PLC (CONTINUED)

Country of 
Incorporation or 
Establishment

% 
Holding

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 

30 Queen’s Road, St. John’s, Newfoundland 
and Labrador, A1C 2A5, Canada

Labrador Catering Inc

Labrador Catering LP (x)

Canada

Canada

49

49

1700-666 Burrard Street Park Place 
Vancouver BC V6C2X8 Canada

AEG Facilities Canada Holdings, LP 

Canada

49

Clearwater River Dene Nation Reserve No. 
222, P.O. Box 5050, Clearwater, 
Saskatchewan, S0M 3H0, Canada

Clearwater Catering Limited (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

Canada

49

130 King Street West, Suite 1800, Toronto, 
Ontario, M5X 1E3, Canada

Umbrel Hospitality Group Inc.

Canada

49

Room 234, No.195, Bong Xing Road, 
Pudong New District, China

Shanghai ESS Support Services Co., Ltd. (ii)

China

FO-110, Torshavn, Faroe Islands

P/F Eurest Føroyar

Denmark

123 avenue de la République – Hall A, 
92320 Châtillon, France

Sopregim SAS

France

Steenbeker Weg 25, 24106, Kiel, Germany

Lubinus – orgaMed Sterilgut GmbH

Germany

Konrad-Zuse-Platz 2, 81829 München, 
Germany

Leonardi EPM GmbH

Leonardi Vermögensverwaltungs GmbH

Leonardi Betriebsverwaltungs GmbH

Leonardi GmbH & Co. KG

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Leonardi Kaffee neu entdecken GmbH & Co. KG Germany

83

51

80

49

75

75

75

75

75

Hutschiner Straße 8, 81677, München, 
Germany

Leonardi SVM GmbH

Germany

75

Grillparzerstraße 8, 81675, München, 
Germany

Leonardi HPM GmbH

Germany

75

MZSK & Associates, Chartered Accountants, 
Level 9, The Ruby, Senapati Bapat Road, 
Dadar-W, Mumbai 400028, India

AEG Ogden Hyderabad Pvt Ltd

India

Hamarikyu Kensetsu Plaza, 5-5-12, Tsukiji, 
Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Chiyoda Kyushoku Services Co., Ltd

Japan

44

90

222  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

5-7-5, Chiyoda, Naka-ku, Nagoya-City, 
Aichi-Prefecture, 460-0012, Japan

Seiyo General Food Co., Ltd

Japan

50

060011, Atyrauskaya Oblast, Atyrau city, 
Beibarys Sultan avenue 506, Kazakhstan

TOO Eurest Support Services Company B LLP Kazakhstan

50

060011, Old Airport Road 64, Atyrau City, 
Atyrau Oblast, Republic of Kazakhstan

TOO ESS Kazakhstan LLP

Kazakhstan

60

10A Rue Henri Schnadt, L-2530, 
Luxembourg

Geria SA

Luxembourg

25

Level 18 The Gardena North Tower, Mid 
Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala 
Lumpur, 59200, Malaysia

EM-SSIS Services Sdn. Bhd. (ii)

Urusan Bakti Sdn. Bhd. (ii)

Malaysia

Malaysia

42

35

Level 54, Tower 2, PETRONAS Twin Towers, 
Kuala Lumpur City Centre,50088 Kuala 
Lumpur, Malaysia

Convex Malaysia SDN BHD

Malaysia

21

Suite 1301, 13th Floor, City Plaza Jalan 
Tebrau, 80300 Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia

Knusford Compass Sdn. Bhd.

Malaysia

51/52 II Piazetta, Valletta, Malta

Eurest (Malta) Ltd (ii) (iii)

Malta

49

51

1 Avenue Henri Dunant, Palais De La Scala, 
3eme, Etage – No 1125, 98000 MC, Monaco

Eurest Monaco S.A. (ii)

Monaco

99.99

Laarderhoogtweg 11, 1101 DZ, Amsterdam, 
Netherlands

Compass Group International 
Coöperatief W.A. (x)

Compass Group International 
Coöperatief 2 W.A. (x)

Compass Group International 
Coöperatief 3 W.A. (x)

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Compass Group International Finance C.V. (x) Netherlands

100

100

100

100

Bdo Spicers, Level 8, 120 Albert Street, 
Auckland, New Zealand

AEG Ogden (NZ) LTD

New Zealand

44

Okesnoyveien 16, 1366, Lysaker, 1366, 
Norway

Forplejningstjenester A/S

Norway

33.33

36  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

Harbitzalléen 2A, 0275 Oslo, PÅ Box 4148, 
Sjølyst, 0217 Oslo, Norway

Building 8, Floor 4, Unit 416, Dubai Media 
City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Gress-Gruppen A/S

Norway

33.33

AEG Ogden Middle East FZ-LLC

UAE

44

c/o Warner Shand Lawyers Waigani, Level 1 
RH Hypermarket, Allotment 1 Section 479 
(off Kennedy Road), Gordons NCD, Papua 
New Guinea

Eurest OKAS Catering Ltd (ii)

Eurest Lotic (PNG) JV Ltd (ii)

Papua New 
Guinea

Papua New 
Guinea

55

50

Parklands Court, 24 Parklands, Birmingham 
Great Park, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9PZ, 
United Kingdom

Quaglino’s Limited

Chartwells Hounslow (Feeding Futures) 
Limited (iii) (iv)

Eat Dot Limited (ii) (iii)

Quadrant Catering Limited (iii) (iv)

UK

UK

UK

UK

99

75

57.05

49

2 Floor, Al Mana Commercial Tower, C-Ring 
road, Doha, P O BOX 22481, Qatar

Compass Catering Services WLL

Qatar

20

County Ground, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 
B5 7QU, United Kingdom

Edgbaston Experience Limited (iii) (iv)

UK

25

PO Box 31952, Al Khobar 31685 KSA, 
Saudi Arabia

Compass Arabia LLC

Saudi Arabia

30

Calle Pinar de San Jose 98, Planta 1a, 
28054, Madrid, Spain

Gourmet on Wheels, S.L.U.

