Kuwait, October 7, 2013: M.H. Alshaya Co. ('Alshaya') has announced the signing of a franchise partnership with Afkar Holding Group, the Lebanese Babel restaurant operator. The partnership supports the expansion of Babel, the acclaimed Lebanese restaurant brand, into selected markets across the Middle East and North Africa. Babel, which has achieved five star accreditation in Lebanon, is renowned for its dynamic restaurant design, its progressive interpretation of Lebanese ingredients, and its outstanding hospitality. The first Babel restaurants to be managed by Alshaya, one of the world's leading international retail franchise operators, are expected to open in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, each with the distinctive design and architecture that characterises the brand. The brand was established in Lebanon in 2009 with the opening of Babel in Dbayeh. Babel Bay in Zaituna Bay followed in 2012, with Babel Bahr in the Amchit area of Lebanon opening most recently in August 2013. All three restaurants have achieved a reputation and loyal following through word of mouth alone. Guests at Babel are introduced to the tastes and flavours of traditional Lebanese cuisine, reinvented with a contemporary twist and using outstanding, high quality ingredients. Commenting on the new partnership, Dory Rizk, CEO of Afkar Holding Group said: "At Babel we are committed to bringing our customers a compelling hospitality experience that explores the complexity of Lebanese cuisine and delivers outstanding service and ambience. We are very pleased to partner with Alshaya, whose proven reputation for successfully franchising international brands gives us great confidence about Babel's future growth outside of Lebanon." Mohammed Alshaya added: "We are delighted to be able to bring this outstanding Lebanese dining concept to new markets, further broadening the diversity of dining choices that we are able to offer our customers. In the short time since it was founded, Babel has rapidly earned a reputation for excellence, and we look forward to partnering with the brand to replicate its success beyond Lebanon." -Ends- About Alshaya Alshaya is a leading international franchise operator for over 70 of the world's most recognised retail brands, including Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfitters, P.F. Chang's, The Cheesecake Factory, Victoria's Secret, Boots, Pottery Barn, Office Depot and KidZania Kuwait. The company operates over 2,500 stores across 8 divisions: Fashion & Footwear, Health & Beauty, Food Service, Optics, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings, Office Supplies and Leisure & Entertainment. Alshaya's stores can currently be found in 19 markets across the Middle East and North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe and the company employs more than 36,000 people from over 110 nationalities. Alshaya has established itself as the industry leader across these territories through a combination of local market understanding and a comprehensive commitment to customer service. Growth in each of its operating divisions and brands is supported by continuous investment in talent and infrastructure. It applies best practices in retail operations, merchandising, marketing, information technology, logistics, real estate, human resources and financial controls. Alshaya's retail business forms part of the wider Alshaya group of companies, which was founded in Kuwait in 1890 and today represents one of the most dynamic businesses in the Middle East. In addition to its retail operations, Alshaya is active in a number of other sectors including real estate, automotive, hotels, trading and investments. Learn more about the company at www.alshaya.com. For further information: Hatem Korabi Corporate Communications Manager M.H. Alshaya Co Tel: (+965) 2224 2475 Mobile: (+965) 97602172 hatem.korabi@alshaya.com Jad Mounzer Assistant General Manager Afkar Holding Tel: (+961) 4 542842 extension 203 - Mobile : (+ 961) 3 411643 jadmounzer@afkarholding.co