Abstract
The group Holder was founded in the 50's by Francis Holder; the group is one of the major actors of the French bakery industry. The group is also present in the pastry and restaurant sector. All in all, the group employs 8000 people in 482 shops all over the world. (Xerfi) The fact that the Holder already has 500 stores in 27 countries was a factor that influenced company's decision to expand further. Moreover, the group Holder evidently had the resources to expand.
The seven businesses under the group Holder helped the company build a network of contacts. This was because the group Holder offered more than just tasty French bread, but they also offered planning, developing and of shop design through the "Panetude" brand. The fact that PAUL was present in 27 countries proved that they had foreign business methods in addition to their knowledge and experience.
