Field Fisher Waterhouse advises on major South East Asian franchising deal for Reiss
28 January 2008
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has advised design
lead fashion retailer, Reiss, on a multi-million pound franchising
deal that will see the retailer open stores across Singapore and
Malaysia. The Singapore arm of the franchise will be run and
operated by the Wing Tai group of companies and the Malaysian
business will be run by the DNP group of companies. The firm
advised Reiss on both the franchise
agreements and trade mark
protection.
Reiss is a long-standing client of the firm, and
currently has over 45 stores in the UK. The focus of the brand is
now truly global and Reiss plans to open wholly owned stores in
Europe and the USA whilst continuing to seek appropriate franchise
partners in other territories world-wide. The strategic plan is to
open 250 store world wide by 2010.
Over the last two years Field Fisher Waterhouse
has advised the company on franchising
deals that saw the retailer open stores across the Middle East,
China and Hong Kong.
This latest deal reflects the strength of Field
Fisher Waterhouse’s franchising group and
its international capability, having advised fashion retailer
H&M on its franchising deal in the Middle East. The group has
also advised a large portfolio of corporates on global roll-outs,
including Monsoon, Mango, M&S and Hamleys.
Franchising lawyer Graeme
Payne led on the deal assisted by lawyer Will Parsloe, and IP
lawyer Leighton Cassidy who advised
Reiss on trade mark
protection.
Graeme Payne said: “Reiss is a long-standing
client of the firm. Reiss like a number of our clients
acknowledge our international track record as well as our retail
knowledge and experience. This latest franchising deal will
no doubt prove lucrative for Reiss, with the demand for quality
‘western brands’ in both Singapore and Malaysia growing
rapidly.”
Wing Tai and DNP was advised by its in-house
counsel.
For further press information please
contact:
Louise Eckersley, PR Manager,
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP on +44 (0)20 7861 4120
Scarlett Yianni, PR Assistant,
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP on +44 (0)20 7861 4795