Compass sales soar

STRONG performance in North America propelled sales at catering giant Compass Group.

In its first- quarter update, the FTSE 100 firm said revenue was up 5.9pc overall, while North America revenue climbed 8.2pc and Europe, where sales were better than expected, rose 2.1pc. Revenue for the rest of the world was up 4pc.

It was the first major update by Compass, which provides food to offices, armed forces and schools, since chief executive Richard Cousins died in a plane crash in Australia on new year’s eve.

Shares were up 5.3pc, or 76.5p, to 1513.5p.