Press Release

e-gatematrix and Compass Group PLC Enter Strategic Global Alliance

May 1, 2003 - e-gatematrix, a division of Gate Gourmet, and Compass Group PLC announce that they have entered into a strategic global alliance -- bringing together a combined global procurement volume of more than USD 6 billion.

The alliance opens up new markets, suppliers and product ideas to e-gatematrix, Gate Gourmet's procurement and supply chain management arm. e-gatematrix is the leading supplier of technology systems and management services to the airline industry. Their product is geared to the management of inflight passenger services.

Compass Group, the world's largest food-services company, gains additional volume aggregation to enhance purchasing efficiency, access to alternative supply chain management solutions, complimentary technology systems and the ability to improve synergies throughout both companies' portfolios.

Henning Boysen, President and CEO of Gate Gourmet, stated, "This agreement clearly brings e-gatematrix into a global leadership role for sourcing and pro-curement. Our customers, strategic partners and suppliers will all benefit from the increased efficiencies this partnership with Compass will provide."

The alliance will initially focus on North America and Europe, expanding in the future to cover global procurement for both companies. Compass and e-gatematrix will collaborate on procurement, information technology, distribu-tion and customer acquisition.

About Gate Gourmet

Gate Gourmet is a leading airline catering company with headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. Its turnover in 2001 amounted to CHF 3.2 billion. With the world's most important airlines as its customers, Gate Gourmet produces over 208 million meals per year and employs a staff of about 25,000 in its 140 flight kitchens. The international enterprise is active in 31 countries on all continents.

About e-gatematrix

e-gatematrix improves the day-to-day operational details of an airline's inflight supply chain. The company's leading-edge technology systems and management services leverage efficiencies and cost savings while enhancing the passenger experience. Communication is facilitated by InFlight ExchangeTM, which was created by e-gatematrix to be the industry's first centralized, web-based communications platform for airlines and their inflight supply chain. e-gatematrix is a division of Gate Gourmet and has offices in Zurich, Mexico City, Johannesburg and Auckland in addition to its global headquarters in Atlanta.

About Compass

Compass Group is the world's largest foodservice company with annual foodservice revenues in excess of GBP10billion. Compass Group has over 375,000 employees work-ing in more than 90 countries around the world providing foodservice and vending. For more information visit www.compass-group.com. Compass Group, North America had fiscal year 2002 revenues of over US$5 billion and employs 116,000 associates.

Further Information:

on e-gatematrix:

Shawn Rouse, e-gatematrix, Atlanta, Georgia
www.e-gatematrix.com
press@e-gatematrix.com
phone +1 404 765 79 08

on Gate Gourmet:

Connie Voigt, Director Corporate Communications
Gate Gourmet International, Head Offices Zurich
Media Line: +41 43 812 7117
communications@gategourmet.com