Spain

99

Nationalarenan i Solna AB, Putte Kocks 
Plats 1, SE-169 79 Solna, Sweden

Nationalarenan I Solna AB

Sweden

49

Stockholm Live AB, P.O. Box 10055, 
SE-121, 27 Stockholm-Globen, Sweden

Stockholm Live AB 

Sweden

49

PD Services AG, Mühlebachstrasse 6, 8008 
Zürich, Switzerland

AEG Management Switzerland Gmbh

Switzerland

49

Vedat Gunyol Cad, Demir Sok, No: 1/A, 
Istanbul, Turkey

AEG Danismanlikve Isletme Faaliyetleri 
Anonim Ltd Sirketi

Office No. 204, Mawilah, Al Sharjah, P O 
Box: 1897, United Arab Emirates

Turkey

49

The Oval, Kennington, London, SE11 5SS 
United Kingdom

Oval Events Holdings Limited (iv) (v) (vi)

Oval Events Limited (iv) (v) (vi)

The O2, Peninsula Square, London, 
SE10 0DX, United Kingdom

AEG Facilities (UK) Ltd

UK

UK

UK

San Gabriel 4004, Montevideo- 12000, 
Uruguay

AEG Facilities Uruguay SA

Uruguay

84 State Street, Boston, MA 02109, USA

Fame Food Management Inc.

The Food Management Enterprise 
Corporation

Levy Maryland, LLC

251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, 
DE 19808, USA

B & I Catering, LLC

CMCA Catering, LLC

PCHI Catering, LLC

Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events, LLC

WPL, LLC

Abu Dhabi National Hotels – Compass LLC

UAE

50

Community Living Holdings, LLC

Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company Building, 
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, 
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi National Hotels Compass Middle 
East LLC

UAE

50

The Owner Saeed Ahmed Ghobash, Oud 
Metha, Street Bur Dubai, P.O. BOX 31769 
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi National Hotels – Compass 
Emirates LLC

UAE

50

Unidine Corporation

Levy LA Concessions, LLC

Learfield Levy Foodservice, LLC

Restaurant Services I, LLC

Parlay Solutions, LLC

Thompson Facilities Services LLC

Thompson Hospitality Services, LLC

WP Casual Catering, LLC

Chicago Restaurant Partners, LLC

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

37.5

37.5

49

49

84

84

74

90

90

90

90

90

84

84

62.5

50

50

50

49

49

45

42

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  223 

Consolidated Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

36  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

2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 150N, 
Sacramento, CA 95833-3505, USA

C&B Holdings, LLC

H & H Catering, L.P.

2626 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 550, Raleigh, 
NC 27608, USA

Waveguide LLC

2215-B Renaissance Drive, Las Vegas, NV 
89119, USA

GLV Restaurant Management  
Associates, LLC

USA

USA

USA

USA

211 E. 7th Street, Suite 620, Austin, TX 
78701-3218, USA

Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events of Texas, 
LLC

USA

980 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 400, Chicago, 
IL 60611, USA

Convention Hospitality Partners

Atlanta Sports Catering

Orlando Foodservice Partners

1400 West Benson Blvd, Suite 370, 
Anchorage, AK 99503, USA

KIJIK/ESS, LLC

Statewide/GanaAYoo JV

801 Adlai Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 
62703, USA

110 East Pearson Limited Partnership

Park Concession Management, LLC

Park Foodservice, LLC

40 Technology Pkwy South, #300, Norcross, 
GA 30092, USA

Eversource LLC

80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207-2543, 
USA

RA Patina, LLC

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

111 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10011, 
USA

RA Patina Management LLC

USA

Corporation Trust Centre, 1209 Orange 
Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA

AEG Facilities, LLC

AEG Facilities Canada Holdings, LP

AEG Management Bakersfield, LLC

AEG Management Brooklyn, LLC

AEG Management Chicago, LLC

AEG Management DL, LLC

AEG Management FL, LLC

AEG Management Glendale, LLC

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

224  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

90

90

57

90

AEG Management HCC, LLC

AEG Management KC, LLC

AEG Management LACC, LLC

AEG Management Louisville, LLC

AEG Management Nassau, LLC

AEG Management NJ, LLC

AEG Management Oakland, LLC

AEG Management Pittsburgh, LLC

AEG Management PR, LLC

AEG Management TWN, LLC

AEG Management VAB, LLC

AEG Management WA, LLC

AEG Ontario Arena, LLC

AEG Ontario Sports & Entertainment, LLC

AEG Ontario, LLC

90

AEG Management SD, LLC

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

USA

3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego CA 
92110, USA

San Diego Entertainment, Inc

USA

c/o Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC 
Attn: Chief Legal Officer, 853 Broadway, 
17th Floor, New York, New York, 10003 
USA

Hudson Yards Catering, LLC 

USA

425 Walnut Street – #1800, Cincinnati OH 
45202, USA

Arena Management Holdings, LLC

Cincinnati Cyclones, LLC

6055 Lakeside Commons Drive, Suite 440, 
Macon, GA, 31210, USA

Kimco Holdings, LLC (iv)

USA

USA

USA

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

39

39

30

27

27

20

NOTES
1.  Unless otherwise stated, indirectly owned by Compass Group PLC, active 

2. 

status and ordinary shares issued.
In some of the jurisdictions where we operate, share classes are not 
defined and in these instances, for the purposes of disclosure, we have 
classified these holdings as ordinary.

3.  A number of the companies listed are legacy companies which no longer 

serve any operational purpose.

