12-10-2006 - Printing.com - Printing.com in Europe franchise negotiations - Print Week
Printing.com is in talks over tying up its first international franchises in France, Germany and the Netherlands after completing the installation of the latest press at its Manchester hub.Chief executive Tony Rafferty, who revealed plans at Ipex's Inward Mission last year to roll out a global franchise operation, was travelling this week to discuss licences with possible partners on the Continent.
He said: "We're selling the model. The partners would have to set up a network of high-street shops in their local market."
It is unclear which printers could be interested in buying the licences, which cost between £170,000 and £510,000. Although Rafferty has previously stated that he would look for a strong management team or would consider working with an entrepreneur looking to set up a print site.
The news came after Printing.com completed its installation of the world's first double-decker Komori Lithrone 440SP at its Manchester site.
Rafferty said the £1.8m press, which will double the firm's capacity in terms of sales to around £45m, has led to a surge of interest in "bolt-on" licences for printers.
"Effectively, the licence means they are buying a time-share in this press. I can't say how many new ‘bolt-ons' we have, but the predicted wave of interest has happened."
Rafferty added that previous plans for a new hub in the south of the UK had been dropped in favour of installing the new press.
"It means we have more capacity per square metre at Manchester, and we avoid duplicating costs," he said.
"Bolt-on" franchises allow existing print and graphic arts companies to expand their business by using Printing.com's branding and presses, while retaining their independence.