Regional business conglomerate to expand the premium fashion and lifestyle brand with over 50 years of heritage to other Middle East markets

Dubai, June 3, 2009: The Dubai-based regional business conglomerate, Al Aqili Group L.L.C, today announced bagging the Middle East master franchise for the UK-based premium fashion and lifestyle brand, Laura Ashley, and its intention to expand the renowned label's presence across the regional markets as part of strengthening its retail presence in the region.

Commenting on the brand, senior officials of Al Aqili said that Laura Ashley, which has over 50 years of heritage and has a huge loyal market across the world including the Middle East, is returning to the region after a gap of two years.

Mr. Abhay Nadkarni, Executive Director, Marketing and Commercial, Al Aqili Retail said: "At Al Aqili, we are in the process of expanding our retail portfolio as well as reach to the regional markets. The addition of a significant global brand like Laura Ashley is in line with these strategic growth plans which envisage a well-planned foray into the Middle East markets through partnerships."

He said the Group is in the process of identifying other potential regional franchises to compliment the Laura Ashley master franchise. "We are looking for the right partners who wish to enter this market in sync with the opportunities and gaps offered by this region."

In the UAE, Al Aqili has already opened the first Laura Ashley Fashion outlet in Mercato, Jumeirah and a second one will be opened in early June 2009 in Dubai Festival City. The Laura Ashley Fashion portfolio comprises a range of themed and inspired Spring-Summer 2009 women's wear targeted at mature women. "We will soon expand the Laura Ashley offerings from the women's wear to home furnishings. An exclusive outlet for Laura Ashley Home range is planned to open at Mercato post-Ramadan," said Mr. Nadkarni.

Mr. Steve Lee, Executive Director, Operations, Al Aqili Retail, said: "Laura Ashley is a brand which has an all-time appeal in the market, despite economic fluctuations. This is proven by the fact that we have been receiving an excellent response from customers after we opened the first Laura Ashley outlet. We believe the retail market in Dubai continues to be buoyant for brands such as Laura Ashley, thanks to a large discerning domestic customer base, as well tourists."

He said, "the addition of Laura Ashley is part of the Al Aqili retail strategy to enhance its portfolio with Western brands with significant customer franchise in their categories across the world. We hope to have a multi-country, multi-franchise operation spanning the GCC and Levant in the next 5 years."

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About Laura Ashley:
Laura Ashley is the quintessential English Brand. The name is synonymous with quality, creativity and individuality, a mark of elegant modern living. The story of the brand starts from Laura Ashley, born in 1925 in humble beginnings in Wales and to her success in becoming a hugely influential designer of clothes and fabrics. Laura Ashley and Bernard Ashley, her husband, literally conceived the brand at a kitchen table in their home in Pimlico. The first batch was headscarves, table mats and napkins and the first Laura Ashley factory was opened in an old coaching house in Kent. Over the years, the Laura Ashley has grown into a lifestyle brand known and respected throughout the world. The brand is both classic and contemporary. Drawing on an over 50- year heritage, Laura Ashley collections are kept contemporary by refreshing the color pallet and adding new twists to traditional styles.

About Al Aqili:
Al Aqili Group is a transnational conglomerate with operations and investments spread across the UAE, GCC countries, Iraq, India, Jordan and others.

Driven by a passion for business growth, focus on brand building and customer service, the Group encompasses under its activities FMCG distribution and manufacturing, telecom and mobile phones distribution and services, flooring and office furniture and petroleum products trading, in addition to real estate projects. It has high profile partnerships with multinational brands across the globe including Reckitt Benckiser, Jergens, Motorola, Panasonic, Energizer, Wrigley's, Americana Food Products, California Garden, Savola Edible Oil, Gulfa, Supermax, among many others. The Group has been able to effectively meet local needs through intimate knowledge of the local market conditions, whilst simultaneously offering the strength and resources of a transnational organization.

Media Contact:
Gia Pereira/Sharyn Pereira
Percept Profile Gulf
Tel No: 04-3446373

© Press Release 2009