The Little Gym has signed a Master Franchise agreement that will see at least 15 locations developed in the Middle East over the next decade. Founded in the US in 1976 The Little Gym offers an exercise programme for children aged between four months and 12 years. Husband and wife team Adel Al-Bader and Khaldah Al-Ghanim, who are existing The Little Gym franchisees in Kuwait City, Kuwait, have entered into the Master Franchise agreement that will involve them opening a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 50 outlets across the region.
The couple is looking to develop more sites across Kuwait as well as seeking franchisees to establish locations in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, Bahrain, Syria, Oman, Qatar, Iran, Cyprus, Jordan, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan, Iraq and Yemen. They will also assist those who join the franchise in opening and operating their locations, providing business training, site-selection and site-design assistance, operational consulting, market adaptation, marketing support, translation assistance and other ongoing services, with the support of The Little Gym head office.
'The Little Gym is unique in its structure, use of music, individual focus on each child, and the way its themes and fun lead to increased self esteem,' says Ms. Al-Ghanim, joint Master Franchise owner. 'Parents in Kuwait believe in The Little Gym because they notice a difference in their children, and we're confident that feeling will spread to other locations as we fulfill our development agreement.'
Ruk Adams, The Little Gym's Vice President of Franchise Development, adds: 'This is a very significant development for us on the international stage. It places an experienced entity with a vested interest in growth and a proven success in our system in the Middle East to oversee the selection, recruitment, inauguration and ongoing support of additional franchise owners there, and will allow our development efforts to move forward with full force. In fact, we have already contacted some 20 prospects who previously expressed interest in The Little Gym in Saudi Arabia, Dubai/United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Oman and Cyprus, and we plan to meet with some of them early in 2008.'
Published: 15 February 2008
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