Sodexo Named as One of “WORLD’S MOST ETHICAL COMPANIES”

Business Wire, April 30, 2009

Ethisphere Magazine Recognizes Sodexo for “Real and Sustained Ethical Leadership”

PARIS -- Regulatory News:

Sodexo (PARIS:SW) (OTCBB:SDXAY) announced that it has been named one of the 2009 World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute. The quality of life solutions company with a core business of Food and Facilities Management services and one of the world’s leading employers, was recognized for going beyond legal minimums, implementing innovative programs that benefit its 50 million global customers and the general public, and setting a high standard for its industry peers, business partners and suppliers in terms of ethical leadership.

“Ethical business practices are deeply rooted in Sodexo’s corporate culture,” said Michel Landel Group CEO Sodexo, adding, “Recognition as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies is a great honor that reflects the ongoing efforts of our 355,000 employees around the world to ensure that we live up to our ethical standards and values.”

This is the third year Ethisphere, a think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability, has published the WME rankings, which appear in Ethisphere Magazine’s Q1 issue.

Through a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process, Ethisphere’s researchers and analysts reviewed more than 10,000 companies in order to determine the finalists.

“Sodexo has proven to be one of the world leaders in upholding high ethical standards, making it a true standout in its industry, especially as unethical business actions and decisions grab headlines each day,” said Alex Brigham, Executive Director of the Ethisphere Institute. “The competition for this year’s World’s Most Ethical Companies was very strong and we applaud Sodexo for rising to the top. Sodexo recognizes that being ethical is not only the right thing to do, it is also good business practice and leads to more successful and profitable operations.”

The methodology for the WME ranking includes reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and working with consumer action groups for feedback. The 2009 World’s Most Ethical Companies methodology committee, comprised of leading attorneys, government officials, professors and organization leaders, were consulted early on in the 2009 WME process and had the opportunity to review and comment on the methodology used to rate this year’s nominees. Ethisphere researchers further analyze information provided by the companies through questionnaires.

To view the complete list of the 2009 World’s Most Ethical Companies, please visit www.ethisphere.org/wme2009.

About Ethisphere Institute

The research-based Ethisphere Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. The Institute’s associated membership group, the Ethisphere Council, is a forum for business ethics that includes more than 200 leading corporations, universities and institutions. The Ethisphere Council is dedicated to the development and advancement of individuals on its membership council through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities. Ethisphere Magazine, which publishes the globally recognized World’s Most Ethical Companies Ranking™, is the quarterly publication of the Institute. More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership, can be found at http://www.ethisphere.org.

About Sodexo

SODEXO, founded in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, a world leader in Food and Facilities Management services, with more than 355,000 employees on 30,600 sites in 80 countries, as of August 31, 2008. For Fiscal 2008, which closed August 31, 2008, SODEXO had revenues of 13.6 billion euro. Listed on Euronext Paris, the Group has a current market capitalization of 5,8 billion euro.