Compass is demanding that bidders for its transport catering business SSP must source all their supplies from Servita, the company's centralised food-buying operation, for the next five years.
SSP, which includes roadside service areas as well as food and drink outlets at rail stations and airports, is expected to change hands for up to £1.4bn.
But bidders are concerned about Compass's demand, pointing out that buying food is the main cost of the business.
They are also worried about Compass's practice of getting suppliers to pay "rebates" in order to secure contracts.
The Sunday Telegraph 22/01/06 (Business) page 1
