This is our heritage
Modern Compass history started in 1941 with a man called Jack Bateman, who had a vision and a belief that great food, great service and great experience have the power to not only improve how businesses run, but to transform anyone’s day.
While the decades rolled on and our company transformed a number of times, that belief still holds true for us today.
But the real story of Compass Group and its illustrious forebears started well over a century ago…
Wagons-Lits
Being highly impressed by his experience on the Pullman night trains during a visit to the United States, young Belgian Georges Nagelmaekers established the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et des Grands Express Européens, with a vision to provide luxury sleeper and dining services on international trains throughout Europe. Visions of the Orient Express, the Sud Express and Le Train Bleu come to mind.
Factory Canteens and the war
In 1941, with the world at war, food rations tight and circumstances poor, Jack Bateman happens upon the idea that – like the soldiers they are supporting – factory workers also need to be fed well. Enter Factory Canteens Ltd, and a new era of communal dining, focused on providing tasty, well-cooked food that improves the health and wellbeing of British workers.
Grand Met Catering Services
In 1967 Factory Canteens (renamed Bateman Catering, meanwhile) and Midland Catering are taken over by food conglomerate Grand Metropolitan (now known as Diageo) and are re-established as Grand Met Catering Services.
Eurest
Nestlé and Wagons-Lits join forces to create and launch Eurest SA, soon to be expanded to Eurest International.
Eurest in Belgium
Eurest is launched in Belgium as a subsidiary of Eurest International.
Eurest changes hands
Wagons-Lits acquires the full 100% of Eurest International shares and thus becomes its sole owner
GrandMet transforms
Grand Met Catering Services becomes Compass Contract Services
The Buy-out
Compass Group is subject to a management buy-out, securing its independence from Grand Metropolitan.
Stocks up!
Compass Group is floated on the London Stock Exchange.
Eurest becomes Compass
Eurest International is acquired by Compass Group PLC
Top Employer
Compass Group Belgium becomes certified Top Employer
Gourmet Invent
Compass Group Belgium acquires 100% of top event caterer Gourmet Invent
Xandrion launch
Compass Group Belgium launches a new purchase platform for food services entrepreneurs, called Xandrion.
Top Employer again
For the second year running, Compass Group Belgium is certified Top Employer
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