Considerable international interest in the Budapest Franchise Expo

More than 30 companies registered at the First Hungarian BuyBrand Show and International Franchise Expo organised by DAKEXPO Kft. The aim of the exhibition is to introduce successful foreign and Hungarian franchise networks to local entrepreneurs, to help companies find new business partners.

“We receive registrations continuously” - said Dr. Katalin Mandel, Managing Director of DAKEXPO Kft. “The economic and legal environment in Hungary ensures favourable conditions to market expansion via franchise type of businesses. There are still market gaps, especially in the service sector while the structure of consumption and the demand are getting very similar to that of Western Europe .”

In those sectors where franchise method exists a business can be started at a reasonable level of investment. In franchise the popularity and market success of a well known brand can be the assurance for the quick return on investment and for the long term success.

There are several companies among the exhibitors – e.g. Centronet, dry cleaning; Fragos/Mandarino, kids clothes – whose names are well known in Hungary although they are not yet entered the Hungarian market but in most of these cases companies are know from foreign advertising campaigns. Now the First Hungarian BuyBrand Show and International Franchise Expo offers possibility to Hungarian entrepreneurs to be part of the success of these international brands while keeping their independence.

One of the registered exhibitors of the Expo is The Athlete’s Foot Group, a North-American based operator of more than 700 stores in 45 nations. The company is the world’s largest franchise retailer of athletic footwear. “We are most interested in the Hungarian market because of the strong sports culture in Hungary as well as the huge emphasis on sports-fashion.” – said Dan Benton, Director of European Development of The Athlete’s Foot. “ Hungary ’s entry into the European Community combined with a strengthening economy make our fresh, American-based retail concept a strong prospect for the right Hungarian franchise partner. The athletic footwear business is a fun industry, based on sports, fitness, style and active lifestyle. Everyone loves to get a new pair of ‘sneakers’. We hope to find a Master franchise partner for Hungary who shares this belief in our company.”

Another exhibitor is the French dry cleaning network, 5 a` sec. As Éva Czigány director said: “In the retail sector, the Hungarian business culture has reached the West-European standards, so we can cooperate with reliable professional partners in the expansion of the market of our successful brand. And the independence of our partners is the strongest base of their commitment.”

The exhibitors registered so far operate in those sectors where franchise is a common method of doing successful business, such as Fast Food restaurants, dry cleaners, business advisor companies, sportswear, kids clothing, confectionery shops, souvenir shops, interior design shop, jewelleries, or real estate agencies.

DAKEXPO Kft.

DAKEXPO Kft. was founded in 2003 with the aim of stimulating franchise business methods in Hungary by organising business events. The co-owners of DAKEXPO are Dr. Katalin Mandel, of Hungary and Dennis Klein of Canada . Dr. Mandel is well known by organising the Royal Diamond Business Club events, while Dennis Klein is a founder of Canada ’s most successful franchise network. DAKEXPO is a member of the International Franchise Association.

First Hungarian BuyBrand Show and International Franchise Expo

The First Hungarian BuyBrand Show and International Franchise Expo will take place at Budapest University of Economic Sciences, October 14-16, 2004 . Foreign and Hungarian franchisors introduce their businesses with the aim of finding new business partners in Hungary . The potential Hungarian partners are private investors and entrepreneurs who wish to start new business activity by purchasing a proven brand and business method while maintaining their independence.