Caprinos Pizza has signed a franchise development agreement to open at least 30 stores across Riyadh Province in Saudi Arabia over the next five years.
The agreement marks the pizza brand’s first move into the Middle East and will see the new locations developed by a consortium of local partners.
The consortium includes one of Caprinos’ existing UK franchisees, who currently operates a portfolio of the brand’s stores.
Founded in 2014, Caprinos now operates more than 120 stores across the UK, alongside locations in Ireland and Pakistan.
The business has opened more than 30 stores during the past two years and has further openings planned across its existing markets.
Caprinos said the Riyadh agreement represents the next stage of its international expansion, with the business also in discussions with prospective franchisees regarding development agreements in other Saudi Arabian provinces.
The latest agreement follows plans for Caprinos to enter Spain through Master Franchisee Farhat Faheem, who is targeting the opening of 50 locations.
Caprinos is also continuing to expand in the UK, with recent openings in Greenwich, Welling, Shotton, Norwich and Hinckley.
The business is targeting a global estate of 200 locations by 2030.
Gul Nawaz and Khalil Rehman, Co-founders of Caprinos Pizza, said: “This year has been a transformational year for Caprinos and for us as entrepreneurs. Alongside Spain, which is due to open its first locations imminently, Saudi Arabia represents a significant opportunity for Caprinos. Riyadh Province has a growing population, with an influx of businesses and tourists visiting the area, creating strong tailwinds for our highly experienced group of partners.
“This is another proud day for us. With each quarter, we are taking Caprinos to new heights and showing what is possible through hard work and a relentless focus on serving innovative pizzas at affordable prices. This agreement will allow us to introduce more global consumers to our brand and get one step closer to building Caprinos into a household name.”