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Johannesburg - In line with Famous Brands’ growth
strategy to expand its presence in Africa‚ the group has awarded the Namibian
master licence agreement for the newly relaunched Milky Lane brand to Namibian
national‚ De Wet Oosthuizen.
In March 2011‚ Famous Brands [JSE:FBR] acquired the franchise
agreements‚ trademarks and intellectual property of Milky Lane. A new strategic
direction for the brand has subsequently been implemented‚ including a new
corporate identity and store design.
Darren Hele‚ Famous Brands chief operating officer:
franchising‚ said the group was confident Milky Lane stood to regain its former
lustre in a sector that was showing good growth.
“Accordingly‚ we have awarded the Namibian master license
for this brand to De Wet Oosthuizen‚ a business partner who has a longstanding
relationship with the group and has achieved strong success in the Namibian
market.”
Oosthuizen began his relationship with Famous Brands in
1997‚ when he acquired a single Steers franchise in Windhoek in Namibia. In
2003 he was awarded the Namibian master licence for the Steers and Debonairs
Pizza brands‚ and in 2006 the licence for FishAways. He now owns four Steers
restaurants‚ three Debonairs Pizza restaurants and two FishAways restaurants in
the country.
There is one Milky Lane in Windhoek and a further restaurant
will be opened in Swakopmund in August. It is expected the brand has the
potential to support at least 10 restaurants in the region.
“This opportunity will not only create jobs but also help to
keep Namibia in step with global trends‚” Oosthuizen said. “Namibia’s hot
summer climate and short winter lends itself to a vibrant ice-cream culture.”
Hele said there were plans in place to expand the base of
Steers‚ Debonairs Pizza and FishAways in Namibia by a further 13 stores‚
starting as early as August 2012.
Famous Brands’ total network in Namibia consists of 25 restaurants; in addition to Oosthuizen’s portfolio‚ the group has 13 Wimpy and two Mugg & Bean restaurants trading in the country.
