On April 10, 2006, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services 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. 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. Compass will sell Select Service Partner, U.S. division Creative Host Services, and 90% of the Inflight catering
