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Dhawal Shah Articles

Written by: Dhawal Shah

GordonMax, Creators of the World's Finest Diamond Simulants, expand their India Operations in 2011 - Click To Read Article
New Delhi, Delhi, India, Wednesday, January 19, 2011 -- (Business Wire India) GordonMax & Co. Pvt. Ltd., creators of the world's finest diamond simul jewelry ants, will be aggressively expanding their franchise and company-owned operations across India this year.

AILEEN CROWE NANDI, INTERVIEW, PRINCIPAL COMMERCIAL OFFICER (PCO) FOR SOUTH INDIA MS. AILEEN CROWE NANDI - Click To Read Article
We present an exclusive interview of Ms. Aileen Nandi, Principal Commercial Officer of the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) in south India. The U.S. Commercial Service, an export promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce, assists U.S. franchisors to export their franchise concepts to India. The USCS in India is present in 7 cities in India.

India's Tata Coffee shares jump on Starbucks deal - Click To Read Article
MUMBAI - Shares in India's Tata Coffee soared on Friday after the group announced a tie-up with Starbucks that will see the US drinks giant open its first cafes in the growing Indian market.

Women’s wear brand W to go international india & middle east - Click To Read Article
28th Dec. 2010: Delhi-based TCNS Clothing Company that owns women’s wear brand ‘W’ today said it is exploring opportunities to introduce the label in international markets, besides expanding domestic retail operations.

Landmark Group officially launches the first Centrepoint in City Mall - Click To Read Article
Landmark Group, one of the retail and hospitality conglomerates in the Middle East and India, announced its entry in the Lebanese markets, with the official launch of the first Centrepoint store in Beirut, Lebanon

Marks and Spencer, India Strategy Review - Important Lessons for Retailers - Click To Read Article
Smriti Mehrotra, vice president of a media channel, works in close proximity to the Marks & Spencer’s store in Phoenix Mills, Mumbai. Being a compulsive shopper and a brand loyalist, Smriti is exactly the kind of customer, who will eventually increase sales at M&S. However, she rarely visits the store unless she needs to buy gift hampers for special occasions. “I can never manage to get my size at the M&S store. Most of their apparels are not stylish and are ill fitting. They offer no variety and the same dress will be repeated if five different colours,” complains Mehrotra.

California Fresh Food Franchise to expand into Middle East - Click To Read Article
Santa Maria-based California Fresh sandwich and smoothie shop soon plans to open up to 10 stores in the Middle East Gulf Coast region, the company’s owner said this month. Chad Jordan, 34, who studied business at Westmont College, started California Fresh six years ago

Dubai's Gallery One reveals $15m global expansion plans - Click To Read Article
Dubai-based retailer Gallery One is seeking $15m in investment to help launch over 100 stores worldwide as part of an aggressive expansion plan outside the Middle East region, its CEO has said.

Aussie franchisor, Retail Food Group acquires Esquires Coffee - Click To Read Article
An Australian food franchisor has agreed to buy the Australasian rights to the Esquires Coffee Houses chain from an Auckland family. The Gold Coast-based Retail Food Group (RFG) is spending about $11.86 million to acquire Esquires Coffee Houses from the Deeks family, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

Dixie Cream Donut Co (US) Awards Middle East Franchise Rights - Click To Read Article
05 Jan 2011 - Tulsa-based Beautiful Brands signed a deal with a company in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to put Dixie Cream Donut Co. stores in Iraq, Syria, Qatar, Jordan and the UAE.

The Future of Franchising - Click To Read Article
Franchising demands trust, openness, support, consistent behavior & most importantly defined roles from the franchisee & franchisor. According to a study, franchising contributes 20% to global GDP and has been able to attract retail investors in India. Global brands like Mc Donalds, Subway, Reebok, KFC and many more entered the Indian market through the same channel.

Wills Lifestyle to franchise in smaller towns, opens 6 stores - Click To Read Article
The expansion series will begin with the opening of stores across Vizag, Bhopal, Nasik, Amritsar, Guwahati and Mangalore among others

Le Sutra Hospitality mulls franchise expansion - Click To Read Article
The Bajaj Group of Hotels, branded under Le Sutra Hospitality, is planning to open hotels and restaurants across the nation in the next three to five years. The company is going to invest Rs 300-500 crore for these hotels and restaurants, which will be a mix of both company owned and franchised, confirms a company official.

How do CEOs think? - Click To Read Article
I travel regularly to meet our customers. Normally, we work with the VP Engineering and the CTO of product Companies. I meet them regularly and most of the time our meetings are technical discussions or discussions about specific projects we may be working on. As the market was slow, most of our customers were not in a position to discuss specific projects. Most projects were on hold, and our customers were under pressure from their CEOs and Boards to reduce costs. This meant that they were pushing us for rate discounts.

Go Chaatzz Food Franchise Forays in South India - Click To Read Article
South India is a humungous market for North Indian Chaat Food. A market that Go! Chaatzz.. Is targeting to capture. It has ambitious plans to be the number one North Indian Vegetarian Food & Beverage restaurant chain in South India. Hyderabad is strategically chosen as the first South Indian city to test the brand’s potential success. A cosmopolitan city with diverse culture, yet deprived of a true North Indian Vegetarian dine in atmosphere. The keys to success are simple, Go! Chaatzz.. Will provide a value for money hygienic dining experience in a very classy manner. The chic looking outlet at Himayathnagar at Hyderabad exhibits that Go! Chaatzz.. Is all set to take over the market for many years to come. With five outlets launched initially through the franchising route, there are many more in the pipeline in the next six months alone.

Edify Education to invest Rs 500 cr in 5 yrs - Click To Read Article
NEW DELHI: Edify Education, a part of DRS Group , has said it will invest Rs 500 crore to open a network of around 300 schools across India, as part of its expansion plans in the next five years.