CLASSIFICATIONS KEY
(i)  Directly owned by Compass Group PLC
(ii)  Dormant/non-trading
(iii)  A Ordinary shares
(iv)  B Ordinary shares
(v)  C Ordinary and/or Special shares
(vi)  D, E and/or F Ordinary shares
(vii)  Deferred shares
(viii) Preference including cumulative, non-cumulative and redeemable shares
(ix)  Redeemable shares
(x)  No share capital, share of profits
(xi)  Limited by guarantee

80

50

50

80

50

66

50

50.1

51

50

50

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
At 30 September 2019

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 year1
NET CURRENT ASSETS
Net current assets
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
Total assets less current liabilities1
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year1
Provisions for liabilities
Net assets
EQUITY
Share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Share-based payment reserve
Profit and loss reserve
Total equity 

Notes 

2019
£m

2018
£m

2

3
3

4

4
5

7

1,061

1,035

7,521
2,202
39
9,762

10,068
83
605
10,756

(4,972)

(5,826)

4,790

4,930

5,851

5,965

(3,684)
(3)
2,164

(3,641)
(3)
2,321

176
182
295
259
1,252
2,164

176
182
295
232
1,436
2,321

1.  Represented to reclassify £1,107 million creditors falling due within one year to creditors falling due after more than one year. As a result, net current assets 

and creditors falling due after more than one year have increased by the same amount. There has been no change to net assets.

Approved by the Board of Directors on 26 November 2019 and signed on its behalf by

Dominic Blakemore, Director
Karen Witts, Director

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  225 

Parent Company Financial StatementsPARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended 30 September 2019

EQUITY
At 1 October 2017
Fair value of share-based payments
Dividends paid to shareholders
Profit for the year
At 30 September 2018
Fair value of share-based payments
Dividends paid to shareholders
Profit for the year
At 30 September 2019

Share
capital  
£m
176
–
–
–
176
–
–
–
176

Share premium 
account  
£m
182
–
–
–
182
–
–
–
182

Capital
redemption 
reserve  
£m
295
–
–
–
295
–
–
–
295

Share-based 
payment 
reserve  
£m
211
21
–
–
232
27
–
–
259

Profit and loss 
reserve  
£m
1,127
–
(548)
857
1,436
–
(611)
427
1,252

Total  
£m
1,991
21
(548)
857
2,321
27
(611)
427
2,164

226  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

PARENT COMPANY ACCOUNTING POLICIES
For the year ended 30 September 2019

INTRODUCTION
The significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of 
the separate financial statements of Compass Group PLC (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 (CA 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.

These financial statements have been prepared on a going 
concern basis. This is discussed in the Business Review on 
pages 34 to 40.

B  EXEMPTIONS
The Company’s financial statements are included in the 
Compass Group PLC consolidated financial statements for the 
year ended 30 September 2019. As permitted by section 408 of 
the CA 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
•  disclosures in respect of compensation of key management 

personnel

•  IFRS 2 ‘Share Based Payments’ in respect of Group settled 

share based payments

C  CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company has updated its accounting policies to reflect the 
impact of the adoption of IFRS 9 as described in note F.

The adoption of IFRS 9 and the effect of adopting other new 
IFRS standards had no material impact on the Company’s 
results or balance sheet.

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 are 
not less than shown at the balance sheet date. 

Investment income is measured at the fair value of the 
consideration received or receivable. It represents dividend 
income which is recognised when the right to receive payment 
is established.

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  FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the 
Company becomes a 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.

Financial assets and liabilities are initially recorded at fair value 
including, where permitted by IFRS 9, any directly attributable 
transaction costs. For those financial assets that are not 
subsequently held at fair value, the Company assesses whether 
there is evidence of impairment at each balance sheet date. 

The Company classifies its financial assets and liabilities into the 
following categories: 

•  financial assets and liabilities at amortised cost, 
•  financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit 

and loss 

Where financial assets or liabilities are eligible to be carried at 
either amortised cost or fair value the Company does not apply 
the fair value option.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  227 

Parent Company Financial StatementsPARENT COMPANY ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

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.

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 
adjusted for the fair value attributable to the risk being hedged.

Amounts owed by or to Group undertakings are initially 
measured at fair value and are subsequently reported at 
amortised cost. Allowance losses on intercompany receivables 
are calculated by reviewing 12-month expected credit losses 
using historic and forward looking data on credit risk. 

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.

The issue of share incentives by the Company to employees of 
its subsidiaries represents additional capital contributions. An 
addition to the Company’s investment in Group undertakings is 
reported with a corresponding increase in shareholders’ funds. 
For details of the charge see note 24 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

J  FINANCIAL GUARANTEES AND LOAN COMMITMENTS
Financial guarantee contract liabilities are measured initially at 
their fair values. These liabilities are subsequently measured at 
the higher of the amount determined under IAS 37 and the 
amount initially recognised (fair value) less where appropriate, 
cumulative amortisation of the initial amount recognised.

Non-interest bearing payables are stated at their nominal value 
as they are due on demand.

G  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.

H  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.

I  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The Group issues equity-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.

228  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 30 September 2019

1 INCOME STATEMENT DISCLOSURES
The Company’s profit on ordinary activities after tax was £427 million (2018: £857 million).

The Company had no direct employees in the course of the year (2018: 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

2019
£m
0.9
0.1

2019
£m

1,036
27
(1)
1,062

2018
£m
 0.9 
 0.1 

2018
£m

1,018
21
(3)
1,036

(1)

(1)

1,061

1,035

The principal subsidiary undertakings are listed in note 36 to the consolidated financial statements.

