Maalem Holding B.S.C. (c) has announced today the signing of a master franchise agreement with France based Groupe Bertrand, for introducing a number of its prominent restaurant brands such as Angelina, Bert’s and Brasserie Lipp across the region.

 Among the new restaurant brands are some of the most recognised and favoured in the French society, including café Angelina.  Established in the early 20^th century, Angelina has always been a prime destination for many international celebrities, aiming to entertain visitors with the Belle Époque décor and offering a gourmet experience with their famous pastries and deserts.  The brands in the agreement also include Brasserie Lipp, which opened its first outlet in 1880 and is the address that boasts authentic traditional French delicacies.

 Commenting on the agreement Mr. Saleh Al Nashwan, Chief Executive Officer of Maalem Holding said: “The agreement with Groupe Bertrand represents our inaugural deal in the region’s hospitality sector, and we are pleased to be introducing the 100 year-old Angelina brand and Groupe Bertrand’s successful portfolio of restaurant brands to the region”.

 “The hospitality industry, including the food & beverage sector, is very diversified and promising. We have put in place a specialised team of experts who will be managing the F&B operations under the umbrella of Maalem. We will look at offering some of the restaurant brands for sub-franchising, and are also studying additional opportunities to expand within this sector,” continued Mr. Al Nashwan.

 Groupe Bertrand is an international restaurant group based in France and operates in several different segments of the restaurant trade with existing outlets in 11 countries worldwide,.  The group includes a number of new and distinctive restaurant brands, which Maalem will have the exclusive rights to operate and offer of sub-franchising. 

In the statement issued by Groupe Bertrand, Mr. Olivier Bertrand, Chairman of the group said, “We have been looking to expand our presence in the MENA region for some time, and are pleased to have signed this agreement with Maalem Holding.  Brands such as Angelina, Brasserie Lipp and Berts have a strong following in their current locations, and we are confident that the diversified tastes and appetites of the MENA region will react positively with what they have to offer.”

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