Sodexho USA Named Among Top Companies for Asian Americans in 2005

GAITHERSBURG, MD, May 17, 2005 -- Sodexho USA, the nation's leading provider of food and facilities management services, announced today it has been named one of Asian Enterprise Magazine's Top Ten Companies for Asian Americans in 2005.

“Sodexho takes pride in knowing that our initiatives to enhance individual and professional growth of all of our employees and our strong support of diverse suppliers and vendors have been recognized by Asian Enterprise Magazine,” said Rohini Anand, Ph.D., senior vice president and Chief Diversity Officer for Sodexho. “These initiatives are part of Sodexho's core values that embrace diversity and inclusiveness and are essential to our success.”

According to Asian Enterprise Magazine, Sodexho's selection was based on its successful outreach efforts in the area of minority business development and commitment to advancing the spirit of equality and diversity in programs and initiatives. Sodexho was also selected for offering substantial resources and opportunities for Asian Pacific American business owners and employees.

In 2004, Sodexho's Chief Executive Officer, Michel Landel, was the recipient of Asian Enterprise Magazine's CEO Advocate of the Year Award for his ongoing focus and commitment to creating diversity in the workplace and support of supplier diversity.

Sodexho USA continues to receive wide recognition for creating a corporate culture that values diversity among its employees, clients, vendors and suppliers. Sodexho was recently named one of DiversityInc's Top Ten Companies for Supplier Diversity for 2005 and one of DiversityInc's Top Ten Companies for People with Disabilities. Sodexho has been named to HISPANIC Magazine's 2005 Corporate 100 List of companies that provide significant career opportunities for Hispanics and also ranked among the Top 100 Employers for the Class of 2005 by Black Collegian Magazine.

Sodexho USA (www.sodexhoUSA.com) is the leading provider of food and facilities management in the United States, with $6 billion in annual revenue and 110,000+ employees. Sodexho USA offers innovative outsourcing solutions in food service, housekeeping, grounds keeping, plant operations and maintenance, asset management, and laundry services to more than 6,000 corporations, health care, long term care and retirement centers, schools, college campuses, military and remote sites in North America. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, Sodexho USA proudly serves as the official food service provider for the US Marine Corps.