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U.K. caterer Compass Group plc on Friday took the leading position in the Italian sector by acquiring Onama SpA for Euro 127 million ($124.3 million). Compass is taking 60% of Onama, which posted 2001 of Euro 446 million through 600 outlets. Compass, which said the transaction should close by year's end, recently put the brakes on a protracted buying spree amid investor concern about its return on capital. The company reiterated Friday that it won't spend more than pounds 200 million ($312 million) this year and said Onama will be the most significant purchase. The group, advised by Schroder Salomon Smith Barney, is auctioning its Travelodge hotels and Little Chef motorway restaurants. --Laura Board www.TheDeal.com