News and Press
TLT advises retailer WHSmith on expansion into India

TLT has advised one of the UK's leading retail groups, WHSmith, on a franchise arrangement to facilitate its expansion into the Indian market. 

TLT's commercial team, led by partner Perran Jervis, has negotiated agreements to enable an Indian franchisee TNSI to open six WHSmith units at Delhi airport in India next year. TNSI is part of the IDFS Group, which has extensive experience of running duty free outlets in India.

TLT partner Perran Jervis adds, "TLT has strong links with the Indian market and we understand the country's culture and approach to business. The Indian market is difficult to break into but, following intense negotiations, we're delighted to have secured these agreements for WHSmith, which will enable the business to generate revenue with minimum risk and investment."

In the UK, WHSmith has 565 high street stores and 490 outlets at airports, train stations, hospitals, motorway service stations and work places. The retailer trialled franchise stores in airports at Shannon in Ireland, Copenhagen, and Stockholm-Arlanda earlier this year.

TLT has a strong focus on the retail sector and advises some of the UK’s leading retailers about supply chain management, franchising, procurement, outsourcing, branding and advertising as well as employment, property, trading standards, and compliance and competition issues. TLT advised Somerfield Stores on the property aspects of its sale to the Co Operative Group for £1.7 billion; and advised fashion chain retailer The Peacock Group in relation to various aspects of international franchise developments in over 12 jurisdictions.