Chocolate retailer Hotel Chocolat is setting its sights on international growth and building a global network of franchise partners, it has been announced.
In a bid to “successfully resonate with local customers”, the retailer is targeting key markets across Northern and Central Europe, Americas and the Far East.
Hotel Chocolat, which reported an 84 per cent rise in pre-tax profit in its last financial year while EBITDA soared 41 per cent year-on-year, is looking for individuals or businesses with sufficient capital to support a five-year expansion plan.
Franchise partners should also have expertise in their local market across property and business legislation as well as “the resources to establish and develop a successful franchise business”.
Earlier this week, it emerged that the chocolate specialist is in talks with private equity firms over a possible sale valuing the company at up to £100 million in a bid to drive further growth.
Explaining the move, Hotel Chocolat said on its website: “The expansion of our own stores will be supported through a global network of Franchise partners.
“The exclusive relationships across agreed territories will allow us to adopt a more collaborative, supporting and flexible role where relationships can be built and rewards are shared.”
