Starbucks To License Its Operations In France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg

(RTTNews) - Starbucks Coffee Co. (SBUX) said that it plans to fully license Starbucks operations in France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg to its longstanding strategic partner Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V., independent chain restaurant operator in Latin America.

As per the proposal, which is subject to relevant local laws, and discussions with relevant employee representatives, Alsea will have the rights to operate and develop Starbucks stores in these markets, building on Starbucks regional growth agenda that drives value through strategic licensed relationships. At the same time the company would introduce a new support structure in its head office in London to better serve an increasingly licensed strategy.

The longstanding strategic business partnership between Starbucks and Alsea began in 2002, when together they opened Mexico City's first Starbucks store.

Today, Alsea operates more than 900 Starbucks stores in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay, employing more than 11,500 partners (employees) across the five markets. At the close of this transaction, Alsea would expand its relationship with Starbucks outside of Latin America to Europe and would partner with Starbucks in nine markets globally.

Starbucks noted that it intends to restructure its back-office support functions. The result will be a more impactful team that draws on global best practices to support licensees in optimising operations. This includes introducing a new support centre structure in its head office based in London - which has served as the company's regional headquarters since 2014 - as well as the intention to close its support centre in Amsterdam. The company will continue to operate its manufacturing site in Amsterdam which roasts and packages its ethically sourced Arabica coffee for EMEA.