HMSHost Awarded Food and Beverage Extension at Christchurch International Airport.

Business Editors

BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2003

HMSHost Corporation, one of the world's largest providers of food, beverage and retail concessions to the travel industry, has been awarded a three-year extension on its food & beverage contract at Christchurch

HMSHost has served the passengers of Christchurch since 1991 within its family of "Downunder" airports, which includes Auckland, NZ and Melbourne and Cairns, Australia. As part of the agreement, HMSHost will refurbish several concepts.

"HMSHost would like to thank Christchurch International Airport for the opportunity to continue serving this important gateway," said John J. McCarthy, HMSHost President and CEO. "The staff, community, and operating environment are both first-rate. We look forward to much success in the future."

About HMSHost

HMSHost, formerly known as Host Marriott Services, is world-renowned for creating innovative concession plans in travel venues. HMSHost has revenues of $1.7 billion and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Autogrill S.p.A. Together, HMSHost and the rest of the Autogrill Group are recognized leaders in retail, food and beverage concessions serving people on the move.

With operations in nineteen countries around the globe, the combined Company has annual revenues of over $3.0 billion.