New York -- Starbucks Coffee Co. will open stores across the Scandinavian region in a partnership with Umoe Restaurant Group AS, a leading chain of service establishments in Scandinavia.

The first locations are expected to open in 2013 in Sweden and Norway.

Michelle Gass, president, Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa commented: “We are proud to increase our presence in Scandinavia as part of our growth strategy in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and further develop stores where our customers want and expect us to be

In other news, the chain will open its first shop in India, in the Horniman Circle area of Mumbai by the end of October 2012. The store will be operated by Tata Starbucks Limited, the 50/50 joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Co. and Tata Global Beverages Limited.