LANCASTER, PA. — Auntie Anne’s Pretzels has signed a master franchise agreement with Canadian Pretzel L.L.C., setting the stage for the company to enter Canada as early as 2015. In total, the companies have agreed to open 40 new locations in Canada by 2023.

“Auntie Anne’s has been welcomed warmly in cities throughout the United States and around the world since 1988,” said Mike Shattuck, president of Focus Brands International, parent of Auntie Anne’s. “Expanding into our northern neighbor is a logical step and vital addition to our successful international growth.”

By entering Canada Auntie Anne’s continues an international growth plan that saw the company expand into India, the Bahamas, Thailand, Brunei and Turkey during 2013. In addition to Canada, the company plans to develop outlets in Brazil, Chile, South Africa, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and China in the coming years.