Tim Hortons Announces Middle East Expansion Plans

The company reached an agreement for up to 120 multi-format restaurants over five-years in Gulf Cooperation Council markets.

February 08, 2011

ONTARIO - Canadian doughnut king Tim Hortons announced last week its international development plans with Dubai-based Apparel Group for up to 120 multi-format restaurants in markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). At the same time, the company was quick to reaffirm its commitment to the Canadian and U.S. markets.

"Our top strategic priority is continuing to grow our Canadian and U.S. businesses which are the primary drivers of shareholder value. We also believe there is an opportunity over the long-term to explore international opportunities and seed the Tim Hortons brand in various markets outside of North America. Our approach is prudent, targeted and will minimize capital requirements while still allowing us to pursue identified international growth opportunities," said Don Schroeder, president and CEO, Tim Hortons.

Tim Hortons' agreement with Apparel Group includes both standard and non-traditional units, which will be developed and operated by Apparel in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

"The GCC is an attractive market that provides significant opportunity. Our due diligence has identified the GCC as an international development opportunity for the Tim Hortons brand based on our Always Fresh premium coffee and baked goods offering, value positioning and friendly, efficient in-store experience," Schroeder said. "Our partners at Apparel have considerable knowledge of the local markets and consumer expectations and have introduced world-leading brands to the GCC."

Apparel Group currently operates more than 50 international brands in more than 600 stores in 14 countries.

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