Telepizza Strengthens its International Presence: Reaffirms its Commitment to High Growth Markets by Starting Operations in Nigeria

MADRID, April 8, 2015 /CNW/ -

• The company signs an agreement with a local master franchisee with businesses in the country to open 30 stores in five years 
  
• Telepizza takes a further step in its international expansion strategy in a market with high growth potential, where it is present since 2014  
  
• With consolidated presence in 15 countries, the company's international sales already represent over 30% of total    

Telepizza pushes ahead its international strategy betting on one of the highest growth potential markets in Africa. The company signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with a master franchisee with businesses in the country to open 30 stores in the next five years.

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The understanding agreement, which includes the whole Nigerian market, establishes that first stores will open in the city of Lagos before the end of the year.

"This operation will strengthen our presence in Africa, with high growth potential areas where the company operates in since 2014, in Angola. We have already opened our fourth store in this country in less than a year," explains Pablo Juantegui, CEO of Telepizza.

Nigeria is one of the most dynamic markets in this continent which progress is associated to population growth potential (the most populated African country with an average age of 18.5 years), socioeconomic growth and the fast development of infrastructures and other sectors such as retail and textile. In addition, its food industry is the second largest, after South Africa, among the sub-Saharan countries.

Expertise, flexibility and local knowledge, keys for international growth 

The agreement with local partners with deep knowledge of new markets is key for international expansion. "We look forward to new international investors and operators that are interested in growing our international brand. Our fresh handmade Mediterranean pizza distinguishes us from the industry, together with fast friendly service," explains Giorgio Minardi, President of International.

Telepizza's strong commitment to international expansion is focused on the growth in countries where it is currently operating as well as entering new markets, mainly in Latin America, Central Europe and Africa, either organically, through acquisitions of local companies or via master franchises. Telepizza's sales abroad currently represent over 30% of total.

Telepizza has a solid model and a recognized and consolidated brand, scalable to different markets with a wide degree of flexibility for the franchisee. "We have this great competitive advantage: our response capacity and flexibility to apply local concepts to the business, which are key for both parts' success," Minardi concludes.  

Telepizza's local partner in this operation is a diversified business group with interests in several companies, in sectors such as food and beverages, as well as real estate market and infrastructure development. In addition to Nigeria, the group operates in various countries in the Middle East.

The agreement will allow Telepizza to benefit from synergies of its industrial activity. Furthermore, neither partner rules out analyzing alliances to enter together into other African markets.

About Telepizza 

Telepizza is a leading pizza delivery company recognized for its freshly quality handmade pizzas in a Mediterranean style, friendly served anytime anywhere at a great value.

Its pioneering positioning in the sector with 30 years path and its management model, has made it experience a solid international growth with a consolidated presence in 15 countries of Europe, Latin America and Africa, 1,300 sales points and 25,000 employees worldwide.

Telepizza has a management model and relationship with its franchisees based on flexibility - to adapt to the tastes and habits of local consumption - and the support of an experienced and multidisciplinary team that ensures the daily operation in each of the markets.

http://www.telepizza.com   
http://www.facebook.com/telepizza
http://www.twitter.com/telepizza_es   

SOURCE Telepizza

Kreab, T. [phone]; Susana Sanjuán, [email protected], M. [phone]; Francisco Calderón, [email protected], M. [phone]; Luis Meseguer, [email protected]