Dubai, United Arab Emirates (June 26, 2006): Master Franchisers FZCO, who hold a portfolio of brands for the Middle East, announced today that a master franchise agreement has been signed with Trios.

Trios, the unique wrap franchise from Australia has fast become a $10 million business enterprise with a healthy consumer offering whose base ingredient is traditional Lebanese bread.

The agreement signals massive expansion for the family owned franchise which was launched in 2002, and is set to see 5 new stores open in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by December 2006 and a total of 50 across the region in the next five years.

Commenting on the agreement, Mr, David Elia, Managing Director, Trios, said: “We have always had the goal of expanding internationally and when Master Franchisers FZCO approached us we knew the time was right to consider the Middle East market. I believe the Laffé and Trios concept will be received strongly in the region given the links our product has and the increasing focus on health and nutrition.”

Speaking about the partnership he added: “Master Franchisers FZCO have a clear and concise picture of retail potential in the region, experience across many categories coupled with sound financials. We strongly believe they deliver every opportunity to surpass the growth expectations for our franchise.”

Having recognised the potential of the Trios franchise and its unique product offering, Mr. Roger Francis, General Manager, Master Franchisers FZCO commented: “We are constantly surveying all the major international markets for strong brand concepts that we believe have potential for sustained, consistent growth in the region and Trios has a strong fit. As a result of the agreement we are looking forward to contributing to the company’s growth in the region.”

Trios currently have 13 stores located in Melbourne and Sydney.

For more information about the contents of this press release please contact -  

Representing Trios - Trina Phelan at Lape & Partners Marketing Communications on +07 3368 1650, alternatively via email - trina@lape.com.au

Representing Master Franchisers FZCO – Natasha Bartlett-Twivey, on +971 4 2953488, alternatively via email – natasha.bt@masterfranchisers.com

For more information on Trios, please visit: www.trios.com/au

For more information on Master Franchisers FZCO, please visit: www.masterfranchisers.com