(Bangkok Post file photo)Starbucks Corp agreed to license its Thailand operations to a partner, in the latest sign that the coffee behemoth is sharpening its focus on its key markets of China and the US. The shift comes as Starbucks tries to remove distractions from CEO Kevin Johnson as he focuses on boosting performance in its two most important markets. The company has made similar moves to cede control of its businesses in less important markets. Starbucks last year agreed to license its operations in France and other European countries, and before that in markets including Taiwan and Hong Kong. Starbucks opened its first store in Thailand in 1998 and has since grown to 372 locations in the market.

Source: Bangkok Post May 23, 2019 13:52 UTC