Press Release                                                   September 01, 2009

U.S. Food Franchisors Seek Partnership Opportunities in South India

Hyderabad -- Six U.S. franchisors, who are new to most consumers in South India, are eagerly seeking partnership opportunities in the region.

India, with a thriving consumer population of over 350 million, coupled with sustained economic growth, is an exciting destination for American franchisors. The Indian franchise industry offers excellent opportunities for new brands, as franchising has become a successful business model for American companies which are planning to enter the Indian market for the first time.

According to published market reports, the Indian franchise segment will continue to witness impressive growth for the next five years and beyond. For the past five years, the Indian franchise market has recorded a steady growth of 30-35% per annum. The annual turnover of the Indian franchise industry is $3.3 billion, and is projected to grow higher in the coming years.

The United States Commercial Service, which is an agency of the United States Department of Commerce and located with the U.S. Consulate General—Hyderabad, is pleased to announce the “Focus Franchising” program to potential Indian franchisees. The U.S. Commercial Services’ Franchise team in India has designed this unique program to assist Indian franchisees to establish new and profitable commercial relations with U.S. companies.

Presently, the following U.S. food concepts/brands are interested in entering/expanding the Indian market:
• Papa John’s International Inc. – the third largest pizza company in the world
• Church's Chicken - one of the largest quick-service chicken chains in the world Specializing in fried chicken
• CKE Restaurants Inc. - one of America’s premier food service chains
• Tropical Sno - most widely recognized brand in the shaved ice industry
• The Melting Pot – America's largest fondue and special night out restaurant
• Round Table Pizza – #1 California Pizza Brand

Profiles and objectives of each of these companies are available with the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Commercial Service office in Hyderabad.

As the U.S. Commercial Service in India is collecting expressions of interest from Indian companies, Indian companies interested in partnering with the U.S. franchisors are advised to contact the U.S. Commercial Service, Tel: 040-2330 5000 for further information and assistance.

About U.S. Commercial Service, India

The U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Embassy helps U.S. firms export goods and services to India. As part of the U.S. Department of Commerce with seven offices throughout India, a network of 107 offices in the United States and 145 international offices, it has the export promotion resources that are needed to develop business in the Indian market. The mission of U.S. Commercial Service in India is to promote and protect the interests of U.S. business in India. The U.S. Commercial Service places primary emphasis on increasing U.S. exports to India, particularly by assisting small and medium size companies.