Cookieman Franchise - A leading Australian operator and developer of franchises, Allied Brands, today announced it intended to launch its Cookie Man brand in Dubai and at least two other new countries following strong international interest. Allied Brands director and Cookie Man Managing Director Peter Elligett said Allied Brands was currently assessing applicants to become Cookie Man master franchisees from a range of countries including Malaysia, Cyprus, Canada, UK, UAE ,Dubai, Japan, Spain, Thailand and Russia.

Cookie Man already has 28 stores in India, including in all major cities, with another five stores due to open, Cookie Man is now supplying major hotels and airlines including Jet, Kingfisher and with its airport kiosks performing strongly. This impressive performance by Cookie Man in India has fueled international interest in becoming a master franchisee for the brand in other countries.

Elligett said Allied Brands had intended to pursue international expansion opportunities for Cookie Man in 2009 financial year but strong inquiries had seen those plans brought forward. Cookie Man, which was acquired by Allied Brands earlier this year, has 49 outlets in Australia and one in Singapore. As part of its Cookie Man acquisition Allied Brands was granted a three year option to acquire Cookie Man shares in CM India and CM China which are joint ventures with private equity firms in those countries. Allied Brands is the Australian master franchisee for the Baskin Robbins chain with 81 stores and in July announced the acquisition of the Kennys Cardiology franchise which has 33 stores.