Global Franchise 10.2

64 GLOBAL FRANCHISE Issue 10.2 The latest expansions, mergers and breakout brands transforming the global franchise landscape WORLDOF FRANCHISE 1 CANADA Playa Bowls has taken a major step in its global growth strategy, signing its first international master franchise agreement with Eat Up Canada Inc. to launch the superfruit bowl brand across Canada. The deal will see more than 160 locations developed nationwide, building on the brand’s rapid rise to nearly 350 sites across the USA. CEO John Cappasola said the partnership represents a pivotal moment for the fast-growing concept, bringing its health-focused menu to new international audiences. Eat Up Canada founders George Heos and Alex Gerzon bring significant franchising experience, including developing 50 Firehouse Subs restaurants in Canada and expanding emerging U.S. concepts such as Pokeworks. The group will oversee franchise development, operations and supply chain to support a robust national rollout. 2MEXICO World Gym Corporation has announced major progress in its worldwide expansion strategy, securing a master franchise agreement in Mexico and reporting strong development across Australia. The agreement will introduce at least 30 new World Gym locations throughout Mexico, marking a significant step forward for the brand in Latin America. Meanwhile, five new clubs have opened in Australia as consumer demand continues to rise. The company has also delivered record revenue, alongside the addition of five new corporate-owned gyms in Taiwan, further strengthening its home market presence. President John Caraccio said the business is experiencing “breakneck growth” across both franchise and corporate operations, driven by its mission to bring health, wellness and community to more people globally. 3 UK In a move that caught many by surprise, Pizza Hut is set to shutter 68 dine-in restaurants and 11 delivery-only sites across the UK – marking one of the largest shake-ups in the UK casual dining sector this year. The announcement follows the collapse of DC London Pie Ltd, the franchise operator behind Pizza Hut’s UK eat-in chain, highlighting a broader shift in dining habits and rising costs. Parent companyYum! Brands has stepped in with a rescue pre-pack deal to salvage 64 sites and approximately 1,276 jobs, signalling a strategic pivot away from high-street dining towards a more delivery-centric future. “Our MFAwith Mexico establishes a secure footing in Latin America, while we have solid momentum in Australia and continued growth in Taiwan” - John Caraccio, President of WorldGymCorporation 1 2