Compass Group, the world's largest catering company, has reported a 37% rise in profits.

The British group earned �126m ($183m; 200m euros) in the six months between October and March.

The rise is largely due to having secured a clutch of catering contracts that include the BBC, the European Parliament in Strasbourg, IBM Canada and ChevronTexaco.

Its roadside business was also a strong performer, with the Little Chef and Travelodge chains enjoying a 6% rise in sales.

"We are the clear market leader and we continue to gain market share," the group's chairman Francis Mackay said.

Compass Group has more than 270,000 employees working in 90 countries and also owns brands such as Upper Crust and Caffe Ritazza.

It was demerged from Granada last year, and has been expanding aggressively through overseas acquisitions in recent months.