International Business

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts announced the signing of multi-unit store development agreements with four franchise groups to develop 29 new restaurants in Houston and Waco, Texas, over the next several years.

NEW YORK — Ralph Lauren has named Christopher Peterson as SVP and CFO. Peterson will assume his new role effective Sept. 24, and his areas of responsibility will include the company’s global finance and information technology organizations. He will report to Roger Farah, president and COO.

New York -- Private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice on Tuesday announced a definitive agreement to acquire the 300-store David’s Bridal in a deal that values the bridal dress retailer at $1.05 billion.
 
Leonard Green & Partners will remain a minority partner. CD&R operating partner Paul Pressler, former CEO of Gap Inc. and former senior Disney executive, will assume the role of chairman at the close of the transaction, expected in the fourth quarter.
  

NEW YORK — U.K. retailer John Lewis has become the first company outside of the United States to partner with Barnes & Noble for the sale of Nook devices.

John Lewis will offer Nook products at  37 U.K. stores and on www.johnlewis.com. As previously disclosed, Barnes & Noble will also offer Nook devices and content to U.K. customers this autumn through its own online storefront, www.nook.co.uk.

New York -- Barnes & Noble announced that it will enter into a partnership with British retailer John Lewis to offer its Nook electronic readers in the United Kingdom.

John Lewis is the first Nook partner for Barnes & Noble outside the United States.

“John Lewis is where knowledgeable customers turn for trusted advice on the best products to purchase, and they are a perfect partner to help launch Nook in the U.K.,” said Jamie Iannone, president of digital products at Barnes & Noble.
 

AMSTERDAM — Royal Ahold's U.S. subsidiary saw net sales rise 3.4% in light of challenging market conditions, the retailer reported last week.

Dallas -- Retalix Ltd. and Delhaize Group have signed a multi-year global strategic partnership agreement, under which Retalix will become the preferred supplier of in-store software for Delhaize Group’s 3,300 locations, including more than 20,000 point-of-sale terminals, across Eurasia and the United States.

New York -- Koninklijke Ahold will open its first grocery store tailored to singles, in Germany, according to Bloomberg, which cited a report by Financial Times Deutschland.

The first store will open in the city of Aachen Sept. 12, with 11 more locations to follow in the state of North-Rhine Westphalia, the report said.