Indra Nooyi’s Perspective on India - Click To Read Article
PepsiCo Inc Chairman and Chief Executive Indra Nooyi has a clear message for her homeland of India -- improve your infrastructure, work force and sanitation, attract more foreign investment, and develop faster.

Planet Hollywood Hotels to be managed by Wyndham - Click To Read Article
Wyndham Worldwide has struck a deal with Planet Hollywood Resorts International, which allows the company to franchise and manage Planet Hollywood-branded hotels. Chief executive Eric Danziger said the addition of Planet Hollywood would expand the appeal of the Wyndham portfolio.

Jaya Shree Textiles plans expansion - Click To Read Article
Jaya Shree Textiles, a unit of Aditya Birla Nuvo, plans to expand its retail network by opening exclusive brand outlets via franchise route.

Coca-Cola to invest $121 mln in new India plant - Click To Read Article
Coca-Cola Co plans to invest up to 5.5 billion rupees ($121 million) in a new plant it would set up in south India, a senior company official said, as it expands capacity in one of the fast-growing markets.

Vithal Kamats South Indian Food Franchise to expand nationally - Click To Read Article
Probably India's largest Food Franchise, plans aggressive expansion

Easy Bill Franchise to expand to 15,000, nationwide - Click To Read Article
Easy Bill is an initiative of Hero Group to make billing easier. The company has plans to expand its centres to 200 cities within the next two years via franchise route. At present, the company has expanded to approximately 50 cities pan India.

Sanjeev Kapoor and Better Value Brands launch 1st Global Chain of Indian Restaurants - Click To Read Article
September 8, 2010 FranchiseExpo.in Indian food will never be the same again! India's most celebrated Master Chef, Sanjeev Kapoor has joined hands with corporate multi-brand entity, Better Value Brands (BVB) to launch the India’s first global chain of Indian restaurants, called "Indii." This Rs. 100 crore joint venture plans to set up 70 Indii outlets across the country, and also aims to reach out to the Indian diaspora in different continents by March 2011.

Yontrakit JV serves niche market for Mitsuoka cars Franchise - Click To Read Article
The little-known Japanese auto company Mitsuoka Motors, a specialist in painstakingly handmade cars, and the Thai auto franchisee, Yontrakit Corporation have announced plans for a joint venture. The new entity will produce the Mitsuoka niche car brand in Thailand. The two companies will sign a franchisee agreement next Wednesday at a Bangkok hotel, said a statement from Yontrakit. Yontrakit apart from Mitsuoka, is also runs car dealerships for Audi and KIA.

Kuwait Subway Franchisee helps in Pakistan Flood Relief - Click To Read Article
SUBWAY-Kuwait, the Kuwaiti-owned and operated developer of SUBWAY restaurants, today announced it has donated Kuwaiti dinar (KD) 5,000 (USD 17358) towards flood relief in Pakistan.

International Food Franchises find ways to cater to the Indian Palette - Click To Read Article
Put it down to a stubborn Indian palate, but most international brands have to revamp their menus when they come to India to keep their customers happy. Baskin Robbin’s have just launched their latest ice-cream flavor - kulfi. Indian Touch “

Coke proposes Chinese model to its Indian Franchisees - Click To Read Article
Beverage maker Coca-Cola has asked its independent franchisee bottlers in India to weigh a new distribution and manufacturing model it follows in China, said two officials in direct knowledge of the development.

Times Franchise Expo Review - Click To Read Article
Recently Times Franchise Expo, organised its 35th Franchise Exhibition in Mumbai. The exhibition was held for two days 4th and 5th September 2010. The exhibitors were mostly from the education sector. Most of the education companies were operating in the preschool space.

Franchising in Nepal - Click To Read Article
This article explores the franchising market in Nepal

Franchise India’s Small Business Congress 2010 Review - Click To Read Article
Event Review of Franchise India's Small Business Congress

Spanish Retailer, Zara Decides to Form a Joint Venture with the TATAs, rather than franchise - Click To Read Article
Inditex, the Spanish retailer behind Zara, expects to open its first stores in New Delhi, Mumbai and other Indian cities next year. Inditex, the Spanish retailer behind Zara, is to set up shop in India in partnership with Tata, the conglomerate, as it presses on with an aggressive expansion plan despite the global downturn. Europe's largest clothing chain is betting that its "fast fashion" model can be transposed to the subcontinent. The group, which already has outlets in 73 countries, from Russia to Guatemala, prides itself on being able to design, manufacture and deliver new lines in just two weeks, compared to an industry average of nine months.

Shri Lakhsmi Cotsyn, Eco-Friendly, Organic Textile Franchise in process to open 500 franchise stores across India - Click To Read Article
Delivering the lecture at ``The India Investment Show-2009``, hosted by myiris.com, Rakesh Kumar Srivastava, company secretary & financial controller, Shri Lakhsmi Cotsyn (SLCL) said that it is in process of opening 500 franchise stores across India through its pan India distributor`s channel. SLCL has introduced India`s first eco-friendly organic textile brand `Weaves` for health conscious families.

American Food Franchise Sizzler looking for better things in 2010 - Click To Read Article
After two years of halted growth, the more than 50-year-old Sizzler chain is setting the stage for a franchise push with a new restaurant design, an upgraded menu and a new management team - the head of which actually wants to buy the chain. Kerry Kramp, president and chief executive of the Culver City, Calif.-based Sizzler USA, said in an interview with Nation’s Restaurant News that he has spent the past 18 months revamping the 191-unit “family casual” chain to become “recession proof.” He now wants to buy Sizzler from its current owners, if or when the economy improves and funding becomes available.

KFC to be everywhere in India - Click To Read Article
Kentucky Fried Chicken, a wholly owned subsidiary of US based Yum! Restaurants is on the verge of opening its 50th store in India and has grand plans to come up with 50 more by the end of the year 2010.

