FFW advises UK companies on the benefits of franchising in France
03 November 2006
With an estimated 1,800 British companies active in the French
market, franchising is proving a popular option for those looking
to do business in France.
At a recent conference in Paris advice was given to businesses
on how to expand through franchising abroad. The conference,
organised by HSBC, UBI FRANCE (the French Department of Trade and
Industry) and the Franco British Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, stressed the importance of the commercial ties
between France and Britain.
Franchising abroad provides a great opportunity for both UK
companies looking to expand into the French market and also for
French companies looking to expand into the UK. UBI FRANCE
estimated that there are already 1,000 French companies active in
the UK.
David Bond, a
partner in the Franchise
and Licensing Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) was one of
the key speakers at the conference. Other speakers included Martin
Francis, a Senior Franchise Manager at HSBC, Bernard Francois from
the French Embassy Economic Department and Mario Celaya from
Parisian business law firm Dubarry Le Douarin Veil, a firm that
alongside FFW is a member of the European Legal Alliance.
Mario Celaya and David Bond spoke on the
legal issues involved in franchising abroad. They contrasted the
different legal systems of the two countries, and looked at whether
a franchise concept that is successful in one country would be
equally successful in the other.
They discussed the different types of franchise structures that
could be used when taking a franchise abroad, from direct
franchising, suitable in France due to the proximity of the two
countries, to master franchise and developer arrangements.
David Bond
said: “As European neighbours there is an increasing amount of
commercial activity between the UK and France. The conference was a
great opportunity to showcase the benefits for UK companies wanting
to expand into France and the possibilities franchising provides
them with.”
For further press information, please contact:
Louise Eckersley, PR Manager on +44 (0)20 7861 4120