3 DEBTORS

DEBTORS
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax
Total

2019

Falling due 
after more  
than 1 year  
£m
1,995
207
–
2,202

Falling due 
within 1 year 
£m
7,519
1
1
7,521

Total  
£m
9,514
208
1
9,723

Falling due 
within 1 year 
£m
10,035
33
–
10,068

2018

Falling due 
after more  
than 1 year  
£m
–
83
–
83

Total  
£m
10,035
116
–
10,151

The book value of amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings falling due within one year approximates their fair value due to the short 
term nature of these receivables.

The fair value of amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings falling due after more than one year is £1,995 million (2018: £nil). This 
approximates book value due to these balances being acquired at fair value shortly prior to 30 September 2019.

MOVEMENT IN DEFERRED TAX ASSET
At 1 October
Charge to income statement
At 30 September

2019

2018

Net short term 
temporary 
differences  
£m
–
1
1

Net short term 
temporary 
differences  
£m
–
–
–

The deferred tax asset arises on certain derivative financial instruments and will be recovered no later than the maturity dates 
of these instruments.

Details of the derivative financial instruments are shown in note 19 to the consolidated financial statements.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  229 

Parent Company Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2019

4 CREDITORS

CREDITORS
Bank overdrafts
Bank overdrafts and loans (note 6)
Loan notes
Bonds
Loan notes and bonds (note 6)
Derivative financial instruments
Accruals and deferred income
Current tax
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings1
Total

2019

Falling due 
after more  
than 1 year  
£m
–
–
1,211
1,289
2,500
6
–
–
1,178
3,684

Falling due 
within 1 year 
£m
3
3
162
–
162
7
33
17
4,750
4,972

Total  
£m
3
3
1,373
1,289
2,662
13
33
17
5,928
8,656

Falling due 
within 1 year 
£m
51
51
191
538
729
12
51
11
4,972
5,826

2018

Falling due 
after more  
than 1 year  
£m
–
–
1,261
1,240
2,501
33
–
–
1,107
3,641

Total  
£m
51
51
1,452
1,778
3,230
45
51
11
6,079
9,467

1.  Represented to reclassify £1,107 million creditors falling due within one year to creditors falling due after more than one year. These amounts owed to 

subsidiary undertakings are arms length interest bearing loans with repayment dates greater than twelve months. There was no change to total creditors.

LOAN NOTES
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
US$ private placement
Total

Nominal  
value
$250m
$200m
$398m
$352m
$100m
$300m
$300m

Redeemable
Oct 2018
Sep 2020
Oct 2021
Oct 2023
Dec 2024
Sep 2025
Dec 2026

The Company has fixed term, fixed interest private placements denominated in US dollar.

BONDS
Euro Eurobond
Euro Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Sterling Eurobond
Total

Nominal  
value
€600m
€500m
£250m
£250m
£300m

Redeemable
Feb 2019
Jan 2023
Sep 2025
Jun 2026
Jul 2029

Interest
3.31%
3.09%
3.98%
4.12%
3.54%
3.81%
3.64%

Interest
3.13%
1.88%
2.00%
3.85%
2.00%

2019

2018

Carrying  
value  
£m
–
162
323
301
81
263
243
1,373

2019

Carrying  
value  
£m
– 
469 
260 
249 
311 
1,289

Carrying  
value  
£m
191
153
305
268
76
229
230
1,452

2018

Carrying  
value  
£m
538 
464 
246 
249 
281
1,778

The book value of amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings falling due within one year approximates their fair value due to the short 
term nature of these payables. The fair value of amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings falling due after more than one year is 
shown below.

AMOUNTS OWED TO SUBSIDIARY 
UNDERTAKINGS FALLING DUE AFTER 
MORE THAN 1 YEAR
Euro intercompany loan
Euro intercompany loan
Total

Nominal  

value Redeemable
€750m Jul 2024
€500m Sep 2028

Interest
0.73%
1.60%

2019

2018

Carrying  
value  
£m
695
483
1,178

Fair  
value  
£m
686
489
1,175

Carrying  
value  
£m
669
438
1,107

Fair  
value  
£m
656
440
1,096

230  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

4 CREDITORS (CONTINUED)
During the year, the Company set up a commercial paper programme of $2 billion which is available to be used to meet short term 
liquidity requirements and is supported by £2 billion of syndicated committed bank facilities. As of 30 September 2019, no 
commercial paper was outstanding under the programme and no amounts had been drawn at any time under the syndicated facility.

Details of the derivative financial instruments are shown in note 19 to the consolidated financial statements.

5 PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES

PROVISIONS
At 1 October 2017
Credited to income statement
At 30 September 2018
At 1 October 2018
Charged to income statement
At 30 September 2019

Legal and  
other claims 
£m
31
(28)
3
3
-
3

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:

Bank 
overdrafts 
and loans 
(note 4)  
£m
–
–
–
–
3
3

2019

Loan  
notes and 
bonds  
(note 4)  
£m
–
1,174
1,326
2,500
162
2,662

Bank 
overdrafts 
and loans 
(note 4)  
£m
–
–
–
–
51
51

2018

Loan  
notes and 
bonds 
 (note 4)  
£m
153
769
1,579
2,501
729
3,230

Other1  
£m
5
(126)
(80)
(201)
6
(195)

Total  
£m
5
1,048
1,246
2,299
171
2,470

Other1  
£m
(3)
(73)
26
(50)
(21)
(71)

Total  
£m
150
696
1,605
2,451
759
3,210

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

1.  Other includes the debtor and creditor amounts associated with derivative financial instruments.

7 SHARE CAPITAL
Details of the share capital, share option schemes and share-based payments of Compass Group PLC are shown in notes 23 and 24 
to the consolidated financial statements.

