• Pret A Manger was established in London in 1983.
• The chain currently has 550 stores in nine markets, including the UK, US, Europe, and Asia.
• Franchising deal with Reliance Brands is the company’s first foray into the food/beverage sector.

A agreement has been reached to expand Pret A Manger locations across India by a company owned by Asia’s richest person.

The chain will be operated by a division of Mukesh Ambani’s multibillion dollar Reliance Industries under a franchise deal.

Reliance Brands, which also owns India’s largest retail chain, is making its first foray into the expanding food and beverage sector.

In Mumbai, the first location is anticipated to open in the new year.

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According to a statement from Darshan Mehta, general director of Reliance Brands, “Our partnership with Pret is founded in the strong growth potential of both Pret as a brand… as well as of the food & beverage industry in India.”

Pret A Manger CEO Pano Christou stated, “We’re looking forward to collaborating with them on what is our most ambitious worldwide franchise collaboration to date.

Pret A Manger, which in French means “ready to eat,” was established in London in 1983. The first location there opened the following year.

College buddies Sinclair Beecham and Julian Metcalfe purchased the brand after the original company filed for bankruptcy, opening their first location in 1986.

In nine markets, including the UK, US, Europe, and Asia, the brand currently has 550 stores.

Reliance Industries revealed a franchise deal with the chain of 7-Eleven convenience stores in the US last year.

The agreement strengthened the company’s position as the biggest brick-and-mortar retailer in India.

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