France-based Kompass International has recently established a franchise in Hong Kong to set up a local suppliers directory, which will form part of its global product-sourcing database.
Kompass' directories of more than 1.5 million companies in 80 countries have been sold in the SAR for years, but it did not have a directory featuring local companies, as a suitable franchisee had not been found.
David Edwards, managing director of the Hong Kong franchise, which was formed in June, said the company's franchises in the mainland and Singapore had been in existence for more than 10 years.
He said setting up the database involved an large amount of company interviews and data collection.
An initial $5 million investment in the franchise was expected to see returns in three years.
The company plans to publish its Hong Kong directory in CD-ROM and print formats in July and September next year. SAR data will be available on the company's Web site this November.