Franchising In-And From- Italy

The U.S. Embassy in Rome issued in November a comprehensive report regarding opportunities for franchising in that country, by U.S. companies. It made reference, also, to some of the Italian companies which are interested in expanding in the U.S. (Dykema Gossett has good contacts with some of them). Following are some highlights of the report:

• There is a move towards concentration in retail distribution – belated compared to much of Europe, because if Italy's traditional laws favoring family-owned stores. Franchising seems to be well-suited to Italy because of these factors;
• Part-time work has recently been liberalized, as well as a lifting of other restrictions for small businesses;
• Services and hotel sectors are two particular growth areas where U.S. names are attractive to local Italian businesses;

Some interesting Italian franchising leaders have not yet embarked widely in the U.S. and, therefore, may offer opportunities. They include:

Il Fornaio – bakery
Blue Spirit – jewelry
Gigad – food distribution
Iman-VP – cosmetology
Amico Gir – toys and games
Figurella – cosmetology
Mandarina Duck – small leather goods
Portofino's – cosmetology
Calzedonia – intimate apparel
Brummel – children's clothing
Roman's – ladies clothing
GP Pedrini – men's clothing
Max & Co. – quality apparel
Liola – ladies classical clothing

Dykema Gossett can help identify an Italian partner as a master licensee; assist in the corporate, contractual and tax planning of entering the country; assist, through our Italian network, with obtaining necessary approvals; make the initial overtures to Italian franchisors; advise on Italian and EU regulations, in collaboration with our Italian affiliate; and advise the U.S. based franchisee on import regulations.