Dubai, United Arab Emirates (July 12, 2006): Master Franchisers FZCO whose portfolio of brands for the region includes JYSK, Trios and Zerga, confirmed today that a master franchise agreement for the Middle East has been signed with Carpisa.

Carpisa, a brand leader in Italy since 1982, has a distinct range of fashion bags, leather goods and luggage based on Italian designs, proposed through four seasonal collections.

Currently, Carpisa have 2 stores operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through Master Franchisers FZCO’s affiliate company, retailer ISSCO (International Specialised Stores Co.), with a further 5 planned in key mall locations in Riyadh - Rimal, Hayat and Suleimanyiah, Sadhan Shopping Centre also in Riyadh and Sari City in Jeddah.

The agreement follows a year of successfully operating 2 stores in the Kingdom and signals aggressive development in the lower gulf region with a store in Kuwait and Dubai targeted by year end.

Mr. Roger Francis, General Manager, Master Franchisers FZCO commented: “Carpisa has a unique and differentiated product offering and a clear potential to establish itself as a brand leader in the region. Development is underway and we are looking for solid retail partners to be part of the brand’s success story in the Middle East.’

Carpisa currently have 243 stores in Italy as well as stores in Japan, Malta, Russia and Switzerland.

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

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

For more information on Carpisa, please visit: www.carpisa.it.