Potato Corner at The Philippine Star

July 6, 2012 The Philippine Star Page B4 Business   POTATO CORNER IN AN ACQUISITION BINGE   Potato Corner owner Cinco Corporation is looking for existing brands to acquire and make them part of its expansion program. Jose "jomag" Magsaysay Jr., Cinco Corp. president and CEO, said funding is not an issue in its acquisition spree as a lot of investors are willing to partner with them due to the confidence and sound reputation their company has already established in the industry. “Right now, we are seeking out small brands, and other groups could also chip in. That is the beauty of earning their confidence already,”Magsaysay said. He said the brands they seek could be existing franchisors or those that are just starting out. We can be like Pancake House group or Jollibee but on a very smaller scale. We are not buying brands in the P3-billion scale yet,” he emphasized. Magsaysay, the overall chairman of the Franchise Asia Philippines 2012  ( FAP2012 ) slated from July 25 to 29 at the SMX Convention Center, said franchising plays a big role in the company’s continued rapid expansion. This, he explained, is why he is willing to lend his time in ensuring the success of this year’s Franchise Asia Philippines 2012 (FAP)under the auspices of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) since it is the best venue where entrepreneurs  can look at models, buy a franchise business, learn the ins and outs of the industry in its pocket seminars and International Franchise Conference, and get to meet the brand owners face-to-face. “If you are thinking about franchising or you want to learn how to franchise, go to the Franchise Asia Philippines 2012 to check out the exhibitors and learn about what they are doing, in the area of franchise development,” Magsaysay advised. FAP 2012 is s 4-in-1 event that includes the International Franchise Conference ( July 25-26 ), International Franchise Expo ( July 27-29 ), the Educational Franchise Seminars, and the Certified  Franchise Executive ( CFE ) Program  (July 23-24), a mini-MBA course on the Franchise Management to be held at the AIM Conference Center.