Domino’s Pizza Group (DPG), Milton Keynes, UK, is known as a “master franchisee,” which means Domino’s Pizza LLC — owner of the worldwide chain based in Ann Arbor, MI — granted DPG the exclusive rights to own, operate and franchise Domino’s Pizza stores in the UK and Ireland.

In turn, DPG awards the right to operate local Domino’s stores to entrepreneurs who pay a minimum of $390,000 (£250,000) to own their businesses. These local stores are both DPG’s customers and business partners.

The services by DPG’s 350 employees support around 800 franchise stores throughout the UK and Ireland. These functions include dough ball production as well as purchasing and supplying all ingredients and equipment. The group also provides training, IT support, marketing, financing, public relations, human resources and more.

US-based Domino’s Pizza (described as “the big cheese” by DPG’s website) opened the first UK store in 1985, but the brand became locally owned when brothers Gerry and Colin Halpern purchased the master franchise in 1993. Colin Halpern remains on the company’s board, headed by Chairman Stephen Hemsley and CEO Lance Batchelor.

For more on the company, visit www.dominos.co.uk.