Tortilla, the Quilvest-backed fast-casual Mexican restaurant concept, has signed a franchising deal with Dubai-based Eathos to open more than 30 stories across the GCC in the next 10 years.
Bird & Bird's Franchising, Licensing and Multi-Channel strategies team advised Tortilla on its strategic entry and expansion across the GCC.
Tortilla managing director Richard Morris said: "We are very excited about this first step in our international expansion. The UAE is fast becoming one of the leading food & beverage destinations in the world, and when we decided it was going to be our first international destination, we realised it was crucial to appoint a legal adviser who could navigate us through the complexities of the local market.
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"Bird & Bird, with whom we have worked over the last few years, was the right choice: their strong presence in the Middle East and the significant experience of their international franchising team helped us ensure the successful outcome of this venture."
The Bird & Bird team comprised lawyers based in both the UK and the UAE, who advised on the structuring requirements of the multi-territory arrangement as well as providing advice on some of the key Middle East market entry legal requirements.
Bird & Bird partner Graeme Payne said: "We were delighted to be appointed to advise Tortilla on this strategic move. In the last few years members of Bird & Bird's international franchise team have advised a considerable number of US, UK and European businesses in the F&B sector on their international expansion, particularly in the Middle and Far East."
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