Starbucks eyes UK franchises as profits jump Profits at the world's biggest cafe chain rose 10pc to $382.1m (£243.5m) for the three months to January 1, beating expectations. Global sales at coffee shops open for a year or more rose 9pc as customer made more visits and spent more. Analysts had forecast a rise of 7.7pc. Total revenue rose 16pc to $3.4bn. Reports said the company was considering opening franchises in Britain. Currently the company operates its own stores but is said to seeking franshise partners in smaller towns, starting in the South of England. Starbucks believe the franchise model will work in the country. As a result of the strong performance, Starbucks raised the low end of its full-year profit forecast. Starbucks shares, which have rise 45pc over the past year, slipped 1.1pc to $47.79 in extended trading.