Telepizza Selects an Experienced QSR Operator as Its First Master Franchisee to Open the UK Market

• Telepizza chooses "Karali Ventures LTD", as its first key master franchisee strategic partner who will open 80 stores in the UK
• Telepizza strategy is to open a minimum of 300 stores in the UK in the next 10 years, with 20-30 regional master franchisees

MADRID, May 19, 2016 /CNW/ - Telepizza, the largest non-U.S.-based pizza delivery company in the world by number of stores, is pleased to announce its first master franchisee partnership with Karali Ventures Limited in the UK, which will be opening 80 new stores within the next ten years. The first stores will be opened in late 2016.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150317/735407-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160519/369766 )

Pablo Juantegui, Executive Chairman of Telepizza, welcomes Mr. Salim Janmohamed, Chairman & Managing Director at Karali Group, a group of companies specialised in the QSR industry, which is one of the largest Burger King operators in the UK and has developed other brands, including Chamama, Traditional Favourites, Caffé Italiano, and Cafe Select. The Group has an incredible track record of success over 30 years in the food and beverage business.

"We are very pleased to announce our first UK master franchisee partner, which marks an exciting step in our expansion into the UK market. Our international expansion is gaining momentum after a strong launch, which has been reinforced by international partners who are interested in growing our brand globally," explained Pablo Juantegui, Executive Chairman of Telepizza.

Giorgio Minardi, President of International at Telepizza said: "We are very fortunate and pleased to have Mr. Salim Janmohamed join our organization. His impressive leadership and knowledge of the UK market will be instrumental for us to open up the market for our Brand and our other master franchisees."

Plans to open 300 stores in the next 10 years 

Telepizza plans to open a minimum of 300 stores, with 20-30 franchisees, that will develop 30 regional markets around the UK within the next ten years.

Telepizza supports every franchisee with its know-how, continued training and the solidity of its brand, acquired over almost three decades of operational excellence. Telepizza also safeguards quality standards, managing the entire process from factory to consumer.  

Approximately 35% of Telepizza stores worldwide are owned and operated by Telepizza, while around 65% are owned by its business partners (franchises and master franchises)

Mr. Salim Janmohamed, Chairman & Managing Director at Karali Group said: "I am really looking forward to introducing Telepizza to the UK market and I am confident that the brand will receive a warm welcome using fresh ingredients in pizzas that are handmade on demand for the UK consumer, which is what is missing in the pizza delivery business."

International strategy 

Telepizza's international strategy is focused on growth in markets where it is currently operating, exploring new business opportunities, and entering new markets via master franchises.

Currently, the company is present in 15 countries and its international chain sales exceed 30% of the total.

Note to Editors 

Telepizza is the largest non-U.S.-based pizza delivery company in the world by number of stores. Headquartered in Madrid, the Company offers a variety of pizza and complementary products that combine consistent flavours across countries with a focus on local adaptation and innovation in the markets where it operates.

Telepizza operates in 15 countries with its own brand throughout Europe (Spain, Portugal and Poland), Latin America and other geographies mostly through master franchise agreements. As of December 2015, the company has a network of 1,311 stores (461 own stores and 850 franchised and master franchised stores) and employs a vertically-integrated business model throughout seven dough production facilities.  

In 2015, the Group recorded €491.8 million in chain sales and €57.7 million in EBITDA.

SOURCE Telepizza

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