Statoil Ireland is seeking franchisees to help expand the number of Fareplay shops on Statoil forecourts around the country.
Statoil Ireland wants to expand within the Irish retail market. According to managing director Tony Murray, the goal is to become the leading player in forecourt retailing by 2002.
In Ireland, Statoil is looking for motivated partners who, by meeting strict selection criteria and contributing capital investment, will gain the right to represent a well-established trade identity and a tried and tested concept. Prospective franchisees will receive on-the-job training.
Statoil envisages having about 20 Fareplay franchises operating by 2004, in addition to its company-owned, company-operated Fareplay shops.
"It's a win-win situation in that, through franchising, we can expand the Fareplay network while retaining strict control of operational standards in all our Fareplay shops," says Mr Murray.
The Fareplay concept has proved to be a success in Ireland and there are currently 43 shops in operation on Statoil forecourts at different locations. Plans call for this figure to rise to 50 by the end of the year. An IEP 80 million (NOK 790 million) investment programme for Fareplay is underway.