International Business

MIDDLEBURY, Conn. -- Timex Group announced that it has named Gary Cohen president and CEO of the company. Cohen will also join the company’s board of directors.

“I feel honored to lead one of the world’s largest and most iconic watch companies,” Cohen said. “I look forward to developing new business opportunities across our extensive portfolio of brands in both developed and emerging markets worldwide.”

NEW YORK -- Jill Granoff is stepping down as CEO of Kenneth Cole Productions. According to a company press release the decision was a mutual agreement between Granoff and the board of directors. Kenneth Cole, chairman and chief creative officer, will act as interim CEO. Paul Blum, who was with the company for 15 years and served as president from 2002 to 2006, has agreed to return to the company and assume the role of vice chairman.

San Jose, Calif. -- VeriFone Systems announced it has won a contract to supply its PAYware Merchant card payment and settlement hosted service to Arcos Dorados, the largest restaurant operator in Latin America and the largest McDonald's franchisee in the world.

Beginning with 220 McDonald’s restaurants in Argentina and Uruguay, PAYware Merchant will be integrated with a proprietary POS system to accommodate card payment processing at the point of sale.

The solid fourth-quarter financial results Target reported last week were quickly overshadowed by long-term growth objectives that gave stakeholders a clear idea of where the company is headed in terms of sales and profits. Target expects its annual sales, currently about $66 billion, to reach the $100 billion mark within six to seven years, and current earnings per share of $4 will at least double over that same time frame.

Coppell, Texas -- CiCi's Pizza announced Monday that it has signed agreements for the addition of 16 units over the next five years and hired Wingstop veteran Bruce Evans to lead franchise sales.

The moves are part of CiCi's growth initiative, with the goal of adding 500 restaurants in the next eight to 10 years.

New York City -- Dunkin’ Brands plans to open 500 Dunkin’ Donuts stores in India over the next 15 years through a partnership with restaurant chain operator Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd.

Dunkin’ Donuts signed a franchise agreement with Jubilant, according to a statement distributed by PR Newswire today. The first Dunkin’ Donuts shop will open early next year, and will feature the company’s signature coffee and bakery products as well as food developed specifically for the Indian market.

San Fransciso -- Gap credited rising sales abroad, online and at its Banana Republic and Old Navy chains for helping to boost its fourth-quarter net income rise 3.7%, beating analysts expectations. However, the chain issued an annual profit forecast that fell short of expectations, saying its operating profits would be squeezed as it grapples with soaring costs of cotton and other raw materials.

Gap also announced that it plans to buy back $2 billion in shares, on top of recent repurchases totaling $2.6 billion.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Delivering its fourth consecutive year of double-digit earnings per share growth, Gap Inc. reported earnings per share for fiscal year 2010 increased 19% to $1.88 on a diluted basis compared with $1.58 on a diluted basis for fiscal year 2009. Net earnings grew by $102 million to $1.2 billion.