Hyderabad|India|April '2011: What is the common link between cricket, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Curves for Women? All have launched profitable business models through the franchising model and have targeted growth plans for future expansions.

To capitalize on this momentum, fifteen U.S. franchises will visit Hyderabad from April 12-13, 2011 to network with leading entrepreneurs, business leaders and companies to learn more about the dynamic opportunities in the city.

This is the first-ever Franchising Trade Mission organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce to visit India, which will also stop in Mumbai and New Delhi. Hyderabad’s strong entrepreneurial talent and propensity to embrace franchising concepts provide mutually beneficial and lucrative opportunities for partnerships in the areas of food and beverage and services franchises.

The participating companies include some of the most successful and sought-after U.S. franchises: Applebee’s, BannaStrow’s Crepes and Coffee, CKE Restaurants- Carl's Jr., Denny’s, Focus Brands - Schlotzsky's Deli, Moe's Southwest Grill, Carvel Ice Cream, Johnny Rockets, Molly Maid, One and Four LLC - Wonderworks Amusement Parks, Titanic Pigeon Forge and Crime Museum, Pollo Tropical, Radio Shack, Rita’s Ice, United Franchise Group - EmbroidMe and Billboard Connection, Wendy’s/Arby’s International, and Wing Zone and Which Wich. In addition, the Franchise Times Magazine will travel from the United States to report on the activities.

Franchising represents a unique business concept, as franchisees are able to adapt and implement a successful business model for a brand that has strong name recognition. While a large capital investment may be required to buy the rights to a franchise, franchising offers a quality partnership and most notably a proven business model. This collaboration offers its Indian partner the opportunity to develop and promote new businesses in conjunction its parent company, which provides guidance and best practices to help maintain the world class quality, global recognition and maximum profitability.

The Indian market is ripe for a franchising boom. Currently, the franchise market in India is estimated to be worth $3.3 billion and growing at an impressive rate of approximately 30%. Over 700 franchise systems are already operating in the country, and approximately 10% of these systems are run by international companies. However, these systems still represent a very small percentage of the overall retail sector. As the Indian consumer market matures to the level of other developed economies, organized retail will increase its presence -- franchising is expected to grow its share within retail until it represents 50% of overall organized retail trade.

If you are interested in talking with one of the above-mentioned U.S. franchises, please contact Sathya Prabha of the U.S. Commercial Service at Sathya.prabha@trade.gov. Successful U.S. franchises brought to Hyderabad with the assistance of the U.S. Commercial Service include: Curves for Women, Subway and Texas Chicken.

For more details and to review the profiles of the participating franchises, please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/india/en/ftm.html