U-Swirl, Inc. (OTCQB: SWRL) (the “Company”), which through its U-Swirl International, Inc. subsidiary franchises/operates self-serve frozen yogurt stores in 38 states and 4 foreign countries, today announced a further expansion of its international franchising activities with the signing of a Master Licensing Agreement for its CherryBerry frozen yogurt brand in the Canadian Province of British Columbia.
U-Swirl, Inc. is a controlled subsidiary of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (“RMCF”) (NASDAQ: RMCF).
“We are delighted to announce the continued expansion of our international franchising operations with the signing of a Master License Agreement with strategic partners in the Province of British Columbia,” noted Greg Pope, Sr. Vice President of Franchise Development for Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. “We believe the integration of U-Swirl International, Inc. franchise development activities with the franchise marketing and support resources available from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. played a key role in the closing of this transaction.”
“The first CherryBerry store in British Columbia is expected to open in the late spring of 2015, and the Master License Agreement anticipates the opening of at least 20 stores over a ten-year period. We continue to evaluate self-serve frozen yogurt and co-branded licensing opportunities in a number of additional countries and expect international activities to play a significant role in our growth in coming years,” concluded Pope.
With a population of approximately 4.6 million people, British Columbia is the third most populated province in Canada. The majority of its population is concentrated in and around the Vancouver metropolitan area.
About U-Swirl, Inc.
U-Swirl, Inc. is an operator and franchisor of self-serve frozen yogurt cafés that operate under the following names: U-SWIRL Frozen Yogurt, CherryBerry, Yogurtini, Fuzzy Peach, Aspen Leaf Yogurt, Yogli Mogli, Gracie Bleu, and Josie’s Frozen Yogurt. The cafés offer frozen yogurt in up to 20 non-fat and low-fat flavors, including tart, traditional, and no-sugar-added options, along with fresh sorbet. Approximately 70 toppings such as fresh fruit, sauces, candies, and granola are available to customize each serving of yogurt to the customer’s individual taste.
In January 2013, the Company acquired frozen yogurt café assets, franchise rights and certain other assets from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., primarily in exchange for certain warrants/options, notes payable, and a controlling ownership interest in the Company.
U-Swirl, Inc. is headquartered in Durango, Colorado, and its common stock trades on the OTCQB under the symbol “SWRL.” As of October 14, 2014, the Company and its franchisees operated 288 self-serve frozen yogurt cafés in 38 states and 4 foreign countries.
About Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., headquartered in Durango, Colorado, is an international franchiser of gourmet chocolate, confection and self-serve frozen yogurt stores and a manufacturer of an extensive line of premium chocolates and other confectionery products. As of October 14, 2014, the Company, its U-Swirl, Inc. subsidiary and franchisees operate over 642 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and self-serve frozen yogurt stores in 42 states, Canada, Japan, South Korea, The United Arab Emirates, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey.
The Company’s common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “RMCF.” The common stock of U-Swirl, Inc. trades on the OTCQB market under the symbol “SWRL.”
Source marketwired.com