New Flair and Ready to Wear at SFO: HMSHost Awarded New Retail Concession Contract

Business Wire, Nov 7, 2007

International Apparel Chain Makes Airport Debut

BETHESDA, Md. -- HMSHost, the global company that has developed and managed concessions at San Francisco International Airport for more than 50 years, is bringing to SFO the latest in newsstand technology and the first US airport outpost of an international apparel brand, as part of a 5-year contract awarded by the SFO Airport Commission. Most of the new stores will be open in January 2008.

HMSHost, a world leader in travel shopping and dining, presented a portfolio of new concepts and favored international and local brands for four spaces at United Airline's Terminal 3, the most heavily trafficked terminal at SFO: MNG by Mango women's apparel; Golden Gate News Connection; Starbucks Coffee; and two SFO News Express locations.

"As SFO and HMSHost have evolved during the last 50 years, so has our relationship," said John L. Martin, director, San Francisco International Airport. "We are pleased that we continue to work together with HMSHost to create the best airport experience possible for Bay Area travelers."

The company is investing $1.61 million as part of its capital improvement budget for construction in Terminal 3. Golden Gate News Connection and MNG by Mango will be located in the United Departures Area; one SFO News Express will be located on the United Ticketing Level. Starbucks Coffee and the other SFO News Express will be adjacent to each other on the Arrivals Level.

"We are committed to helping SFO exceed its objectives for its concession program," said Patrick Banducci, Senior Vice President, Business Development for HMSHost. "Our current retail shops and restaurants are driving some of the highest revenue per square foot at SFO today. These new concessions in Terminal 3 will complement and enhance SFO's program while returning almost $11 million in rent to the airport."

MNG by Mango at SFO will be the first airport outpost of the international apparel brand in the United States. MNG by Mango is "fast fashion" that offers innovative and chic apparel and accessories at affordable prices for today's modern woman. Based in Barcelona, MNG by Mango operates more than 1,000 stores in 85 countries, with shops in Paris, London, Vienna and San Francisco's Union Square and San Francisco Centre, as well as numerous European airport locations.

In addition to an array of periodicals and convenience items, Golden Gate News Connection will offer - exclusive to HMSHost - "shops-within-shops" including Brookstone travel accessories, A. G. Ferrari gourmet foods, a San Francisco Grape wine selection and a historical information section from the San Francisco Chronicle.

SFO News Express is a focused newsstand concept for pre-security customers that will carry an extensive selection of local and regional titles. The Starbucks Coffee "cafe" will complement SFO News Express, with its signature coffee drinks, teas and "grab and go" food items.

About HMSHost

HMSHost is world-renowned for creating customized shopping and dining spaces in travel venues. The innovative company operates in more than 100 airport locations around the globe, including 19 of the 20 busiest airports in North America. HMSHost has annual sales in excess of $2.3 billion and employs more than 28,000 associates worldwide.

A part of Autogrill S.p.A, HMSHost and the rest of the Autogrill Group are recognized leaders in travel amenities. With sales exceeding EU3.9 billion, Autogrill is present in 33 countries with more than 4,800 points of sale in more than 1,050 locations (including 163 airports and 689 motorways) where 51,000 employees serve over 840 million customers every year. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information.