Two of the leading franchising consultancies, Francorp and MEFranchising, are taking part in the ongoing Franchising Middle East (FME) in line with their regional expansion plans.

A leading exhibition for franchise sector in the Middle East region, the FME celebrates its seventh outing this year. The three-day event concludes on Thursday.

Already enjoying a strong market presence in the UAE, international franchise consultancy Francorp is making its fourth annual appearance at FME with an aim of increasing awareness of the franchise business model.

Francorp is expanding its regional presence with new operations set to come online in Egypt, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, said a top official.

'Francorp is a global organization with a presence in several countries. The Middle East market is very important for the company. In this economic downturn, a lot of regional companies are diversifying right now to sustain their business,' explained Imad Charafeddine, managing partner, Francorp UAE - Middle East.

'Those wanting to expand are looking at investing in franchising, while companies with less cash flow are looking at selling franchising to other companies. Francorp helps both sides,” Charafeddine stated.

“We are attending FME to educate visitors on the benefits of franchising and to spread awareness, he noted.

Francorp has 12 brands sharing its stand this week, promoting brands from different industries like convenient stores, retail, furniture and henna.

“We assist members of Francorp to sell and buy franchising, and to build the presence of Francorp in the region,” Charafeddine said.

MEFranchising is also taking the centre stage at FME this week. The concepts being promoted at the ME Franchising stand include Millie’s Cookies, Revive Juice Bars, Jungle Mania, Live Luggage, Schmidt Kitchens, Jani King, Webwonders, Wayne’s Coffee, Ecowash, David Reid Homes, Win Programs, Sfizio Misto, LaWien and Banamco Kitchen.

“The exhibition comes in at a crucial time, especially as the new optimism grows in the region and world economy,” said Salam Sarhan, International Franchising director.

“MEFranchising is taking a leading position in this important event by exhibiting 14 leading international concepts under our umbrella, with the presence of their top executives.”

“This exhibition will be the focal point for the most outstanding concepts and the most qualified investors and will be the ideal opportunity to explore all franchising issues in the region,” Sarhan added.

Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, president of International Expo Consults (IEC), organisers of FME, said, “Having international franchising experts such as Francorp and ME Franchising repeatedly exhibiting at FME is testament to the fact that the Middle East is now an established franchising market.”

FME is the region’s only exhibition that offers a world of exciting opportunities to international franchisers to access the thriving Middle East and North Africa market and launch their franchise concepts, he added.-TradeArabia News Service