Starbucks in European Licensing Venture

Seattle Starbucks Coffee Co. has entered into a deal with SSP, the U.K. operator of food and beverage outlets in European travel locations, to license 150 new locations in Britain, France and Germany during the next three years.

The coffee shops are to be opened at airports and railway stations and come as the chain looks to offset a slumping U.S. market with overseas growth.

The coffee shops are to be opened at airports and railway stations and come as the chain looks to offset a slumping U.S. market with overseas growth.

"This collaboration aligns with our strategy to accelerate growth in our international business," Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a statement. "It provides us with a strong platform to further expand the Starbucks brand across Europe."

Starbucks said the agreement reflects the company’s intent to increase its international store growth with licensed partners who have proven experience and demonstrated success.

Earlier this month Starbucks opened its first coffee shop in Argentina through a Mexican partnership.