West Marine, Inc. has partnered with East Marine Denizcilik & Turizm A.S. to open its first franchise store in Istanbul, Turkey. An ardent sailor and industrialist, Mr. Rahmi M. Koç is the Chairman and controlling shareholder of East Marine.
The new West Marine store in Turkey, located at Kumlar Caddesi No: 8 Kartal, is set to open in July 2008. Its part of a multi-store development agreement for Turkey.
“We view this as a tremendous opportunity to leverage the West Marine brand and expertise with East Marines international experience,” said Geoff Eisenberg, CEO, West Marine. “We believe franchising has enormous potential and we look forward to growing our international sales and presence with our respected partner.”