8 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Guarantees and indemnities (including subsidiary undertakings’ overdrafts)
Parental guarantee issued under the Euro Medium Term Note Programme
Total

2019 
£m
399
1,124
1,523

2018
£m
411
1,113
1,524

Details regarding certain contingent liabilities which involve the Company are set out in note 28 to the consolidated financial statements.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  231 

Parent Company Financial StatementsShareholder Information

REGISTRAR
All matters relating to the administration of shareholdings in the 
Company should be directed to Link Asset Services (the 
registrar), The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent 
BR3 4TU; email: enquiries@linkgroup.co.uk; telephone within 
the UK: Freephone 0800 029 4520 and from overseas: 
+44 333 300 1568.

Shareholders can register online to view their Compass 
Group PLC shareholding details using the Share Portal, a service 
offered by the registrar, www.signalshares.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 
www.compass-group.com. 

We would encourage all shareholders to receive an email 
notification of when shareholder documents become available 
online as this helps to reduce our impact on the environment. 
By electing to receive shareholder communications in this 
way you will:

•  be able to read and/or download the information at 

your leisure

•  help the Company to save money by reducing the number of 

paper documents we produce and post

•  promote more effective communications with shareholders
•  support our efforts to be environmentally responsible

You can register to receive email communications:  
www.signalshares.com.

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.signalshares.com, by post or email: enquiries@linkgroup.
co.uk) 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.signalshares.com or write to Link 
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 
another 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 2019 Annual Report and 
the Notice of Meeting are available on our website  
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 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 Link Asset Services’ 
global payments service. Details and terms and conditions may 
be viewed at http://ips.linkassetservices.com.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN (DRIP)
A DRIP service is provided by Link Market Services 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 www.compass-group.com, and from Link 
Market Services Trustees Limited; email: shares@linkgroup.co.uk; 
telephone within the UK: Freephone 0800 029 4520 and from 
overseas: +44 333 300 1568.

The latest date for receipt of new applications to participate 
in the DRIP in respect of the 2019 final dividend is  
3 February 2020.

SHARE PRICE INFORMATION
The price of the Company’s shares is available on the 
Company’s website www.compass-group.com. This is supplied 
with a 15 minute delay to real time.

232  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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, Link Asset 
Services. If a letter from Link 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 
which are available from and should be returned to the 
registrar. Alternatively, register online at www.signalshares.com 
using the Share Portal service. If you require further 
information please contact the registrar on changing your 
bank or building society account, inform the registrar of the 
details of the new account and respond to any letters Link 
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
Investment scams are often sophisticated and difficult to spot. 
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.

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.linksharedeal.com or by telephoning within 
the UK: Freephone 0800 029 4520.

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 
www.sharegift.org; telephone within the UK: 020 7930 3737 
and from overseas: +44 20 7930 3737; email: help@sharegift.org, 
or from the registrar.

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
Compass Group PLC operates an American Depositary Receipts 
programme (ADR) which are traded on the over-the-counter 
market under the symbol CMPGY. One ADR represents one 
ordinary Compass share. 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 by 
regular mail: BNY Mellon, PO Box 505000, Louisville,  
KY 40233-5000, USA or by overnight or certified registered 
mail: BNY Mellon, 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, 
KY 40202, USA. Alternatively you can email Computershare at 
shrrelations@cpushareownerservices.com. Further information 
can be found on BNY’s website at www.mybnymdr.com using 
the symbol CMPGY and 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 29 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: 0345 0700 705 
or by email: mps@dma.org.uk. For all other queries, please 
contact the MPS team from within the UK: 020 7291 3310.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  233 

Shareholder InformationSHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

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 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: Freephone 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 – don’t use an advisor from 

the firm that contacted you

•  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/scamsmart, where 
you can find out more about investment scams, or call the FCA Consumer Helpline on: Freephone 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.

FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2020*

16 
Jan
Ex-dividend 
date for 
2019 final 
dividend

17 
Jan
Record 
date for 
2019 final 
dividend

3 
Feb
Last day 
for DRIP 
elections

6 
Feb
Annual  
General 
Meeting

24 
Feb
Payment 
date for 
2019 final 
dividend

13 
May
Half year  
financial 
results

18 
Jun
Ex-dividend 
date for 
2020 interim 
dividend

19 
Jun
Record 
date for 
2020 
interim 
dividend

6 
Jul
Last day 
for DRIP 
elections

27
Jul
Payment 
date for 
2020 
interim  
dividend 

24 
Nov
Full year  
financial 
results

 * At the date of disclosure

234  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Notice of Annual General Meeting

External auditor’s reappointment and remuneration
15.  To reappoint KPMG LLP as the Company’s auditor until 

the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of 
the Company.

16.  To authorise the Audit Committee to agree the auditor’s 

remuneration.
Political donations
17.  To authorise the Company and any company which is, or 

becomes, a subsidiary of the Company during the period to 
which this Resolution relates, to:
17.1  make donations to political parties or independent 

election candidates;

17.2  make donations to political organisations other than 

17.3 

political parties; and
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 17 which are defined in 
Part 14 of the Companies Act 2006 shall bear the same 
meaning for the purposes of this Resolution.

Payment of fees to non-executive directors
18.  To approve, in accordance with section 226B(1)(b) of the 
Companies Act 2006, an amendment to the operation 
of the Company's Remuneration Policy approved at the 
Company's Annual General Meeting on 8 February 2018 
to replace the annual cap of £125,000 on the total fees 
payable to each non-executive director of the Company 
with the aggregate cap on directors' fees specified in 
the Company's articles of association as approved by 
shareholders from time to time. 

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 advisor 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 
person who arranged the sale or transfer so that they 
can pass these documents to the person who now holds 
the shares.

Notice is hereby given that the nineteenth Annual General 
Meeting of Compass Group PLC (the Company) will be held at 
10.30am on Thursday 6 February 2020 in the Live Room at 
Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, 
200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW2 7BA (the 
Meeting) (the AGM) 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.

