A round-up of the weekend's news affecting the hospitality industry...
200 top management redundancies at Compass
Compass Group has made 200 of its top management redundant as part of the £50m cost-cutting programme announced in May. The redundancies, the most senior of whom is Clive Grundy, human resources director for 20 years, represent a significant slice of the UK management. – The Times, 29 October
Takeover bid for Compass may come soon
Compass, the troubled catering group, faces the prospect of receiving a takeover bid before it has found a new chief executive and before its chairman-elect takes up his post. Bankers say that a number of private equity houses are preparing offers.The Sunday Telegraph has learned that Texas Pacific Group, one of the world's largest and most successful private equity players, has joined the list of those working on a possible offer. – Sunday Telegraph, 30 October
Mackay widens Compass financial probe
Compass Group has widened its investigation into claims that it obtained details of rival bids for a multi-million-pound United Nations contract. Compass chairman Francis Mackay has asked the City law firm brought in to investigate the allegations to look at other deals negotiated by the executives at the centre of the probe, although there is no suggestion of widespread wrongdoing. – Sunday Times, 30 October
De Vere to go after Initial conference business
De Vere is understood to be among the final bidders in the £300m-plus auction of Rentokil Initial’s conference business. The company, which declined to comment, is expected to team up with a property investment firm ready to take on the property assets, while De Vere would manage the conference centres. – The Times, 29 October
Rocco Forte hits out at “carbuncle” railway station plans
Sir Rocco Forte last night attacked plans for a new station entrance to be built next to his flagship Scottish hotel, describing the design as a "carbuncle" and an "eyesore". Speaking at the Balmoral Hotel, Sir Rocco said he was angry and upset over Network Rail's attempts to replace the famous Waverley Steps with escalators and a glass lift. – The Scotsman, 29 October
Leeds café voted best in Britain
The Lakeside, in Roundhay Park, Leeds, has been awarded the UK's Best Beverage Experience 2005 award. It was visited unannounced by a panel of judges based on recommendations from suppliers and customers who wrote to the Beverage Service Association praising the café for its excellent coffee. – Yorkshire Post, 29 October
Gordon Ramsay rejected by university students
Gordon Ramsay has been rejected as rector of St Andrews University after students elected a retired environmentalist to the prestigious role in his place. Ramsay, who was widely expected to be chosen for the role, lost out to Simon Pepper, former director of the World Wildlife Foundation, by 850 votes to 637. – The Scotsman, 29 October
Former PizzaExpress boss may bid for Whitbread clubs
Former PizzaExpress chief executive David Page and his business partner Paul Campbell are looking at making an approach for UK health-club business Esporta through Clerkenwell Ventures, their listed investment vehicle. Clerkenwell is also looking at two other UK health-club chains. These are Whitbread’s David Lloyd Leisure health clubs, worth about £600m, according to analysts, and a private health club, believed to be Next Generation. – The Businesss, 30 October