Debenhams coming to Malta

Debenhams, one of the UK's leading department stores, have appointed United Group as their franchisees for Malta.

The franchise will be operated by United Department Stores Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of United Group Ltd.

Debenhams has a strong presence in key product categories including womenswear, menswear, children's wear, homeware, health and beauty, accessories and lingerie.

Debenhams has a portfolio of approximately 55 own brands, such as Debut, Maine New England, Red Herring and Thomas Nash, and including 25 Designers at Debenhams.

Debenhams has 30 international franchise stores in 16 countries with a further 15 franchise stores scheduled to open by the end of the 2008 financial year. In the UK and Ireland, Debenhams has 139 stores including 7 Desire by Debenhams stores with approximately 10.1 million square feet of trading space and around 21,500 employees. Francis McAuley, Debenhams international director, Debenhams said: "Debenhams is delighted to be in partnership with the United Group and are confident that Debenhams and the United Group can build a truly exciting store in Malta. We look forward to bringing our many brands and concept to the Maltese customers."

Simon Gatt Baldacchino, director of United Group, said: "At United Group, we are delighted to be entrusted by Debenhams to run their prestigious brand franchise in Malta. It reflects the recognition of our group's commitment and expertise in meeting today's challenges.

"We look forward to building on the success we have achieved over the past decades with other internationally renowned brands by delivering value for money to our customers. This appointment is another important step in United Group's strategy to diversify into the retail sector in Malta." .

An announcement will be made shortly on where and when Debenhams will open its doors in Malta.