The Singapore-based Global Yellow Pages is to acquire the“Gloria Jean’s Coffees” and “It’s A Grind” intellectual property, the global supply chain operations, and the master franchisor business world-wide.

The proposed acquisition will see funding and resources available for the franchise chain’s continued global expansion with a focus on growth in Asia, especially China.

The sale completion date is scheduled for the end of March 2014.

Nabi Saleh, executive chairman of Gloria Jean’s Coffees, said “We have been looking for some time for the right partner who shares our guiding values, our dedication to excellence and our vision for the future. As a result of months of discovery and ongoing consultation, we are confident that in GYP we have found the right partner to take the business to the next level.

“We already have more than 800 coffee houses in 39 countries and are excited by the very real prospect of seeing Gloria Jean’s Coffees continue to grow internationally to become a truly global coffee house brand,” he said.

Saleh will assume the role of non-executive chairman of the newly formed GYP-owned holding company for the Gloria Jean’s Coffees business. He will retain interests in the master franchisee business of Australia, the US and China.

All Australian based supply chain and franchise operations will remain at Castle Hill in New South Wales.

GYP’s non-executive chairman Mah Bow Tan said, “The business will benefit from a bigger global group structure whilst still having a firm focus on supporting local, Australian entrepreneurial franchise partners. We see this partnership as the best of both worlds, combining international capital, expertise and resources with Australian entrepreneurialism.”

Global Yellow Pages is listed on the Singapore stock exchange and has a diversification strategy of investing in the food and beverage sector in Asia.