Here's the related news :
Carl's Jr.(R) to Open 25
Franchise Restaurants in Singapore and Malaysia
Development Part of U.S.-based Chain's International Expansion
Strategy
CARPINTERIA, Calif., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CKE
Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR) announced today that its subsidiary
and popular U.S. hamburger chain, Carl's Jr., will soon open the
first of 25 new restaurants to be developed in Singapore and
Malaysia over the next eight years. The company has entered into a
franchise agreement with Aspac F&B Pte. Ltd., and expects to
open Singapore's first Carl's Jr. in early 2005.
CKE Restaurants' presence internationally has been steadily
increasing, with a combined total of 199 Carl's Jr. and Hardee's(R)
restaurants now operating in 13 countries. Ned Lyerly, CKE
Restaurants vice president, international, said that the strategic
expansion into Singapore was based on the country's high population
density, strong per capita GNP, and a broad acceptance of western
goods and services. "Finding an appropriate franchise partner was
key," he said. The arrangement with Aspac was facilitated through a
U.S. Commercial Service, Franchise Trade Mission to Singapore in
September 2003.
Aspac F&B Pte. Ltd. is a member of the Fong Tat Group,
headquartered in Singapore with primary core businesses in trading,
distribution and property development. "We are very excited about
the opportunities that this Carl's Jr. master franchise agreement
holds," said the company's Chairman, Richard Tan. "With our
experienced operational management team led by Philip Lim, general
manager, we certainly look forward to the challenge of growing the
internationally renowned Carl's Jr. brand here in Singapore and
Malaysia."
Tan says Aspac was attracted to CKE Restaurants because "it is a
large, successful company with a colorful and strong 60-year
history. We researched a lot of food and beverage franchise
opportunities, but no other brand could offer the combination of
great food and corporate support that CKE does. As the company has
grown, they have really kept the family atmosphere. We like
that."
"Aspac and CKE are an excellent fit," said CKE's Lyerly. "Aspac is
a highly professional, principled, family-oriented firm with strong
knowledge of the local market. Their passion for the Carl's Jr.
brand and overall enthusiasm for the project were key elements
contributing to the successful conclusion of our
negotiations."
As of the end of the second quarter on Aug. 9, 2004, CKE
Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,206
franchised or company-owned restaurants in 44 states and in 13
countries, including 1,016 Carl's Jr. restaurants, 2,067 Hardee's
restaurants and 105 La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill(R) restaurants.
For more information, visit www.ckr.com.
Called the local Aspac office to find the location of Carl's Jr but
alas... the office is closed for the day!
I am THIS close to finding out, LazerLordz... my first burger there
shall be on you!! 
