UAE’s MEER signs agreement to acquire 70% of Espressolab owner

UAE-based MEER Group, listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 70% of the issued share capital of Eslab, the owner of Turkish speciality coffee brand Espressolab. The agreement brings a predominantly franchise-led network into the group’s international expansion plans, although completion remains subject to customary conditions and the necessary regulatory approvals.

An agreement for a majority stake, not a completed deal

According to a report published by Al-Nahar newspaper on 27 September 2026, citing the group’s disclosure to the Abu Dhabi exchange, the transaction represents MEER’s first international acquisition since its listing in late 2024. It forms part of the group’s efforts to diversify its investment portfolio by adding an international café brand with an extensive network whose expansion is driven primarily by franchising.

Under the share purchase agreement, Eslab’s founders and existing shareholders will retain a 30% stake and continue developing the business through its next phase of growth. The announced structure therefore combines majority ownership by MEER with continued participation by existing shareholders in ownership and business development. The available information provides no further details on management arrangements or the allocation of responsibilities.

It is important to distinguish between signing the agreement and the transfer of ownership on completion. The announcement confirms an agreement to purchase the stake, but does not mean that all procedures have been concluded. Neither the transaction value nor a deadline for completion was disclosed in the available information, so it is not possible to establish a company valuation or a binding timetable for the acquisition.

A network of more than 400 cafés across 21 countries

Founded in 2014, Espressolab had more than 400 cafés across 21 countries by August 2026. These included over 310 outlets in more than 50 Turkish cities, highlighting the continued importance of the Turkish market alongside the brand’s international presence.

The network operates primarily through franchising. This is central to understanding the proposed investment: the agreement is not simply for the purchase of a group of cafés, but for a majority stake in the company behind a brand whose reach depends on a franchise system and its associated business operations.

The published figures do not provide a detailed breakdown between company-owned and franchised cafés. Nor does the stated presence in 21 countries identify, in the available information, any UAE locations or opening plans. This is therefore news of an Emirati group’s international expansion, rather than an announcement of a new local opening or specific franchise rights being offered to investors in the UAE.

What does Eslab’s business include?

Eslab’s activities extend beyond running cafés to include brand management, franchising, coffee sourcing and roasting, product supply, retail and digital platforms. This range of activities gives a clearer picture of the company in which MEER intends to acquire a stake, and of the operational and commercial functions that support the brand.

For those involved in, or considering entry into, the UAE franchise market, these details help clarify what the transaction covers. Café numbers indicate the scale of the network, while the company’s activities reveal the operations behind its consumer-facing presence. Assessing the announcement solely by outlet count would therefore overlook part of the business covered by the investment.

The stated plans include strengthening the franchise network, investing in the brand and customer experience, and expanding in existing and new markets while preserving Espressolab’s identity and entrepreneurial culture. However, the available information does not attach target opening numbers, named future markets or specific investment budgets to these plans. They remain stated objectives rather than achieved operating results.

What should investors interested in the UAE watch next?

The agreement carries a specific message for the UAE franchise sector: a locally listed group is moving towards majority ownership of a company behind an international coffee brand whose network is largely franchise-led. This announcement alone does not provide a basis for judging growth across the wider franchise sector or the profitability of investing in cafés.

The first practical step is to monitor announcements confirming that completion conditions have been met and regulatory approvals obtained, followed by any further disclosures about the network’s plans and markets. Investors interested in operating the brand should distinguish between a change in ownership and the actual availability of franchise rights. The announced agreement does not offer new rights in the UAE or set out the financial and operational terms for obtaining them.

Practical takeaway: Follow the deal through to completion first, and do not treat it as an announcement of a local franchise opportunity. Before making an investment decision, seek direct information on available rights, their geographical scope, and operating and support terms, rather than relying on the size of the network alone.