PARIS (Standard&Poor's) April 10, 2006--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it affirmed its 'BBB+' long-term corporate credit rating on U.K.-based catering services leader Compass Group PLC. The outlook is stable. "The affirmation follows confirmation from the group that it will sell its travel concession business, with an expected completion date in June 2006," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Hélène Magny. The rating reflects Compass' leading positions in the food service market, as well as the predictability and relative stability of its cash flow. These positive characteristics are partially offset by the competitive nature of the industry, the group's significant underperformance in its key U.K. market, and increasing pressure for higher shareholder returns. We expect the
