Operator has processed applications for 82 shops and is conducting interviews and reviewing business plans
O2 is looking to franchise out 82 retail stores by the end of the summer.
Following the announcement of its latest franchise scheme in November, O2 has processed applications from potential franchisees and is now conducting interviews and reviewing submitted business plans.
A spokesperson for the operator said there had been plenty of interest in the stores, which are available for investments of around £50,000, including from individuals and companies who own a share in existing O2 stores.
With the addition of the 82 new franchises, more than 40 per cent of O2’s 464-store retail estate will be franchised.
An O2 spokesperson said: “We’re pleased with the number of prospective franchisees who have shown interest and applied to become a franchise partner with O2. We’ve been through the initial applications and are now in the process of interviewing applicants to take those successful forward to the next stage of their business plan proposals.
“We have also seen a lot of interest from existing franchisees who are keen to grow their store estate and we are still on target to find suitable franchise owners and complete the transfer of stores by the end of summer this year.”