Dentons advises Carpo on Middle Eastern expansion through franchise agreement with Americana Restaurants

Global law firm Dentons has advised premium food retailer Carpo on a franchise agreement with Americana Restaurants, granting Americana exclusive rights to operate Carpo stores in Kuwait and Qatar, with further expansion planned across Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Headquartered in Athens, Greece, Carpo has gained wide recognition for its premium quality nuts, dried fruit, chocolate and coffee. It operates high-end retail locations across Greece and the UK, and most recently the UAE. Following the successful opening of its store in the Dubai Mall in 2022 and the planned opening in the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, this franchise deal will significantly expand Carpo’s brand and presence in the Middle East.

As the leading quick-service and casual dining operator across the MENA region and Kazakhstan, Americana Restaurants brings deep knowledge of the region and valuable operational expertise.

Dentons advised Carpo on the drafting and negotiation of the franchise agreement. Partner Babette Marzheuser-Wood, Managing Director of Dentons Franchise Advisory, led the team, which also included counsel Agnieszka Nagórska-Kordeczka. Dentons cooperated with Carpo’s local counsel, IK LAW, represented by Partner Katerina Sefteli, on this project.

“Franchising can be a win-win situation, offering the franchisor a powerful tool for international expansion, while bringing the franchisee a tried-and-tested formula for a quality business concept,” said Babette Marzheuser-Wood. “We are delighted to have assisted our long-time client Carpo on this landmark deal, which is a step forward in their growth strategy for the Middle East, while also representing Americana’s entry into the luxury food retail sector in the region.”