Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants and Baskin-Robbins Japan to Establish a Global Marketing Fund
	Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants and its joint venture partner, B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Ltd. (Baskin-Robbins Japan) announce the formation of a Baskin-Robbins Global Marketing Fund.
In a signing ceremony in Los Angeles on Thursday, August 19, ADQSR and Baskin-Robbins Japan have agreed to establish, fund, and operate a Global Marketing Fund to support marketing efforts for Baskin-Robbins stores internationally beginning January 2005. Both ADQSR and 1,862 Baskin-Robbins stores in 30 international markets, including 600 shops in Japan, will make contributions to the Fund on the basis of retail sales. The Fund will support stronger product and program development, event sponsorships, market research, and the future implementation of global media support such as on-line and satellite television advertising. "We are thrilled to team up with Baskin-Robbins Japan to create a Global Marketing Fund," said Bob Kendzior, Vice President of International Marketing and Retail Concepts for ADQSR. "The advantage of combining financial resources will generate greater marketing power to build the brand in the international marketplace and create synergies to develop comprehensive marketing programs." "This occasion marks an important milestone in our 31 year history," said Kazuo Matsuyama, President of Baskin-Robbins Japan. "We are excited to join ADQSR in this strategic initiative that will contribute toward building the future success of the Baskin-Robbins brand here in Japan. We believe that the Global Marketing Fund will strengthen our brand image, both here and throughout the entire international system." About Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants franchises nearly 11,000 Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's stores worldwide. With over 143 years of combined franchising experience, the company's mission is to thrill customers, enrich stakeholders and build powerful brands. ADQSR is also a pioneer in developing and practicing a complementary day part strategy, which combines two or three of its brands under one roof. Headquartered in Randolph, Massachusetts, ADQSR is part of Allied Domecq PLC (NYSE:AED), a highly successful and dynamic global business in spirits, wines, and quick service restaurants. More information can be found on Allied Domecq QSR's website, www.adqsr.com. About Baskin-Robbins As the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, Baskin-Robbins creates and markets its innovative, high-quality premium ice cream, specialty frozen desserts and beverages in more than 5,200 retail shops worldwide. Internationally, there are more than 2,600 Baskin-Robbins stores outside of the United States. For more information, visit www.baskinrobbins.com. About Baskin-Robbins Japan Baskin-Robbins Japan is a publicly traded company on the JASDAQ exchange, engaged in the manufacturing and selling of ice cream and franchising of Baskin-Robbins retail stores in Japan. There are currently more than 600 Baskin-Robbins stores in the country.