New distributi​on partnershi​p for Esprit in Middle East

Hong Kong based fashion company Esprit Holdings Limited has

announced a distribution partnership with the Al-Futtaim Group for the Middle East.

Al-Futtaim, a privately owned business conglomerate based in Dubai with business interests throughout the Middle East, Europe and parts of the Far East, will take over the operation of more than 35 Esprit stores in Gulf and Middle East and North African regions via its retail division.

Al-Futtaim and Esprit plan to double Esprit's footprint in the regions within the next few years, including presences in Cairo Festival City and Doha Festival City, projects owned by the group.

Jose Manuel Martinez Gutierrez, CEO of Esprit, said: "In addition to focusing activities on our core regions of Europe and Asia, we will be intensifying activities in additional growth markets, such as the Middle East. We are delighted to have found a partner in Al Futtaim that enjoys an excellent reputation and strong market position in the Middle East." In the Middle East, Esprit currently operates stores in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt and Lebanon.