Franchise Talk

Building portfolios of International Master Franchise brands

August 23rd, 2006 | Author: Jack

The recent news that Saudi retail group Master Franchisers FZCO has bought up two Master Franchise licenses for Middle Eastern markets (Australian wrap franchise Trios and, most recently, Italian fashion bags, leather goods and luggage retailer Carpisa, is illustrative of a spate of similar investments by Middle East-based trading groups who are increasingly making targets of international franchise licenses. These multi-brand groups seek to add new brands to their portfolios and open branded stores in the many new-development super shopping malls being opened in Dubai, Kuwait, and other areas in the region. Owned by a group of Saudi companies and with a regional hub office based in Dubai, Master Franchisers FZCO employs its own marketing and communications expertise and adds the product-specific knowledge of the franchisor, plus the local retailing skills of sub-franchisee partners, to build retail chains under big name brands. Its portfolio of brands includes Master Franchise licenses awarded by Danish furnishing, fabric and furniture retailer JYSK, Malaysian fashion retailer SEED, Malaysian casual wear brand Padini Authentics, French women’s knitwear retailer Lulu Castagnette and Belgian body-fashion retail brand Hunkemoller, plus two concepts created by Master Franchisers FZCO in bedroom and bathroom accessory brand Bed&Bath and design jewellery retailer Zerga. “Master Franchisers FZCO have a clear and concise picture of retail potential in the region, experience across many categories coupled with sound financials,” said Trios Managing Director David Elia. “We strongly believe they deliver every opportunity to surpass the growth expectations for our franchise.