Brumby’s looks to Middle East for expansion

Brumby’s looks to Middle East as it investigates expansion

November 7, 2005

Leading New Zealand and Australian bakery franchise operator Brumby’s Bakeries Ltd is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gulf Co-Operation Council (GCC) with the aim of opening stores in the Middle East

The GCC member countries include Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2006.

Brumby’s managing director Michael Sherlock said based on the outcome of the initial business plan and market research, the bakery franchise expected to have stores opening in the Middle East by this time next year.

“Brumby’s continue to investigate suitable opportunities to open stores internationally,” Mr Sherlock said at Brumby’s Annual General Meeting held today.

“Apart from the Middle East, over the past 12 months we have conducted pre-entry studies and held discussions with potential master franchisees in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Fiji, and South Africa.”

Mr Sherlock said in its 30th anniversary year Brumby’s had opened 18 new stores since July with an additional six to open by Christmas and another 13 in the first half of 2006.

“This past year has also seen the extremely successful launch of our new concept stores Brumby’s GO!” he said.

Listed on the Bendigo Stock Exchange, Brumby’s now has more than 307 stores across Australia and New Zealand.

ENDS

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