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS
Annual Report and Accounts
1.  To receive and adopt the Directors’ Annual Report and 

Accounts and the Auditor’s Report thereon for the financial 
year ended 30 September 2019.

Directors’ Remuneration Report 
2.  To receive and adopt the Directors’ Remuneration Report 

for the financial year ended 30 September 2019.

Final dividend
3.  To declare a final dividend of 26.9 pence per ordinary share 
in respect of the financial year ended 30 September 2019. 

Election and re-election of directors
4.  To elect Karen Witts as a director of the Company.
5.  To re-elect Dominic Blakemore as a director of 

the Company.

6.  To re-elect Gary Green as a director of the Company.
7.  To re-elect Carol Arrowsmith as a director of the Company.
8.  To re-elect John Bason as a director of the Company.
9.  To re-elect Stefan Bomhard as a director of the Company.
10.  To re-elect John Bryant as a director of the Company.
11.  To re-elect Anne-Francoise Nesmes 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.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  235 

Shareholder InformationNOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (CONTINUED)

Directors’ authority to allot shares
19. 19.1  To renew the power conferred on the directors by 

article 12 of the Company’s articles of association for 
a period expiring at the end of the next Annual General 
Meeting of the Company after the date on which this 
Resolution is passed or, if earlier, at close of business 
on 5 May 2021; and for that period the section 551 
amount shall be £58,432,400.

19.2  In addition, the section 551 amount shall be increased 
by £58,432,400 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 to holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as 
nearly as may be practicable) to their existing 
holdings; and

19.2.2 to holders of other equity securities as required 
by the rights of those securities or as the 
directors otherwise consider necessary,
and that the directors may impose any limits or 
restrictions and make any arrangements which they 
consider necessary to deal with fractional 
entitlements, legal or practical problems under the 
laws of, or the requirements of, any relevant regulatory 
body or stock exchange, any territory, or any matter 
whatsoever.

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS
Disapplication of pre-emption rights
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, 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 £8,764,971 being not more 
than 5% of the issued ordinary share capital 
(excluding treasury shares) of the Company as at 
25 November 2019, 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 5 May 2021, 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 directors 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 
£8,764,971 being not more than 5% of the issued 
ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) of 
the Company as at 25 November 2019, 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 directors 
determine 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, at close of 
business on 5 May 2021, 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 directors may allot equity securities (and 
sell treasury shares) under any such offer or agreement as if 
the authority had not expired.

Purchase of own shares
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 111⁄20 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 158,642,000;
22.2  the minimum price (excluding expenses) which may 
be paid for each ordinary share is 111⁄20 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

236  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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 close of business on 5 August 2021, 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).

Notice of meetings other than Annual General Meetings
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

Alison Yapp
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

16 December 2019

Registered Office: 
Compass House 
Guildford Street 
Chertsey 
Surrey KT16 9BQ 
Registered in England and Wales No. 4083914

EXPLANATORY NOTES TO THE RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION 1 – ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
The directors are required to present to the AGM the audited 
Accounts and the Directors’ and Auditor’s Reports for the 
financial year ended 30 September 2019.

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 98–121 of the 2019 Annual Report and 
Accounts. The vote is advisory.

RESOLUTION 3 – FINAL DIVIDEND
The final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2019 will 
be paid on 24 February 2020 to shareholders on the register at 
the close of business on 17 January 2020, subject to 
shareholder approval.

RESOLUTIONS 4 TO 14 – ELECTION AND RE-ELECTION 
OF DIRECTORS
Biographical details of all the directors standing for election 
and re-election appear on pages 70 and 71 of the 2019 
Annual Report.

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 2016 (the Code), all the directors will submit 
themselves for annual re-election by shareholders.

Having conducted an evaluation during the year, it is the view of 
the Chairman that the performance of each of the directors 
continues to be effective and each director demonstrates 
commitment to the role and has sufficient time to meet his or 
her commitment to the Company.

RESOLUTIONS 15 AND 16 – EXTERNAL AUDITOR’S 
REAPPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION
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 best recommended practice for the Audit Committee 
to be authorised to agree how much the auditor should be paid 
and Resolution 16 grants this authority to the Audit Committee.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  237 

Shareholder InformationNOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (CONTINUED)

RESOLUTION 17 – POLITICAL DONATIONS
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 2021 (2021 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 18 – PAYMENT OF FEES TO  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
At our 2019 AGM, we received shareholder approval to pay the 
full fee to each non-executive director in respect of each 
non-executive role they perform for the Company without regard 
to the annual cap of £125,000 as set out in the Company’s 
Remuneration Policy. The Company has reviewed this element 
of how we operate our Remuneration Policy following changes to 
the remuneration policy and reporting requirements which came 
into force on 10 June 2019. As a result of that review, the 
Company concluded that it would be more appropriate to set the 
cap on directors’ fees by reference to the aggregate cap in the 
Company’s articles of association which was approved by 
shareholders in 2017 of £2,250,000. 

This allows the Company to allocate appropriately compensated 
duties to individual directors as required whilst retaining current 
limits on the total non-executive director fees payable. 

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 £58,432,400. 
This represents 528,800,000 ordinary shares of 111⁄20 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 25 November 2019 (being the last 
practicable date prior to the publication of this Notice). The 
Company currently holds 3,301,961 shares in treasury. The 
authority would, unless previously renewed, revoked or varied by 
shareholders, remain in force up to the conclusion of the 2021 
AGM of the Company or close of business on 5 May 2021, 
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 
£58,432,400 (representing 528,800,000 ordinary shares of 
111⁄20 pence each). Such additional authority will be valid until 
the conclusion of the 2021 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  
25 November 2019, 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.

238  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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.

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) in 2015. 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 7 
February 2019 Annual General Meeting (2019 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 (excluding 
treasury shares) 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 £8,764,971.

