Holland & Barrett has expanded into Cyprus via a franchise agreement.

The health foods retailer will open nine franchise shops in partnership with C.A.Papaellinas Group, which currently operates the AlphaMega Hypermarkets, the Beauty Line retail stores, and are one of the major distributors of international brands in Cyprus.

Holland & Barrett also has franchise stores in South Africa, Malta, Singapore and the UAE.

Chief executive Peter Aldis said: “Cyprus is another welcome addition to our international franchising portfolio. We are excited with the possibilities of expansion within the market. Cyprus presents an exciting future for us and we are confident that our strategic partners will make the Holland & Barrett brand a success and delight health conscious customers.”

Holland & Barrett parent NBTY Europe has more than 1,000 stores.

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