Delhi Based, Home Furnishing Franchise, Maishaa aims to expand retail presence with 25 franchise stores - Click To Read Article
Maishaa, the luxury home textile brand from the internationally acclaimed and multiple award winning house of Pasaya, Thailand, made its debut in India, two years ago. Maishaa is gearing up to expand its retail presence with plans to have a total of 25 exclusive stores by March 2010 and doubling points of sales in multi-brand outlets.

India Fashion Forum 2010 Review and Franchising - Click To Read Article
What an exciting week. Like all good things, India Fashion Forum too had to come to an end. Two Days, over 1000 Brands and even more delegates, along with lots of networking. The India Fashion Forum was supported by Way2Franchise Corp. We are happy to support this event, make all those connections.

Videocon to launch mobile services in Mumbai, Chennai next month - Click To Read Article
Consumer electronics giant Videocon Group will launch its mobile services in Mumbai and Chennai by March, according to a senior official. Earlier, there were reports that the company would launch its GSM mobile services in Mumbai by 20th February.

Tata's Trent, UK's Arcadia may set up 15 apparel stores in India - Click To Read Article
Trent, the retail arm of the Tatas, plans to open around 15 stores of Topshop and Topman brands in the country in the next three years, in a franchise agreement with Britain's Arcadia group, said an informed source.

Interview with Mr. Nabi Saleh, the Executive Chairman for Gloria Jean's Coffees - Click To Read Article
Specialty coffee chain Gloria Jean’s Coffees, which silently entered India two years ago via a master franchise agreement with Citymax Hospitality, a company controlled by the Dubai-based retail group Landmark, is looking to ramp up operations now. From the current nine outlets, the intention is to scale up to 25 and then 100 by the end of 2013. This will see the privately-held coffee chain, which has 917 outlets globally, go to 16 cities from the current four. Nabi Saleh, the New-South-Wales, Australia-based executive chairman of Gloria Jean’s Coffees, talks about the company’s plans in India

Sagar Ratna to expand overseas via franchising - Click To Read Article
New Delhi-based Sagar Ratna Hospitalities, owners of Swagath and Sagar Ratna chain of restaurants, will venture into overseas markets in the coming years. The company has already identified franchisees in places like Bangkok, in the UAE and Canada. It is planning to set up around 250 outlets in overseas markets in the next five years, Hospitality Biz India has reported, citing its top official.

Leading Italian coffee brand Caffe Pascucci has entered India by setting up its first outlet here to retail imported blended coffee. The euro 600-million (Rs.4,060-crore) Pascucci has roped in the city-based Madhura Beverages India as its master franchisee for setting up a chain of outlets across the country. - Click To Read Article
Leading Italian coffee brand Caffe Pascucci has entered India by setting up its first outlet here to retail imported blended coffee. The euro 600-million (Rs.4,060-crore) Pascucci has roped in the city-based Madhura Beverages India as its master franchisee for setting up a chain of outlets across the country.

Karrox Franchise Expanding Across India - Click To Read Article
After expanding its presence into West Bengal recently, IT education and training company Karrox Technologies is planning its foray into the southern Indian market. The company is looking to start operations out of Bangalore, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu sometime this year, according to Karrox CEO Jeetendra Nair.

India tells foreign luxury brands to wait a decade - Click To Read Article
With local partners pulling out as franchisees of international luxury brands, and a non-luxe label being the only one to arrive in India this year, we find out if the biggest names in luxury failed at mapping the Indian buyer's mind What does the manner in which Indians shop in 2009 have to do with Brahmanism, a system dating back thousands of years? Everything, someone would argue. Indians are a peculiar breed, victims of centuries-old socio-economic oppression. Where each of us is pinned on the social matrix is revealed by our last name or even a stray twist in accent. Money, or the display of it can rarely manage to unsettle the hierarchy. At least, not in a hurry.

India Pepsi Franchisee set to secure franchise rights for Sri Lankan Bottling BusinessIndia Pepsi Franchisee set to secure franchise rights for Sri Lankan Bottling Business - Click To Read Article
NEW DELHI: RJ Corp, the diversified conglomerate owned by serial entrepreneur Ravi Jaipuria, is about to clinch a deal that will in one stroke hand it all of PepsiCo's bottling operations in Sri Lanka and expand its global footprint further.

NAKS - Spreading Knowledge - Click To Read Article
The NAKS have started their new chain of preschools in the country and decided to take in all around the country by this month end. The first preschool named ‘I Play I Learn’ was started this April and has gained popularity in no time.

Starbucks evaluating the Indian organised coffee retailing market - Click To Read Article
Starbucks could be in talks with six potential partners and is considering a joint venture with Indian firms from the retail and lifestyle sectors. The news comes after the announcement at the start of the year that Costa Coffee intended to build a portfolio of 300 sites in India using a local franchise partner.

Toonkidz - Click To Read Article
Toonkidz

Why should entrepreneurs choose Franchising vis a vis starting their own business? - Click To Read Article
Starting up a new venture can be a risky affair. You can painstakingly explore and research your market, time the set up to perfection, open your business where demand is high, outdo the competition, offer the best range of products and services available, advertise in the right places and still your business can fail. In fact global Small Business Statistics indicate that one half of new businesses close within the first 3 years of trading. When describing exactly what a franchise is, the important thought is “the right to do business in a prescribed manner.”

Vision Spring works on the vision to solve presbyopia - Click To Read Article
VisionSpring is solving the problem of presbyopia and helping more and more people find employment opportunities at the grass root level

Gymboree Play & Music Franchise launches in India - Click To Read Article
Gymboree Play & Music, the Global Leader in Early Childhood Development Programs, launched its Franchising Operations in India from Hyderabad today. Gymboree opened its first Indian Play & Music Centre earlier this year at Jubilee Hills Hyderabad. Gymboree successfully tested their service with over 300 families for 6 months and have received positive feedback from the customers. Gymboree focuses on developmental enrichment programs with parents attending classes together with their children.

