Sumo Sushi & Bento, a home-grown UAE company, has announced that the Apparel Group has signed a franchise agreement to bring forward 20 Sumo Sushi & Bento outlets across the GCC region. Founded by Nilesh Ved, Apparel Group has over 75 global fashion and lifestyle brands in its portfolio. Sumo Sushi & Bento has been a high quality, well priced sushi and Japanese favourite in the UAE for more than 16 years, providing fun and authentic experience for its guests. It now boasts 12 outlets located throughout the emirate, many of which are in prime retail and leisure hubs, with another four located in Bahrain and Oman. It was established in 2000 with just ten team members, and has now grown to 140 employees, while the franchises have over 500 employees. Building on its expansive relationship with various malls, Apparel Group will focus on bringing Sumo Sushi & Bento to its mall locations throughout the GCC, said a statement from the company. The franchise agreement was signed official signed on April 13, in the presence of senior officials of both groups at an exclusive ceremony held in Dubai, UAE. The first restaurant under this agreement is scheduled to open on June 1, in Doha Festival City (Qatar), followed by other shopping malls and retail establishments across the Middle East using the existing network of Apparel Group in the region, it said. Sumo International Inc, operates and franchises a highly lucrative chain of 15 restaurants across UAE, Bahrain and Oman, while Apparel Group has over 75 brands in its portfolio covering four continents, it added. The signing of this franchise agreement is a continuation of Sumo Sushi & Bento’s ambitious growth plans, both nationally and regionally. With more than 17 years’ experience, the company’s strong vision has transformed the brand from its humble beginnings as an original Japanese family friendly restaurant to the largest growing Japanese franchise in the UAE. The brand is currently focussed on mirroring its GCC dominance, overseas in the critically important and competitive US market, it said. Darami Coulter, global marketing and communication manager, Sumo International Inc, said: “We are thrilled to work with Apparel Group and we believe they are the ideal partner to help us drive the expansion of our company in the fast growing GCC markets.” “To be recognised by Apparel Group as a strong brand, performing well with a reputation for quality food and service is very encouraging. Both brands share an affinity for recognising consumer desires and superseding these with a quality offering,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service

OAKVILLE, ON - August 26, 2013 - Tim Hortons officially opened its first restaurant in Kuwait on Saturday, marking the company's 32nd location in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Canadian Minister of International Trade, the Honourable Ed Fast, served the restaurant's first cup of coffee, after shooting a ceremonial puck onsite at The Avenues Mall in Kuwait City. The expansion is part of the company's international strategic plan announced in 2011, to open 120 restaurants in the GCC by the end of 2015. "Together with our partner in the GCC, the Apparel Group, we are thrilled to celebrate the opening of the first Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Shop in Kuwait," said David Clanachan, Chief Operating Officer, Tim Hortons. "We have been warmly welcomed by our guests in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman and look forward to bringing the Tim Hortons experience to our guests in Kuwait City." Since opening the initial five UAE locations in December 2011, Tim Hortons continues to focus on growth in that region's key cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The first official Tim Hortons drive-thru location is slated to open in Abu Dhabi this fall and more such opportunities are being explored. The company also entered Oman with two locations in 2012. In February 2011, Tim Hortons signed a Master License Agreement (MLA) with The Apparel Group, to open 120 multi-format restaurants in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman in a five-year period. "We are fortunate to have found as strong a partner as The Apparel Group to help us expand internationally within the GCC," said Clanachan. "With their excellent reputation, knowledge of local real estate and impressive portfolio of global retail brands, we are confident our presence in that market will continue to flourish." About Tim Hortons Inc. Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods including our trademark donuts, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products. As of June 30th, 2013, Tim Hortons had 4,304 system-wide restaurants, including 3,468 in Canada, 807 in the United States and 29 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com. Follow Tim Hortons on Twitter: www.twitter.com/timhortons. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Alexandra Cygal Cygal_Alexandra@timhortons.com 905-339-5960