The Pre-Emption Group further provides that the Company may, 
as 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 and in addition to the 
authority granted by Resolution 20, Resolution 21 seeks to 
replace the authority conferred on the directors at the 2019 
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 (excluding 
treasury shares) 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, of other 
similar issue, the authority contained in this Resolution 21 would 
be limited to a maximum nominal amount of £8,764,971.

Together, Resolutions 20 and 21 represent 158,642,000 
ordinary shares of 111⁄20 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 25 November 2019 (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 2021 or 
close of business on 5 May 2021, if earlier.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  239 

Shareholder InformationNOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (CONTINUED)

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 directors confirm their intention to follow best 
practice set out in the Principles which provides that usage of 
this authority in excess of 7.5% of the Company’s issued share 
capital in a rolling three year period would not take place without 
prior consultation with shareholders.

RESOLUTION 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 158,642,000 shares (just under 10% 
of the issued ordinary share capital as at 25 November 2019, 
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 satisfying the Company’s 
obligations in connection with 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.

No share repurchases were made during the financial year 
ended 30 September 2019 or to the date of this Notice. 
However, the directors consider it desirable for such general 
authority to be available in order to maintain an efficient capital 
structure whilst at the same time retaining the flexibility to fund 
any bolt-on acquisitions.

As at 25 November 2019 (being the last practicable date prior to 
the publication of this Notice), there were 1,589,736,625 111⁄20 
pence ordinary shares in issue and 3,301,961 111⁄20 pence 
ordinary shares held in treasury for the purpose of satisfying the 
Company’s obligations under employee equity incentive 
schemes. These treasury shares represent 0.20% of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital. Shares held in treasury 
are not eligible to participate in dividends and do not carry any 
voting rights.

As at 25 November 2019 (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 6,877,673 shares, which represent 0.43% 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 0.48% of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital 
(excluding treasury shares).

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 Section 307A of the CA 2006, 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 CA 2006. 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.

240  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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 
10.30am on Tuesday 4 February 2020.

Please note, however, that proxy messages cannot be 
sent through CREST on weekends, public holidays or 
after 8.00pm on any other day. For the purpose of this 
deadline, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time 
(as determined by the timestamp applied to the message 
by the CREST Applications Host) from which the issuer’s 
agent is able to retrieve the message. CREST personal 
members or other CREST sponsored members and those 
CREST members that have appointed voting service 
provider(s) should contact their CREST sponsor or 
voting service provider(s) for assistance with appointing 
proxies via CREST.

For further information on CREST procedures, limitations 
and system timings, please refer to the CREST manual. We 
may treat as invalid a proxy appointment sent by CREST in 
the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the 
Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, as amended.

(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 4 February 2020 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 4 February 
2020 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.

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:

•  going to www.signalshares.com and following the 
instructions for electronic submission provided

•  requesting a paper Form of Proxy from the registrar,  
Link Asset Services, The Registry, 34 Beckenham  
Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU; email:  
enquiries@linkgroup.co.uk; telephone within the  
UK: Freephone 0800 029 4520 and from overseas:  
+44 333 300 1568

•  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

Submission 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 and vote, 
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 this 
Notice of 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 10.30am on 
Tuesday 4 February 2020.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  241 

Shareholder InformationNOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (CONTINUED)

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 905 
ordinary shares each or shareholders holding at least 5% of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital (excluding treasury 
shares) 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.

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, require a minimum of 100 shareholders holding an 
average of 905 ordinary shares each or shareholders holding 
at least 5% of the Company’s issued share capital (excluding 
treasury shares), 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 
25 December 2019, being the date six 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.

242  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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 and this 
Notice 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 AGM for a period of 15 minutes prior to and 
during the continuance of the AGM.

TOTAL VOTING RIGHTS
As at 25 November 2019 (being the last practicable date prior to 
the publication of this Notice), the Company’s issued share 
capital comprised 1,586,434,664 ordinary shares of 111⁄20 
pence each (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 25 November 2019 
were 1,586,434,664 (excluding treasury shares).

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE
The following information is available on the Company’s website 
www.compass-group.com:

(i) 
(ii) 

the matters set out in this Notice of Meeting
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

(iv)  shareholders’ statements, resolutions and matters of 

business received by the Company after 16 December 
2019

ATTENDING THE AGM
If you are coming to the AGM, please bring the Notification 
Letter dated 16 December 2019 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 2019 so that you can refer to them 
at the Meeting. All joint shareholders may attend and speak at 
the AGM. However, only one shareholder is entitled to vote. In 
the case of joint holders of a share, the vote of the senior who 
tenders the vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be 
accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders. 
For this purpose, seniority shall be determined by the order in 
which the names of the holders stand in the register.

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.

THE AGM
The doors of the Live Room at Twickenham RFU Stadium will 
open at 9.00am and the AGM will start promptly at 10.30am. 
Please see the map on page 245 for the location of Twickenham 
RFU Stadium. Car parking is available for shareholders as 
indicated on the map. For more information on how to get to the 
venue, go to http://www.englandrugby.com/twickenham/
visiting-the-stadium/getting-here.

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.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  243 

Shareholder InformationNOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (CONTINUED)

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.

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 indicative 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 displayed at the Meeting and 
the final results published on the Company’s website, the 
London Stock Exchange and on the document storage system, 
Morningstar, as soon as practicable after the Meeting. The 
Company will also disclose the number of votes withheld.

VENUE ARRANGEMENTS
For your personal safety and security, all hand baggage may be 
subject to examination. A cloakroom will be available to deposit 
coats and bulky items.

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 27 January 2020.

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 (including mobile 
phones) is switched off throughout the AGM.

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.

Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be served before 
the Meeting.

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.