FRANCHISING IN INDIA: OUTLOOK FOR 2009 - Click To Read Article
Downsized by the financial meltdown, Rohit Vaidya suddenly was forced to find a new job. Rohit, formerly vice president at a private equity firm for five years, lost his job in November 2008 after the financial slowdown led to liquidation of the company. Rohit whose family comprised of his spouse and three boys and his parents, needed a steady source of income to stay afloat.

Franchising in Indonesia - Click To Read Article
Key statistics about the Franchising Market Scenario in Indonesia

Food franchising come of age in India: FICCI - Click To Read Article
Food franchising has come of age in India. Northern India boast of having 70% brands of 408 brand franchisors, Western India with 386 brands, Southern India with 250 brands and the Eastern India with 58 brands. Over 30% of new food outlets which are coming up in almost all the cities across the country are through franchise system, 17% share of food and beverages in the organized sector is operated by franchisors in the country. There are 1200 franchisors at present, out of which 150 are exclusively dealing in food and beverage retail 75% of which are of Indian origin and rest are international.

CADD - Get Knowledge On Your Side - Click To Read Article
CADD is all set to sign up a deal with Syscoms Information Technology.

Australian Pizza Chain, Pizza Capers Franchise plans to go global, foray into India and Singapore - Click To Read Article
According to QBR, Brisbane-based gourmet food chain, Pizza Capers Franchise has plans to launch 80 stores by end 2009. Franchise founders Scott Geiszler and Anthony Russo launched the chain in Brisbane in 2000. There are plans to expand in India and Singapore besides the nine stores which will be launched over the next 12 weeks and the first store in Adelaide.

Audi Franchise to further expand in India; eyes 30% of luxury car market, through franchising - Click To Read Article
Buoyed by overwhelming response, German luxury car maker Audi would increase its car dealership franchise network in the country and aims to grab 30 per cent share of the luxury car market by 2011, a company official said.

Trent's Reid to head parent firm Tesco’s China biz - Click To Read Article
MUMBAI: Gordon Reid - the chief operating officer, who oversaw the expansion of Trent’s Star Bazaar retail outlets - is returning to his parent firm Tesco to head its Chinese operations. According to an official Trent release, Mr Reid’s India stint was part of a franchise arrangement with partner Tesco, and he is now moving back. The company said his replacement at Trent will be announced soon. Trent officials that ET spoke to felt that managing director Noel Tata may opt for international expertise until Star Bazaar strengthens its operational set-up in the country. Mr Reid took over at Trent in 2008 after Tesco inked a deal with the retail arm of the salt-to-software Tata Group.

Hamleys To Expand Further Into Middle East - Click To Read Article
Hamleys, the world-famous toy retailer, intends to broaden its reach into the Middle Eastern markets to sustain a record year-end festive-season performance which saw the company increase its like-for-like (LFL) sales by 11.6 per cent over 2008 within the six-week period leading to January 2, 2010. From the second quarter leading up to the last quarter of 2009, Hamleys’ LFL sales were up 7.2 per cent on 2008. The buoyant performance and cost benefits derived from a restructuring programme completed in 2009 combined to significantly boost company profits, with Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) advancing 42.8 per cent over the same period last year.

Carrefour Plans To Enter Indian Market - Click To Read Article
Carrefour, the French retailer, plans to enter the Indian market by establishing a wholesale business. The Indian economy is one of the fastest growing in the world, with an increasing middle-class. However, unlike China, India’s growth has been fuelled by consumer spending, a fact that has caught the attention of foreign retail giants. However, restrictions on foreign retailers have meant that they have had to find a different route to enter this fast growing market.

Al Futtaim to open Carrefour Franchise Hypermarket in Iraq - Click To Read Article
19th February 2010: The UAE company with the licence to operate the Carrefour SA franchise in the Middle East is looking to open its first store in Iraq as part of a wider expansion plan in the region. Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Retail manages a joint venture in the Middle East with France's Carrefour, the world's second-biggest retailer by revenue after Wal-Mart Stores.

Wyndham Hotel Group signs four franchise agreements in India - Click To Read Article
19th February, 2010: Wyndham Hotel Group has signed four franchise agreements in India, bringing the total number of hotels that the company has opened or under development in India to 14. The Group currently has 7,100 hotels under 11 brands across the world.

US health club chains AnyTime and Snap Fitness looking to expand internationally - Click To Read Article
As cross-town rivals, Snap Fitness and Anytime Fitness are in corporate arm-wrestling match of sorts for bragging rights as the nation’s foremost industry operator. The two fitness featherweights both operate small, 24/7 neighborhood fitness and health clubs and are enjoying explosive growth since coming online earlier this decade, a stark contrast to the plethora of U.S. companies that have slashed expansion plans or downsized operations in the wake of the national recession.

Thai store chain CP All Q4 net profit more than doubles - Click To Read Article
18th February 2010: CP ALL Bangkok, Thailand's largest convenience store chain, reported on Thursday that its fourth-quarter earnings more than doubled, beating analysts' forecast, thanks to a rise in sales and better gross margins. CP All, a proxy for domestic consumption in Thailand, posted an October-December net profit of 1.09 billion baht ($32.86 million), up from 509 million baht a year earlier, but lower than the 1.42 billion in the previous quarter.

Raymond eyes 40% rise in retail biz revenue in 2 years - Click To Read Article
8th February 2010: Apparel house Raymond today said it is aiming to increase revenue from retail business by up to 40 per cent in two years from the current Rs 1,000 crore, for which it will add more stores in smaller towns. "We are looking at 30-40 per cent jump in revenue from retail business in the next two years from the current turnover of about Rs 1,000 crore," Raymond president (retail and business development) Rakesh Pandey told reporters here on the sidelines of an AIMA event.

