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2008 Highlights

This year we have continued to deliver good quality organic revenue growth of 5.9%; our focus on like for like growth, cost efficiencies and new business has increased underlying operating profits by £133 million, up 19% on a constant currency basis, and underlying operating margin by 70 basis points. An increase of £163 million in free cash flow delivery demonstrates another year of progressive improvement.

The main drivers of the operating profit growth this year, excluding the impact of acquisitions and disposals, have been:

• £28 million from net new business achieved through good quality new business and retention
• £57 million from our existing base estate through like for like revenue growth and cost efficiencies
• £6 million of above unit overhead savings

Revenues

5.9% organic revenue growth on a constant currency basis

Underlying operating profit

A 19% increase in underlying operating profit on a constant currency basis

Underlying operating margin

A 70 basis point increase in underlying margin

Underlying basic earnings per share

A 45% increase in underlying basic earnings per share

Dividends per share

An 11% increase in the total dividend per ordinary share

Free cash flow

A 46% increase in free cash flow

Return on capital employed

A 240 basis point increase in return on capital employed

1

Constant currency restates the prior year results to 2008’s average exchange rates.

2

Total underlying operating profit includes share of profit of associates but excludes the amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition.

3

Operating profit by region excludes share of profit of associates and the amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition.

4

Underlying operating margin is based on revenue and operating profit excluding share of profit of associates and the amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition.

5

Underlying basic earnings per share excludes the amortisation of intangibles arising on acquisition, hedge accounting ineffectiveness and the change in the fair value of minority interest put options and the tax attributable to these amounts.

6

Organic growth is calculated by adjusting for acquisitions (excluding current year acquisitions and including a full year in respect of prior year acquisitions), disposals (excluded from both periods) and exchange rate movements (translating the prior year at current year exchange rates) and compares the current year results against the prior year.

7

Return on capital employed is calculated using data from the Group’s financial statements which are published under International Financial Reporting Standards.

8

The data shown in the Chief Executive’s statement and Our sectors is for the continuing business only.

Forward looking statements

This Report contains forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and actual results and events could differ materially from those currently being anticipated as reflected in such forward looking statements. The terms ‘expect’, ‘should be’, ‘will be’, ‘is likely to’ and similar expressions identify forward looking statements. Factors which may cause future outcomes to differ from those foreseen in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions and business conditions in Compass Group’s markets; exchange rate fluctuations; customers’ and clients’ acceptance of its products and services; the actions of competitors; and legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments.