Exhibit 99.1

NEWS

RELEASE

Media Relations:	Investor Relations:
ARAMARK Corporation	ARAMARK Corporation
Michelle Davidson, 215-238-3523	Gary Sender, 215-238-3361
Davidson-michelle@aramark.com	Sender-gary@aramark.com

ARAMARK REPORTS GROWTH IN SALES AND EARNINGS

FOR SECOND QUARTER FISCAL 2004

Sales rise 12 percent, diluted earnings per share up 26 percent

PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 12, 2004 – ARAMARK Corporation (NYSE:RMK), a world leader in managed services, today reported sales of $2.5 billion for its second quarter ended April 2, 2004, a 12 percent increase compared with the second quarter of 2003. Organic sales growth was 7 percent. Income from continuing operations for the quarter rose 23 percent to $46.7 million. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.24, a 26 percent increase over the same period last year.

Year-to-Date Results

For the first half of fiscal 2004, sales increased 10 percent to $5.0 billion, representing organic sales growth of 5 percent. Organic sales growth excludes the impact of acquisitions, divestitures, foreign currency fluctuations, and for the second fiscal quarter, the impact of a calendar shift on ARAMARK’s domestic education businesses in fiscal 2004. Income from continuing operations rose 18 percent to $114.0 million and diluted earnings per share increased 23 percent.

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Chief Executive Officer’s Comments

“We are pleased with our performance for the quarter as well as for the first six months of fiscal 2004. ARAMARK delivered continued improvement in organic sales growth rates across the board in both economically sensitive and non-sensitive business,” said William Leonard, President and Chief Executive Officer of ARAMARK. “This performance demonstrates that our employees remain dedicated to driving our results and executing well on our Mission One growth strategy.”

Food and Support Services

In ARAMARK’s Food and Support Services – U.S. segment, second quarter sales of $1.7 billion were 9 percent higher than the same quarter a year ago, representing organic sales growth of 7 percent. Segment operating income increased 8 percent to $61.1 million.

Sales for the Food and Support Services – International segment rose 34 percent to $475 million compared with the same period last year. The impact of changes in currency translation rates increased reported sales by about 17 percentage points. Organic sales growth for the segment, which was in the high single digits, was strong across the board. Operating income in this segment rose to $23.1 million, a 35 percent increase compared with the prior year. Currency translation contributed about 18 percent.

Uniform and Career Apparel

In ARAMARK’s Uniform Career Apparel – Rental segment, sales of $260 million for the second quarter were up 4 percent compared with the same period last year. Organic sales growth was 3 percent. Operating income of $26.7 million represented a 9 percent increase over the prior year quarter. Higher sales and lower merchandise costs, were somewhat offset by higher energy and labor-related expenses.

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In ARAMARK’s Direct Marketing segment, second quarter sales increased 3 percent to $108.4 million. Both WearGuard and Galls delivered low single-digit organic sales growth. Operating income was $4.9 million, an increase of 4 percent.

Financial Guidance for Third Quarter and Fiscal Year 2004

For the third quarter, ARAMARK expects to record sales of $2.5 billion to $2.6 billion and diluted earnings per share of $0.32 to $0.34 compared to $0.31 in the third quarter of fiscal 2003. The $0.31 diluted earnings per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2003 excludes a net $0.02 per share resulting from a tax settlement ($.04 per share), which was partially offset by a debt extinguishment charge ($.02 per share). Earnings for the third quarter are expected to be affected by one less service week in the Education business due to the previously mentioned calendar shift, increased labor-related expenses and on-going start-up efforts for large, new contracts.

For fiscal year 2004, ARAMARK now expects sales in the range of $9.9 billion to $10.1 billion due to a combination of acquisitions, favorable currency translation and improved organic sales growth. The company expects that organic sales growth will be between 5 and 6 percent. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations are expected to be between $1.40 and $1.44.

Conference Call and Related Financial Information

In conjunction with its second quarter earnings release, ARAMARK will discuss its results in a conference call broadcast live over the Internet on May 12, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. EDT. Interested parties are invited to log on to www.aramark.com to listen to this webcast. A recording of the conference call will be available on that website.

The balance sheet, income statement and other financial information related to the second fiscal quarter of 2004 are attached to this press release and can also be found on the Investor Relations section of ARAMARK’s website at www.aramark.com.

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Certain previously undisclosed financial information, as well as reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures that are disclosed in the conference call will also be available on the Investor Relations section of ARAMARK’s website.

About ARAMARK

ARAMARK Corporation is a world leader in providing award-winning food and facilities management services to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, international and domestic corporations, as well as providing uniform and career apparel. ARAMARK was ranked number one in its industry in the 2004 FORTUNE 500 survey and was also named one of “America’s Most Admired Companies” by FORTUNE magazine in 2004, consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired companies in its industry as evaluated by peers. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 200,000 employees serving clients in 18 countries.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect our current views as to future events and financial performance with respect to our operations. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning in conjunction with a discussion of future operating or financial performance.

These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

Factors that might cause such a difference include: unfavorable economic conditions, ramifications of any future terrorist attacks or increased security alert levels; increased operating costs including labor-related and energy costs; shortages of qualified personnel or increases in labor costs; currency risks and other risks associated with international markets; risks associated with acquisitions, including acquisition integration costs; our ability to integrate and derive the expected benefits from recent acquisitions; competition; decline in attendance at client facilities; unpredictability of sales and expenses due to contract terms and terminations; the contract intensive nature of our business, which may lead to client disputes; high leverage; claims relating to the provision of food services; costs of compliance with governmental regulations; liability associated with non-compliance with governmental regulations, including regulations pertaining to food service, the environment and Federal and state employment laws and wage and hour laws; inability to retain current clients and renew existing client contracts; determination by customers to reduce outsourcing and use of preferred vendors; seasonality and other risks that are set forth in the “Risk Factors” sections of ARAMARK’s SEC filings.

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For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with ARAMARK’s business, please refer to the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” and “Risk Factors” and other sections of ARAMARK’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, our annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained by contacting ARAMARK’s investor relations department via its web site www.aramark.com.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect the events or circumstances arising after the date as of which they are made. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included herein or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by, or on behalf of, us.

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ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

	Three Months Ended
	April 2, 2004		March 28, 2003
Sales	$	2,517,529	$	2,243,306
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of services provided		2,303,392		2,054,849
Depreciation and amortization		73,793		64,145
Selling and general corporate expenses		33,095		28,971
		2,410,280		2,147,965
Operating income		107,249		95,341
Interest and other financing costs, net		32,311		35,069
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		74,938		60,272
Provision for income taxes		28,284		22,462
Income from continuing operations		46,654		37,810
Income from discontinued operations, net (1)		—		5,988
Net income	$	46,654	$	43,798
Earnings Per Share—Basic:
Income from continuing operations		$0.25		$0.20
Net income		$0.25		$0.23
Earnings Per Share—Diluted:
Income from continuing operations		$0.24		$0.19
Net income		$0.24		$0.22
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic		190,410		193,238
Diluted		194,840		199,633

(1) The fiscal 2003 condensed consolidated statement of income has been presented to reflect ARAMARK Educational Resources, which was divested in May 2003, as a discontinued operation.

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

	Six Months Ended
	April 2, 2004		March 28, 2003
Sales	$	4,976,386	$	4,519,246
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of services provided		4,524,896		4,109,594
Depreciation and amortization		143,325		126,436
Selling and general corporate expenses		63,495		59,369
		4,731,716		4,295,399
Operating income		244,670		223,847
Interest and other financing costs, net		61,570		70,220
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		183,100		153,627
Provision for income taxes		69,094		57,401
Income from continuing operations		114,006		96,226
Income from discontinued operations, net (1)		—		10,271
Net income	$	114,006	$	106,497
Earnings Per Share—Basic:
Income from continuing operations		$0.60		$0.50
Net income		$0.60		$0.56
Earnings Per Share—Diluted:
Income from continuing operations		$0.59		$0.48
Net income		$0.59		$0.53
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic		188,973		191,700
Diluted		194,352		199,546

(1) The fiscal 2003 condensed consolidated statement of income has been presented to reflect ARAMARK Educational Resources, which was divested in May 2003, as a discontinued operation.

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

	April 2, 2004		October 3, 2003
Assets
Current Assets	$	1,274,232	$	1,226,592
Property and Equipment, net		1,181,139		1,184,320
Goodwill		1,557,160		1,422,639
Other Assets		644,605		634,026
	$	4,657,136	$	4,467,577
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities (1)	$	1,321,614	$	1,415,789
Long-Term Borrowings		1,884,060		1,711,705
Other Liabilities		316,638		301,111
Total Shareholders’ Equity		1,134,824		1,038,972
	$	4,657,136	$	4,467,577

(1) Includes $37.0 million and $18.2 million of current maturities of long-term borrowings as of April 2, 2004 and October 3, 2003, respectively.

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW DATA

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

	Six Months Ended
	April 2, 2004			March 28, 2003
Cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations:
Income from continuing operations	$	114,006		$	96,226
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		143,325			126,436
Income taxes deferred		15,920			11,690
Changes in noncash working capital		(153,480	)		(164,134	)
Net proceeds from sale of receivables		10,800			—
Other operating activities		(23,704	)		(11,715	)
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations		106,867			58,503
Cash flows from investing activities from continuing operations:
Net purchases of property and equipment and client contract investments		(129,863	)		(106,808	)
Proceeds from sale of investment		8,500			—
Acquisitions and other investing activities		(125,610	)		(186,459	)
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations		(246,973	)		(293,267	)
Cash flows from financing activities from continuing operations:
Net proceeds from long-term borrowings		178,044			314,077
Dividend payments		(18,616	)		—
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		34,307			20,200
Repurchase of stock and other financing activities		(64,844	)		(111,205	)
Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations		128,891			223,072
Net cash provided by discontinued operations (1)		—			12,156
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	(11,215	)	$	464

(1) The fiscal 2003 statement of cash flows has been presented to reflect ARAMARK Educational Resources, which was divested in May 2003, as a discontinued operation.

