Franchise Expo will be held in Paris from 14 to 17 March 2008 and will bring together key players from the franchising and networked commerce industry. Franchise Expo Paris is expected to attract more than 30,000 qualified visitors. Over 400 brands will be represented, stemming from more than 75 different business areas. Every year, a different country or group of countries is in the spotlight and, this year, it will be the Middle East.

For over 25 years, Franchise Expo has been bringing together leading French and international companies under the aegis of the French Franchise Federation. More than 400 brands will be represented at the 2008 event to recruit, launch, develop and export their networks, and companies will be able to present their turnkey concepts. More than 75 business areas will be represented, including delicatessens, ready-to-wear clothes, vehicle hire, real estate, gifts and toys, beauticians, stationery and swimming pools.

Franchise Expo is a key event for visitors wishing to find information about the latest market trends. Franchise Expo brings together recognised professionals and the leading experts in the sector. Every year, experts offer visitors advice and information on networked commerce, contracts and ethical codes, among other subjects.

The Middle East will be the region under the spotlight in 2008. A special pavilion will house companies from the region and meetings with investors from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE), Lebanon and Egypt will also be organised. Conferences and awards will highlight the development potential of the region, which plans to welcome 1,500 new franchised brands by 2010.

The Master Franchise Meetings programme will enable visiting investors to meet relevant exhibitors who are looking to develop their businesses internationally. These meetings will be aimed at investors looking for a new concept to implement in their country, as well as at existing operators who are interested in developing new brands. The meetings will also target entrepreneurs looking to invest in a given business activity.

The successful results recorded by Franchise Expo Paris every year confirm its position as a leading event for French and international trade. Its high number of participating international investors reflects the fact that it is an ideal springboard for developing brands in the international marketplace.

About Franchise Expo Paris

Franchise Expo Paris is an international trade show for the recruitment and development of franchises and networked commerce. Since its launch in 1981, with the sponsorship of the French Franchise Federation, it has become an essential venue for companies representing French and international brand names and seeking to recruit, launch, develop and export their networks. The event exhibits hundreds of concepts in more than 75 business areas and attracts 30,000 potential entrepreneurs wishing to create their own franchised enterprise.

Franchise Expo will be held at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre (Hall 7.2) in Paris (France) from 14 to 17 March 2008.

For further information, please go to: www.franchiseparis.com