Category: Market Entry & Expansion
-
IKEA is expanding into Costa Rica through Sarton Group, but the structure of the rollout is considerably more interesting than a conventional new-country store opening. Instead of beginning with one enormous IKEA destination store, the Costa Rican market is being developed through multiple retail and fulfilment formats, each serving a different role in the customer…
-
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is moving into a more significant stage of international development as it approaches the 100-restaurant milestone. The Mediterranean fast-casual concept has 92 restaurants operating across 22 U.S. states and international markets and expects to surpass 100 open locations by the end of 2026. Internationally, the brand has opened its first…
-
South Korean coffee brand Angel-in-Us is returning to Indonesia, six years after withdrawing from the market. But it is not returning under the same structure. Lotte GRS has signed a master franchise agreement with Indonesia’s Bogajaya Group, replacing the direct operating model previously used by the brand with a locally led franchise structure. The first…
-
Dunkin’ is returning to Puerto Rico through an exclusive development and operating agreement with Fusion Restaurant Group, bringing the brand back to the market with restaurant openings expected to begin in 2027. The return is commercially significant. Dunkin’ is one of the world’s largest coffee and baked-goods restaurant brands, with more than 14,200 restaurants across…
-
SIXT Enters Tunisia Through Strategic Franchise Partnership as Global Mobility Expansion Accelerates
SIXT has entered Tunisia through a strategic franchise agreement with Tunifleet Car Rental, extending the German mobility company’s international network into another important North African tourism market. The partnership brings together SIXT’s global mobility platform with a locally established business backed by expertise in industry, tourism and hospitality. Operations have launched at major travel hubs…
-
Taco Bell is returning to the United Arab Emirates after a 14-year absence, but the structure behind its return is arguably more important than the reopening itself. Americana Restaurants has secured an exclusive development agreement with Taco Bell UK and Europe, a Yum! Brands subsidiary, to bring the brand back to the UAE. The rollout…
-
How Successful Franchise Operators Are Moving Up the Value Chain—from Operating Brands to Acquiring Them For decades, the franchise hierarchy appeared straightforward. The franchisor owned the brand. The franchisee operated the business. The franchisor controlled the intellectual property, system and strategic direction, while the franchisee deployed capital and operating resources within an agreed territory. That…
-
For much of modern franchise history, the industry was explained through a relatively simple relationship: a franchisor owned the brand and operating system, while a franchisee invested in and operated one or more locations. That model remains important. But at the upper end of international franchising, something more sophisticated is emerging. The franchisee is increasingly…
-
Bosch is deepening its physical retail presence across India as demand for premium home appliances continues to grow beyond the country’s largest metropolitan markets. The expansion is significant for another reason. Unlike many international brands whose Indian store networks are controlled entirely through corporate operations or a single national partner, Bosch Home Appliances is actively…
-
Malaysia has welcomed two significant international restaurant brands in quick succession, with Bonchon and Little Caesars both establishing their first locations in the country as global QSR operators continue to deepen their presence across Southeast Asia. The two brands arrive from very different food cultures. Bonchon brings Korean fried chicken and a global network approaching…