Lite Bite intends to become Rs 500 crore brand by 2015 - Click To Read Article
Feb 15, 2010: Lite Bite Foods, promoted by Amit Burman, vice chairman of FMCG major Dabur India, in his individual capacity, is aiming to become a Rs 500-crore food company by 2015. The company operates a bunch of eatery brands including Subway, Fresco, Asia 7, Punjab Grill, Baker Street and Pino's Pasta Pizza.

Franchising and the Wellness Industry Opportunity - Click To Read Article
India is likely to have more than 2,000 spas by the end of 2010, up from just 200. The wellness industry is alive and kicking in India and nothing demonstrates this better than the hyper-activity in the spa business.

Footwear Major Woodland to franchise internationally - Click To Read Article
Feb 16, 2010: Footwear and apparel player Woodland will open exclusive stores in select foreign markets later this year, marking its foray into single-brand retailing overseas. The company, according to its top official, would be using the franchise route for its international expansion. The home-grown brand is in advanced stages of negotiations in some markets like the Middle East, South-East Asia and Sri Lanka for selecting local franchise partners and said it will have three to four exclusive outlets abroad by the year-end. At present, Woodland is present in over 600 multibranded outlets in the Middle East, Singapore and Thailand.

CK Birla group to enter pathology lab business will expand by franchising - Click To Read Article
The GP-CK Birla group's BM Birla Heart Research Centre is venturing into the pathological laboratory businesswith a national chain of franchised centres. The chain, tentatively named Birla Diagnostic, will be launched soon. Chief operating officer of the hospital, Suyash Borar said: "We will be rolling out 20 pathological laboratories in Eastern India in the next 12 months. These will be on the lines of the best pathological labs in the country."

Compassion vs. Cost: How Franchising could improve India's Healthcare - Click To Read Article
"How can health care and innovation in India be translated into measurable outcomes?" Pervez Ahmed, CEO and managing director of Max Healthcare, a leading hospital chain based in New Delhi, asked a lecture hall filled with medical executives one recent afternoon in Hyderabad. India's US$40 billion-a-year health care industry has grown rapidly and is now the second-largest service-sector employer in the country (after education), providing jobs for about 4.5 million people directly or indirectly. Highly qualified doctors and scientists, state-of-the-art technology and low costs have helped India become an attractive global hub for medical tourism, clinical studies, and research and development programs.

Chiquita Fruit Juice Bars to debut in Dubai - Click To Read Article
Chiquita Brands International Inc. said Monday it has signed an international master franchise agreement to open Chiquita Fruit Juice Bars in the Middle East, beginning in Dubai. The agreement was signed with Fresh Fruits Co., a distributor of Chiquita products in the Middle East. They will be located at metro transit stations being constructed around the city, starting with three locations and expanding to 11.

C House Italia signs franchise deal for Middle East - Click To Read Article
17th February 2010: C House Italia signs franchise deal for Middle East Italian restaurant and lounge franchise C House Italia has signed an agreement with Nicolas Jebran Houte Couture (NJHC) to expand the brand across the Middle East. The deal covers a 15 year partnership and will see the first Middle East C House Italia open in Beirut in May 2010. Owned by fashion designer Nicolas Jebran, NJHC will also open C House Italia franchises in Europe.

Booster Juice Master Franchisee opens second outlet in Delhi - Click To Read Article
Jus Booster Juice, which has been brought to India by Brand Calculus, a QSR franchise company and the master franchisee for the brand in the country, recently opened its second outlet in New Delhi at DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj. The 150 sq ft kiosk provides shoppers with smoothies made from 100 per cent natural ingredients such as pure juice, fruits, sorbets, probiotic yogurt and a choice of health enhancing herbal additives, ImagesFood has reported.

Chavana Spa forays into India with Four Points by Sheraton property Navi Mumbai - Click To Read Article
19th February 2010: Thailand-based Mandara Spa Asia Limited (MSAL) has forayed into the Indian market by launching its spa brand Chavana Spa through Four Points by Sheraton, Navi Mumbai. In October 2009, MSAL had launched the spa brand to cater to the mid-market and four-star hotel segment. The facility in Navi Mumbai marks the first establishment of an international spa brand in Asia. MSAL has entered into a franchise-management under a revenue sharing model agreement for the spa facility in the hotel. The hotel’s spa facility will offer Balinese therapies with traditional Balinese massages along with Indian head massages, Asian foot massages, purity facials and head and foot massages. The hotel has four treatment rooms and treatment costs range from Rs 1,400 to Rs 6,500.

Singapore Food Franchise Snackz It Expands to three Locations - Click To Read Article
Snackz It! tasty bites are created in a way for customers to eat while on the move. Hassle free is the key component common to every item on the menu. Snackz It, one of the Singapore food franchises, serves a combination of deep fried and noodle based items. Every item from Crispy Chicken, Crispy Pork to their noodles with oysters and chicken shreds is well accompanied by their signature seasoning powders including their spice peppers, chilli powder, plum powder and the wasabi powder. Creative quality food and our service culture is something we feel is very important and which defines our unique strengths. Customers can rely on our consistency and tastiness in every outlet! says Alex of Snackz It!.

American Organic Burger Chain Signs Middle East Franchise Deal - Click To Read Article
Elevation Burger finalizes multiunit agreement in the Middle East

Shoprite calls off India Franchise Agreement with Nirmal Lifestyle - Click To Read Article
4th Feb 2010 MUMBAI: Shoprite Holdings, the South Africa-based retail heavyweight has called off its franchisee deal in India with real estate developer, Nirmal Lifestyle Group, top officials close to the development said. Kishore Biyani led Future Group is now buying out Shoprite’s single hypermarket in Mumbai with its existing employees to set up a food store which will be rebranded as Food Republic.

