Compass Group revenues rise 9.2% in Q1

Compass Group has revealed that its revenues rose by 9.2% in the first quarter ended 31 December 2024, as all of the global caterer’s regions and sectors performed well. 

Organic growth drivers were also in line with the group’s expectations, with net new business supported by “strong” client retention, and pricing and volumes trending as anticipated. 

The global catering group has spent around $1bn (£800m) on M&A for the year to date, with the majority relating to Dupont Restauration in France and 4Service in Norway which completed in January 2025, alongside the disposals of its operations in Chile and Kazakhstan.

However, if current spot rates were to continue for the remainder of the year, foreign exchange translation would negatively impact 2024 revenues by $558m (£447m) and operating profits by $36m (£28.8m). 

That said, Compass Group’s 2025 guidance remains unchanged, as it expects to deliver high single digit underlying operating profit growth with organic revenues growth above 7.5% and ongoing margin progression.  

The group wrote in its update: “We are pleased with the strong start to the year. The group delivered good growth across all regions and sectors, supported by continued strong client retention. 

“We are an even more focused business and are leveraging investments in capex and M&A to support future growth, as we maintain our strong track record of delivering long-term, compounding shareholder returns.”