International Business

Aliso Viejo, Calif. -- Johnny Rockets said Tuesday it has finalized a franchise agreement with restaurant entrepreneur Antonio Augusto Ribeiro de Souza to open 30 restaurants in Brazil. 

This news follows recent announcements of the chain's new franchise agreements in Peru and Ecuador, as well as the opening of its second restaurant in Chile and its first in the Dominican Republic.

By Christine Rivers

New York -- Best Buy’s founder and former chairman Richard Schulze is not expected to present a buyout or other proposal to the company's board anytime soon, Reuters reported, citing a person familiar to the situation.

Schulze owns more than 20% of the company’s shares. He abruptly resigned from the Best Buy board last June and said he was exploring options for his ownership stake. The company’s shares have risen lately on speculation that Schulze close to presenting a buyout offer.

Chelmsford, Mass. -- British fashion retailer New Look has selected workforce management solutions from Kronos Inc. to maximize labor productivity and increase sales conversion rates in its 670 stores in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and Belgium. Kronos will optimize the scheduling and manage the time and attendance of 16,000 full- and part-time staff and align labor to demand in each store.

New York -- U.K. retailing giant Tesco PLC could give up its American supermarket venture, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, if the chain continues to disappoint and not make a profit, RetailWeek and other British news organizations reported.

In remarks at the company’s annual meeting on Friday, Tesco CEO Philip Clarke said: “If we see there is no chance of success, we’ll do as we’ve just done in Japan,” referring to Tesco’s deal this month to exit that market.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Heineken USA has promoted Paul Smailes to the position of digital manager Heineken Global. In his new role, Smailes will report to Cyril Charzat, global Heineken brand director, and will be responsible for developing Heineken's digital strategy and enhancing the brand's global competitive market advantage.

Walmart’s Bodega Aurrera stores in Mexico and Lider stores in Chile are among the most valuable Brands in Latin American, according to an extensive new report by global communications giant WPP.

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Nike reported that fourth quarter revenues rose 12%t, or 14% on a currency neutral basis, to $6.5 billion, the largest revenue quarter in the company's history. This was a result of higher revenues across every Nke brand geography, key category and product type.

NEW YORK — The Jones Group has appointed Scott Bowman to the newly created role of group president global retail and international development, effective immediately. Bowman will oversee the international strategy and operations of retail and licensing for the company's portfolio of fashion brands.  He will report to Richard Dickson, president and CEO of branded businesses at The Jones Group.

Faucet manufacturer Moen Inc. promoted Ji Kim to director of global design, effective immediately. In her new role, Kim will be responsible for providing design leadership and vision for the global design team at Moen. She will set and drive strategy for product design in several countries for categories including faucets, showerheads, accessories and bath safety items.