Compass Group Share Price (CPG) - Buy CPG Shares

Compass Group are a holding company for a variety of catering and food service businesses. As a whole, the group represents the largest food service organisation in the world. The company was formerly part of Grand Metropolitan but was split off in the late 1980s with a management buy out. As a member of the FTSE 100 index, its share price is a factor in judging the relative strength of the UK economy. The company currently operates through seven core markets: Business & Industry, Education, Healthcare & Seniors, Sports & Leisure, Fine Dining and Defence, Offshore & Remote Sites.The group has trimmed its portfolio in recent years to focus on food supply markets and previously owned brands such as Forte Hotels and Travelodge.

The company operates in over fifty countries worldwide, supplying food to a range of clients, including hospitals, airlines, care homes, the United Nations, and governments for hospitals, prisons and the military. The company also has a significant interest in the vending market, with a dedicated division, although this has decreased in recent years with the sale of Selecta in 2007.

As well as food services, the company operates some leading brands in eat in and take away consumer food markets. These include Caffè Ritazza, Upper Crust, and the Harry Ramsden chain. In the year ending 30th September 2008 the company posted annual revenue of £11 billion. The company estimates the food service market to be worth approximately £150 billion with less than half currently outsourced leaving significant room for growth.