Pret A Manger to launch in SA

* The 38-year-old sandwich and coffee chain Pret A Manger brand is set to launch in SA with its first store in Johannesburg. Millat Group, the family-led private equity group that secured the licence, is planning a significant expansion. The deal between the two was signed last week, and it forms part of Millat's strategy to bring more offshore brands to SA. Pret A Manger, which opened its first shop in 1986 in London, has since grown into a global brand with 650 shops in 18 countries. The deal giving Millat the licence to operate was signed last week and follows a deal for US-based Circle K convenience stores in 2022.