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SALES AND OPERATING INCOME BY SEGMENT

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	April 2, 2004			March 28, 2003
Sales
Food and Support Services—United States	$	1,673,837		$	1,533,074
Food and Support Services—International		474,902			353,827
Uniform and Career Apparel—Rental		260,353			251,100
Uniform and Career Apparel—Direct Marketing		108,437			105,305
	$	2,517,529		$	2,243,306
Operating Income
Food and Support Services—United States	$	61,147		$	56,371
Food and Support Services—International		23,075			17,113
Uniform and Career Apparel—Rental		26,671			24,507
Uniform and Career Apparel—Direct Marketing		4,899			4,703
Corporate and Other		(8,543	)		(7,353	)
	$	107,249		$	95,341

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SALES AND OPERATING INCOME BY SEGMENT

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

	Six Months Ended
	April 2, 2004			March 28, 2003
Sales
Food and Support Services—United States	$	3,335,254		$	3,089,391
Food and Support Services—International		889,416			689,554
Uniform and Career Apparel—Rental		516,168			505,764
Uniform and Career Apparel—Direct Marketing		235,548			234,537
	$	4,976,386		$	4,519,246
Operating Income
Food and Support Services—United States	$	150,800		$	141,309
Food and Support Services—International		39,296			31,071
Uniform and Career Apparel—Rental		55,591			51,999
Uniform and Career Apparel—Direct Marketing		16,350			14,631
Corporate and Other		(17,367	)		(15,163	)
	$	244,670		$	223,847

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
ORGANIC GROWTH
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Management believes that presentation of organic sales growth in the fiscal 2004 and 2003 second quarter and six-month periods, as adjusted to eliminate the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, the forward shift in our fiscal calendar (fiscal 2003 was a 53 week year) and the impact of currency translation, provides useful information to investors because it enhances comparability between the current year and prior year reporting periods. Elimination of the currency translation effect provides constant currency comparisons without the distortion of currency rate fluctuations. The fiscal calendar shift adjustment is made since fiscal 2003 was a 53 week year, resulting in fiscal 2004 starting one week later than normal. This results in a lack of service day comparability in the Education sector when comparing quarterly operating results between fiscal years. Adjusting sales for this difference in the fiscal calendar enhances comparability between the quarterly and year-to-date periods.
	Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	April 2, 2004			March 28, 2003			% Change	April 2, 2004			March 28, 2003			% Change
ARAMARK Corporation Consolidated Sales (as reported)	$	2,517,529		$	2,243,306		12%	$	4,976,386		$	4,519,246		10%
Effect of Calendar Shift		(33,000	)		—				7,000			—
Effect of Currency Translation		—			50,706				—			98,295
Effect of Acquisitions and Divestitures		(49,498	)		(12,116	)			(143,938	)		(12,116	)
ARAMARK Corporation Consolidated Sales (as adjusted)	$	2,435,031		$	2,281,896		7%	$	4,839,448		$	4,605,425		5%
Food and Support Services—United States—Sales (as reported)	$	1,673,837		$	1,533,074		9%
Effect of Calendar Shift		(33,000	)		—
Effect of Acquisitions and Divestitures		(9,230	)		(10,002	)
Food and Support Services—United States—Sales (as adjusted)	$	1,631,607		$	1,523,072		7%
Food and Support Services—International—Sales (as reported)	$	474,902		$	353,827		34%
Effect of Currency Translation		—			50,706
Food and Support Services—International—Sales, Excluding Translation		474,902			404,533		17%
Effect of Acquisitions		(35,318	)		—
Food and Support Services—International—Sales (as adjusted)	$	439,584		$	404,533		9%
Food and Support Services—International—Operating Income (as reported)	$	23,075		$	17,113		35%
Effect of Currency Translation		—			2,569
Food and Support Services—International—Operating Income, Excluding Translation	$	23,075		$	19,682		17%

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
PROJECTED ORGANIC GROWTH
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Management believes that presentation of organic sales growth as currently projected for fiscal 2004, as adjusted to eliminate the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, the forward shift in our fiscal calendar (fiscal 2003 was a 53 week year) and the impact of currency translation, provides useful information to investors because it enhances comparability between the current year and prior year reporting periods (core business growth). Elimination of the currency translation effect provides constant currency comparisons without the distortion of currency rate fluctuations. The fiscal calendar shift adjustment is made since fiscal 2003 was a 53 week year, resulting in fiscal 2004 starting one week later than normal. This results in a lack of service day comparability in the Education sector when comparing quarterly operating results between fiscal years. Additionally, fiscal 2003 contains an additional week of sales. Adjusting sales for these differences in the fiscal calendar enhances comparability between the quarterly and year-to-date periods.
	Fiscal Year Ended
	October 1, 2004			October 3, 2003			% Change
	Projected			Actual
ARAMARK Corporation Consolidated Sales (as reported)	$	10,000,000		$	9,447,815		6%
Estimated Effect of Calendar Shift/53rd week		31,000			(187,000	)
Estimated Effect of Currency Translation		—			150,000
Estimated Effect of Acquisitions and Divestitures		(210,000	)		(32,000	)
ARAMARK Corporation Consolidated Sales (as adjusted)	$	9,821,000		$	9,378,815		5%