Monginis plans 50 outlets pan-India by 2010-end; seeks franchisees - Click To Read Article
4th February, 2010: After a recent store launch in Indore, Mumbai-based leading bakery chain, Monginis is now planning to open 50 more outlets across the country by the end of 2010. The company also plans to double its retail distribution from the current retail network of 15,000 stores across the country. The company is scouting four suitable franchise partners in cities like Kanpur, Lucknow, Raipur, Chennai and Bangalore. For opening new stores, on an average, Monginis is looking at the locations with the minimum carpet area of 200 sq ft, ImagesFood has reported.

Vaidyaratnam eyes to have more franchisees - Click To Read Article
3rd February 2010: Vaidyaratnam, an ayurvedic player, has announced plans to roll out 1,000 more franchisees in major destinations in India and abroad in the next three years. Meanwhile, the company has set a turnover target of Rs 200 crore by 2015. For this, the company would invest 25 crore in a phased manner over the next four year. The target is achievable considering the pace at which the market for ayurveda is expanding both within the country and abroad. The company has also decided to invest Rs 25 crore in a phased manner in the next four years, E T Neelakandan Mooss, managing director, Vaidyaratnam, said at a press meet.

Singapore beckons as Crust Gourmet Pizza opens 50th Aussie store - Click To Read Article
3rd February 2010: Franchise network Crust Gourmet Pizza Bars has just opened its 50th store and is setting its sights on Singapore. The Cheltenham, Victoria, franchise will further establish Crust’s foothold in the Melbourne market, complementing its plans for both domestic and international expansion this year. The pizza franchisor has plans to open its first international store in Singapore and expand into Western Australia and South Australia this year.

Papa Bello to acquire Indian Concept, to franchise eventually - Click To Read Article
Feb. 2, 2010) Papa Bello Enterprises Inc., the operator or franchisor of about 20 Papa Bello Pizza restaurants, is continuing its buying spree with the planned acquisition of Royal India Express, a fast-casual Indian concept in San Diego. Last October Papa Bello acquired Pastore's of Rosedale Inc., a Baltimore-based restaurant, deli and bakery concept, and Kebab Cafe, a quick-service operation specializing in Middle Eastern food in La Jolla, Calif. Pastore's two outlets generated revenues of about $1.4 million in 2009, the company said.

British Fitness Club Energie Franchise powers Gulf health stream - Click To Read Article
The first énergie Fitness Club franchise in the Middle East has been launched this week in Doha, Qatar. Located on Airport Road, the stunning new £2m facility boasts state-of-the-art Precor cardiovascular and resistance equipment, dedicated boxing/combat studio, locker rooms, private personal training studio, a VIP locker room, as well as dedicated customer amenities and services. The club opening will also bring énergie’s unique émpower programme to the Middle East, which offers a six week results guaranteed fitness solution as a means of introduction to a fitness club.

Subway ranked No 1 Global Franchise Opportunity - Click To Read Article
Subway is a pretty safe bet, according to Entrepreneur magazine. The Milford-based restaurant chain recently was recognized by the national publication as the No. 1 franchise opportunity for 2010, marking the 17th time out of the past 23 years that it has received the distinction. It also has been recognized by the magazine for the past several years as the No. 1 global franchise of the year.

Madame-Ultimate Fashion Experience now in Ambala, Punjab - Click To Read Article
Madame opens up in Ambala

Franchising can change the world - Click To Read Article
Who says that the franchise can not work in a small third world country or in an economically weaker countries, where humans are only one or two dollars a day? I believe that franchise systems can work in these positions, both in Asia, Middle East, former Soviet States, Indonesia, Latin America, the Caribbean or in Africa. You see, there are a whole series of micro-systems are helping in these countries, people start businesses of their own.

Destination Maternity India Franchisee Announces Opening of Two More Maternity Shop-In-Shops in India - Click To Read Article
2nd February 2010: Destination Maternity Corporation (Nasdaq: DEST), the world's leading maternity apparel retailer, is excited to announce the opening of two more Motherhood Maternity® shop-in-shops in India. Motherhood's trendy, affordable maternity fashions are now available for the first time at the Center Square Mall in Vododara, India and the Gulmohar Park Mall in Ahmedabad, India. Motherhood Maternity shop-in-shops are found in Mom & Me® stores which are owned and operated by Mahindra Retail, part of the Mahindra Group, Destination Maternity's master franchisee in India. Mom & Me stores offer an extensive range of pre- and post-natal products including maternity wear, baby clothes, toys, wellness products, nursery furniture and more. Including these two new locations, there are now a total of nine Motherhood shop-in-shops

Cox & Kings eyes overseas acquisitions to strengthen franchise operations in India - Click To Read Article
2nd February 2010: Travel operator Cox & Kings India is scouting for acquisitions in countries like the US, Canada, England, Australia and New Zealand, a senior company official said today. The travel operator, which raised Rs 610 crore through a public issue in December last year, has earmarked Rs 150 crore for funding such acquisitions. "We have a fund of Rs 150 crore earmarked for this (acquisitions). We are very comfortable with countries where the laws are familiar like the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand...It becomes very attractive for us particularly since these countries are just coming out of recession," Cox & Kings Executive Director Peter Kerkar told PTI here.

Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India to Franchise overseas in New Zealand - Click To Read Article
2nd February 2010: The New Delhi based Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India Ltd (CCIC) is keen to establish its Cottage Emporium showrooms in New Zealand on franchise basis. The prospective franchisees could be of Indian origin, familiar with Indian handicrafts and handlooms, although this would not be a condition. But the showrooms should be named ‘Central Cottage Industries Emporium’ and deal with goods sourced only from the CCIC.