244  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

SHAREHOLDER ENQUIRIES
Link Asset Services maintain the Company’s share register. If 
you have any enquiries about the AGM or about your 
shareholding, you should contact Link Asset Services, The 
Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU.

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPT ENQUIRIES
Compass Group PLC operates an American Depositary Receipts 
programme (ADR) which are traded on the over-the-counter 
market under the symbol CMPGY. One ADR represents one 
ordinary Compass share. 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 by 
regular mail: BNY Mellon, PO Box 505000, Louisville,  
KY 40233-5000, USA or by overnight or certified registered 
mail: BNY Mellon, 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, 
KY 40202, USA. Alternatively you can email Computershare at  
shrrelations@cpushareownerservices.com. Further information 
can be found on BNY’s website at www.mybnymdr.com using 
the symbol CMPGY and at www.compass-group.com.

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 2019 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 2019 Annual Report and this Notice are available on the 
Company’s website www.compass-group.com.

WHITTON DENE

MOGDEN LANE

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CAR PARK ENTRANCE

MAIN CAR PARK (PARKING 
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RFU RUGBY STORE

MARRIOTT HOTEL

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Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  245 

Shareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Glossary of Terms

Capital employed

Total equity shareholders' funds 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.

Constant currency

Restates the prior year results to the current year's average exchange rates.

EM & OR restructuring

Emerging Markets and Offshore & Remote restructuring.

Free cash flow

Calculated by adjusting operating profit for non-cash items in profit, cash movements in provisions, 
contract prepayments and costs to obtain client contracts, post employment benefit obligations 
and working capital, cash purchases and proceeds from disposal of non-current assets, net cash 
interest, net cash tax, dividends received from joint ventures and associated undertakings, and 
dividends paid to non-controlling interests.

Free cash flow conversion

Underlying free cash flow expressed as a percentage of underlying operating profit. 

Gross capital expenditure

Includes the purchase of intangible assets, contract fulfilment assets, property, plant and 
equipment and investment in contract prepayments. Assets purchased under finance leases were 
included in gross capital expenditure until 2019.

Like for like revenue growth

Calculated by adjusting organic revenue growth for new business wins and lost business.

Net capital expenditure

Gross capital expenditure less proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, 
intangible assets and cash proceeds from derecognition of contract fulfilment assets and 
contract prepayments.

Net debt

Bank overdrafts, bank and other borrowings, finance leases and derivative financial instruments, 
net of cash and cash equivalents.

Net debt to EBITDA

Net debt divided by underlying EBITDA.

NOPAT

Organic profit

Organic profit growth

Organic revenue

Organic revenue growth

Net operating profit after tax (NOPAT) is 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.

Calculated by adjusting underlying operating profit for acquisitions (excluding current year 
acquisitions and including a full period in respect of prior year acquisitions), sale and closure of 
businesses (excluded from both periods) and exchange rate movements (translating the prior 
period at current year exchange rates).

Calculated by adjusting underlying operating profit for acquisitions (excluding current year 
acquisitions and including a full period in respect of prior year acquisitions), sale and closure of 
businesses (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 prior year’s 
underlying operating profit.

Calculated by adjusting underlying revenue for acquisitions (excluding current year acquisitions 
and including a full period in respect of prior year acquisitions), sale and closure of businesses 
(excluded from both periods) and exchange rate movements (translating the prior period at current 
year exchange rates).

Calculated by adjusting underlying revenue for acquisitions (excluding current year acquisitions 
and including a full period in respect of prior year acquisitions), sale and closure of businesses 
(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 prior year’s underlying revenue.

ROCE

Return on capital employed (ROCE) divides NOPAT by the 12 month average capital employed.

Specific adjusting items

acquisition related costs
one-off pension charge
cost action programme charge
share of profit of joint ventures and associates held for sale
tax on share of profit of joint ventures
gain/(loss) on sale and closure of businesses
other financing items including hedge accounting ineffectiveness and change in the fair value 
of investments

246  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

Underlying basic earnings 
per share

Excludes specific adjusting items and the tax attributable to those items.

Underlying cash tax rate

Based on underlying cash tax and underlying profit before tax.

Underlying depreciation 
and amortisation

Underlying EBITDA

Excludes specific adjusting items.

Based on underlying operating profit, adding back underlying depreciation and amortisation of 
intangible assets and contract prepayments.

Underlying effective tax rate Based on underlying tax charge and underlying profit before tax.

Underlying free cash flow

Free cash flow adjusted for costs in the year relating to the 2019 cost action programme.

Underlying net finance cost

Excludes specific adjusting items.

Underlying operating 
margin – Group

Underlying operating 
margin – Region

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.

Underlying operating profit 
– Group

Includes share of profit after tax of associates and profit before tax of joint ventures but excludes 
the specific adjusting items. 

Underlying operating profit 
– Region

Includes share of profit before tax of joint ventures but excludes the specific adjusting items, profit 
after tax of associates and EM & OR restructuring.

Underlying profit before tax

Excludes specific adjusting items.

Underlying revenue

The combined sales of Group and share of joint ventures.

Underlying tax charge

Excludes tax attributable to specific adjusting items.

Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019  247 

Glossary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 paper certified  
in accordance with the FSC®  
(Forest Stewardship Council®)  
and is recyclable and acid-free.

Pureprint Ltd is FSC certified and ISO 14001 
certified showing that it is committed to all round 
excellence and improving environmental 
performance is an important part of this strategy.

Pureprint Ltd aims to reduce at source the effect 
its operations have on the environment and is 
committed to continual improvement, prevention 
of pollution and compliance with any legislation 
or industry standards.

Pureprint Ltd is a Carbon / Neutral®  
Printing Company.

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 
www.blacksunplc.com

248  Compass Group PLC   Annual Report 2019

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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

Find this Report online at 
www.compass-group.com