FFW closes two major Middle Eastern franchising deals
03 February 2006
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has closed two major multi million
pound Middle East franchising deals. FFW acted for H&M
Hennes & Mauritz on a deal which will see the fashion retailer
open 17 stores across the Middle East. The firm has also
successfully closed a Middle East franchising agreement for the
Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK), operated by the AIM restaurant group
Clapham House.
H&M’s Middle Eastern franchise is the international fashion
chain’s first venture into franchising and will be run by Saudi
Arabian company M. H. Alshaya Co. - a retail franchise that
already runs 28 other retail chains in the region, including the
Body Shop and BHS. The first H&M stores will be opened in
Kuwait and Dubai in Autumn this year.
GBK has signed a major franchise development agreement with GGC
Burger Ltd, a subsidiary of Gourmet Gulf Company LLC (GGC), based
in the United Arab Emirates. It also holds the franchises for
Yo! Sushi and Morellis, the luxury ice cream brand. GGC
intends to develop GBK restaurants across the Middle East over the
next five years, in particular focusing on the rapidly growing
markets of UAE and Kuwait. This is the group’s first
international franchise.
The deals reflect the strength of FFW’s franchising group
and its international capability. The group has advised a
large portfolio of corporates on global roll-outs including
Monsoon, Mango, M&S, Hamleys and Adams. Head of
franchising and licensing, Mark Abell, led both deals and was
assisted by Graeme Payne on the GBK deal and William Parsloe on
H&M. FFW is also advising both H&M and Clapham House
on their international brand protection programs.
Mark Abell said “These deals reflect the current attractiveness
of the Middle Eastern market. Both H&M and GBK have
premium brands that are in demand in the Middle East.
Franchising offers them a strong strategic approach to this
potentially lucrative market.”
GGC and Alshaya were advised by their respective in-house
counsels.
For further press information, please contact:
Louise Eckersley, PR Executive, on +44 (0)20 7861 4120