Lifeline Group acquires Medicine Shoppe franchise rights in Middle East - Click To Read Article
Lifeline Group LLC of Abu Dhabi has acquired the master franchise rights for The Medicine Shoppe pharmacy chain for the Middle East. This will compliment the region with the best pharmacy practices from across the globe. The agreement was signed between Bruce Burnett, Vice President International for Medicine Shoppe and Dr. Shamsheer of Lifeline Group LLC.

Manhattan Fish Market Franchise now in Five Countries - Click To Read Article
31st January 2010: Wahono Saputra was on a trip to Singapore with his wife, Sally Dewi Mulyadi Tan, a few years ago when they saw chefs at a restaurant prepare the dish in such a way that it burst into flames. The preparation was done in front of the guests. He was intrigued by this, and he and his wife both fell in love with the first dish, later deciding to open their first franchise in Jakarta, which they called the Manhattan Fish Market.

Key drivers for the beauty and wellness Franchise Business - Click To Read Article
In this era, when beauty, wellness and healthcare have gained a universal appeal in urban India, franchising offers huge business opportunities to these sectors. In a recently held event, in Mumbai, experts from these fields shared their views on the rising trends of franchising in beauty, wellness and health sectors.

Gloria Jean’s eyes expansion, to open 100 coffee shops by 2013 - Click To Read Article
Bangalore: Jan 29, 2010: Australian coffee company Gloria Jean's Coffees International is on an expansion spree in India. The company, which entered India in 2008 in association with Citymax Hospitality India, an arm of Dubai-based retail major Landmark Group, is targeting 100 outlets across the country by 2013. At present, Gloria Jean's Coffees has only nine outlets in the country.

Forest Secret Malaysia to spread wings overseas - Click To Read Article
31st January 2010: Forest'Secret, a herbal-based wellness and beauty brand developed and managed by Forest'Secret Sdn Bhd, will score a first when it spreads its wings to Middle East, China and Hong Kong this year. The company is optimistic its foray into the international market will be a productive venture as it will introduce and heighten awareness of Malaysian herbal-based products.

LA SlimWrap Mineral Body Wrap Business Opportunity Now Available in Singapore - Click To Read Article
Jan 26, 2010: LOS ANGELES, CA -- Just as North Americans are beginning to understand and embrace the more natural, wellness-based health and beauty treatments of the East, Asian men and women are clamoring for the more modern treatments now popular in the United States and Europe.

The Little Gym USA Signs Master Franchise Agreement For Middle East - Click To Read Article
The Little Gym International, franchisor of gyms providing curriculum-based, non-competitive motor skills development programs to children aged 4 months to 12 years old, has entered into a master franchise agreement with an existing franchise owner in Kuwait City, Kuwait, to develop at least 15 and as many as 50 locations in the Middle East over the next decade.

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Franchise to open its fifth outlet in India - Click To Read Article
20 Jan 2010: Blue Foods leading coffee chain The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) is all set to open its fifth outlet at Blue Heaven, Linking Road, Bandra West in Mumbai on January 21. According to the company's spokesperson, it is the third outlet of CBTL in Mumbai with the other two present in CR2 Mall, Nariman Point and Sobo Central mall,Tardeo in Mumbai.

Dubai Conference helps International food chains franchise in Middle East - Click To Read Article
25 Jan 2010: Uno Chicago Grill, Pizza Hut, Round Table Pizza and California Pizza Kitchen are just a handful of food franchise brands that have recently researched expansion in Dubai and other key Middle Eastern markets. Now their executives and others looking to get in on the hot nontraditional market have both a trade show and interactive conference tailored to the area’s food and beverage sector. In response to overwhelming demand, Gulfood, Dubai’s largest trade exhibition for food, drink, food service and hospitality equipment, is launching the inaugural Gulfood Conference, according to a company statement.

McDonald’s Middle East Franchise reports a 3.4 percent surge in sales - Click To Read Article
McDonald’s has reported a 3.4 percent increase in sales in the Middle East and Africa, reflecting a year of strong worldwide growth in which the fast food giant served 60 million customers a day - two million more than in 2008. Growth in the MEA region was greater than that in the US, where sales rose by 2.6 percent. Turnover in Europe grew by 5.2 percent in 2009, far exceeding the average global rise in sales of 3.8 percent. News of the fast food giant’s increasing popularity is likely to raise some concern among professionals gathered at the Arab Health 2010 exhibition, which starts today.

Heir to Gucci Empire Reveals Plan to Double Bet on Fashion - Click To Read Article
PARIS -- When he bought Italian fashion house Gucci NV a decade ago, French billionaire François Pinault steered his family's lumber and distribution business into the high-profile, high-profit world of luxury goods.

Mystic Cures Ltd’s Foray into Spa Franchise - Click To Read Article
Hospitality and wellness chain Mystic Cures Ltd is going to foray into Franchise business model for its Spa & Salon properties all over India. Mystic has couple of company owned outlets & franchisee being operated currently in the Northern region of India. Mystic is looking for 24 franchised outlets in the northern region of India in next 12 months. Company owned outlets would be increased around 4.

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL FRANCHISEE? - Click To Read Article
The success of operations of the franchisor lies more in selection of a suitable franchisee apart from a tried tested and proven system, feasible business plan, sufficient profit centres, and motivated employees. We shall discuss the traits that make a franchisee successful. The characteristics that make an individual, a successful franchisee are that they are prepared to follow the franchisor's tried and tested system, are self motivated, prepared to work full time in the business, capable of managing people and ofcourse a good leader.

The potential of International Franchising in India - Click To Read Article
The Indian economy grew by 6-7% in the 2005, thanks to continued reforms The middle class has never had it so good, with plenty of options and credit available in abundance at a competitive rate. There has been a change in mindset; a flamboyant generation is gradually replacing the debt-cautious.

