Global Franchise 10.2

65 GLOABL-FRANCHISE.COM Opportuni t ies 4 UK U.S. investment house KKR has unexpectedly rejoined the bidding for UK coffee chain Costa Coffee, alongside rivals Bain Capital and TDR Capital who are reportedly in talks with The Coca-Cola Company and investment bank Lazard about a potential takeover of the store estate. Analysts suggest the transaction could land at around £1.5 billion – well under the £3.9 billion paid in 2019. Coca-Cola has so far declined to comment regarding “market rumors or speculation.” 5 INDIA German Doner Kebab (GDK) has announced entry into India as part of its fast-paced global expansion. The announcement follows a milestone year for GDK. The QSR brand – backed by investment firmTrue and owned by Scottish-based Hero Brands – now operates more than 170 restaurants across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, North America and the Middle East. Its latest move comes via a master franchise agreement with GBC India to open 450 locations over the next 15 years, with the first restaurant set to launch in early 2026. 7 SOUTH AFRICA British food- to-go brand Pret AManger is ramping up its presence in South Africa after launching two Johannesburg locations this year, with private equity company Millat Group confirming further stores in Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban. The agreement marks Pret’s first major franchise rollout in the region, tailoring its menu with local flavours while maintaining its signature fresh food and organic coffee offer. The push comes as Pret continues global growth, with systemwide sales hitting £1.2bn and more than 700 shops across 21 markets, targeting city and travel-hub expansion. 6 KUWAIT Irish multinational fashion retailer Primark has opened its first- ever Middle East store, launching a 60,000 sq ft flagship at The Avenues in Kuwait. The two-storey location – operated through a new franchise partnership with Alshaya Group – marks the value retailer’s debut franchise market and its 18th international territory. The store employs 350 people and offers Primark’s full fashion, home and beauty ranges, including Disney collaborations. The move signals the start of a wider regional rollout, with three Primark stores planned for Dubai in 2026. The retailer, now at 475 global sites, is also preparing to open its first Manhattan flagship the same year. 8THAILAND Xponential Fitness’ Club Pilates has signed a master franchise agreement with Me In Motion Co., Ltd., paving the way for 20 studios across Bangkok and Chonburi Province. This marks Club Pilates’ 22nd international market – and the timing, according to Xponential’s president of International, Bob Kaufman, couldn’t be better. “Thailand has always been a strong, trend-setting market, and Pilates is on the rise here,” he said. Club Pilates now lays claim to being the world’s largest Pilates brand by studio count, with more than 475 studios operating outside the U.S. and Canada, spanning across Europe, Asia- Pacific and Latin America. “This latest agreement will serve as a launchpad for expansion, establishing GDK as a premium, culturally relevant fast-casual brand in India” - SimonWallis, CEO, GDK 5 4 8 6 7 3