The Benefits of a franchised business vis-a-vis a Standalone - Click To Read Article
Starting up a new venture can be a risky affair. You can painstakingly explore and research your market, time the set up to perfection, open your business where demand is high, outdo the competition, offer the best range of products and services available, advertise in the right places and still your business can fail. In fact global Small Business Statistics indicate that one half of new businesses close within the first 3 years of trading. When describing exactly what a franchise is, the important thought is “the right to do business in a prescribed manner.”

Snap Fitness Ranked No. 16 in the Inc.500 - Click To Read Article
Snap Fitness Ranked No. 16 in the Inc.500

OfficeDepot marks its foray into the Indian Business Product Market - Click To Read Article
US Based leading supplier of office stationary and services, OfficeDepot and India based Reliance Retail have entered into a joint venture to provide the OfficeDepot’s products and services to the customers in India.

Melissa Payner-Gregor on the board of directors of Destination Maternity - Click To Read Article
Destination Maternity Corporation, the US based retailer of designer maternity wear, has elected Ms. Mellisa Payner-Gregor, the CEO of Bluely, to its Board of Directors.

IACM Launches its New Education Courses Prospectus at Annual Business Partners Meet - 2009 - Click To Read Article
ACM Launches its New Prospectus at Annual Business Partners Meet - 2009 A leading computer hardware, networking and security training institute IACM, established in 1997, have launched its new Prospectus 2009 during Annual Business Partners Meet-2009 in Delhi. This Annual Business Partners Meet -2009 was a facilitation ceremony for the centers who have performed exceptionally well in the FY08-09. IACM conducts this Annual Meet every year.

Future of Franchising in India - Click To Read Article
Franchising is an entrepreneurial alliance. Much like a commercial business partnership wherein the franchisor provides the brand name, manufacturing / service delivery process and access to the system and the franchisee provides the capital and forms the front end of the delivery system. Franchising is based on sound principles of excellent and consistent quality that is associated with a brand name.

Franchise Dictionary / Glossary - Click To Read Article
Whether you are an experienced franchise professional or you are just a fresher in franchising? This glossary is aimed at demystifying any jargon that you may come across while visiting an exhibition, taking an industry convention or reading a magazine, Here you will find explanations for the most important franchising terms. What’s the difference between a franchisor and a franchisee? Many terms are commonly used in association with the concept of buying and owning a franchise. If you are interested in purchasing a franchise, you need to be familiar with these terms. Are you considering franchising your business, this glossary is the most comprehensive franchising dictionary available.

FRANCHISING IN INDIA: A Critical Perspective - Click To Read Article
Franchising in India is not regulated and unlike popular statistics, only 25 to 30% franchisees are successful. Based on my experience in understanding franchising in several large markets, India is atleast 30 + years behind any developed market when it comes to the market size, growth potential and the level of expertise in the franchising business. In my past five years in the Franchising Fraternity, I have come across more failures than successes, both from franchisors and franchisees.

Did you know: NIIT Franchise was present in Malaysia in 1997? - Click To Read Article
NIIT Kuala Lumpur Franchise was established in 1997 as one the first NIIT franchise in Malaysia, originally located at Menara TA opposite KLCC Petronas Twin Towers. NIIT KL has successfully produced hundreds of students to cater for the Information Technology industry.

Comparing Franchising and Network Marketing - Click To Read Article
Although, Franchising and Network Marketing hail from the same family, they are quite different, here are a few differences.

Coco Cola On A Bright Way - Click To Read Article
Coca Cola the world’s largest selling soft drink company in the world has taken a bright step forward in the Indian market with the completion of their Rain water harvesting project in Kolkata along with the SOS Children’s Villages of India. The project was made at the SOS Children’s Villages at Bidhan Nagar in Kolkata and is dedicated to the children of the village and the local community.

Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India (CCIC) plans to open overseas franchise crafts outlet in China - Click To Read Article
Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India (CCIC) explores the possibility of opening a franchise showroom in the Chinese capital, Beijing, said the CCIC Managing Director Mr. MA Ibrahimi. Indian art objects, especially the Thangka paintings, and hand-made gift items are among the favorites of Chinese people, he added.

Before you start Franchising - Click To Read Article
Developing a franchise module requires a great investment of time and money in brand building, training, advertising, expert guidance etc. So if you have decided to get venture into franchising here are some guidelines.

Best Western India Franchise to add 10 more hotels by 2009 end - Click To Read Article
In a bid to expand its footprint in the Indian market, Best Western India has plans to foray into metro cities. Best Western has plans to add 10 more hotels to its Indian portfolio, which will add around 800 rooms to the existing inventory by 2009 end. At present, the company has 22 hotels under management and franchise agreements. However, 18 hotels in different locations including Goa, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Ooty, Mysore, Jalandhar and Ludhiana are in the final stages of negotiation with developers. Besides, Best Western India plans to open a hotel management institute attached to its Bhubaneswar hotel, in the next two years.

Books, Licensing and Franchising - Click To Read Article
Recently, while visiting a book store, I came across the Self Help Section, there were books with almost every possible book, How to win friends and influence people, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur, Guide to Investing, Unleash the Power Within and even one on how to author a book, Guerilla Marketing for Freshers and many many more similar titles. Since, there was an entire section dedicated for Self Help Books, It does seem that this is one of the popular categories. Several of these books are New York Times Bestsellers and so on.

Aromas Franchise Opens First Outlet at Hiranandani Powai, Mumbai - Click To Read Article
Australia-based coffee chain, Aromas has launched first café lounge at Hiranandani Powai in Mumbai. Aromas has tied up with Ideal Hospitality Pvt Ltd (IHPL). With a seating capacity of 90 people and a live kitchen, Aromas is spread across 2000 sq ft and offers ground coffee and teas from around the world. Besides, wine, pre cooked food and wine are also served.





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