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INTRODUCTION
In this fast-paced world, big corporations are expanding themselves from country to
country overseas. The decision to start operations in another country is not sudden. It takes
ample of time and a lot of consideration and analysis. We take a look at Tim Horton’s which is a
big corporation in a whole and has already well expanded itself over the years worldwide. Tim
Horton’s as of now has expanded itself in 14 different countries and its operations are well
established in this those countries. Tim Horton’s is a fast-food doughnut chain and over the years
since establishing itself in Canada in 1964, the company has done well to expand its products as
well. (Essays, 2018). Recently the company announced its plans to open its store in every major
city in UK creating job opportunities for at least 2000 people (World Coffee Portal, 2020).
Starting as a coffee shop, From Canada they expanded their operations to the U.S slowly
entering the UK market as well and taking it by storm. With each year Tim Horton’s continues to
grow and build its fortune worldwide. We take a look at the factors that will play a key role if
Tim Horton’s is to expand its operations in Germany. The reason Germany is the right country
for Tim Horton’s will be analyzed in this research article ranging from a number of factors. The
countrywide analysis for this purpose is the PESTLE analysis and Hofstede’s Characteristics.
Hofstede’s characteristics are divided into 5 major dimensions while the PESTLE analysis itself
covers the most important aspects of that country. For Tim Horton’s to expand its operations in
PESTLE ANALYSIS
1. Political environment
Germany is a democratic republic. The political system functions under a system called
Grundgesetz which was published in the 1949 constitutional document. (PEST Anaysis
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Contributor, 2015) . For a big business-like Tim Horton’s to expand itself in a big European
nation it is important that the home country has good ties with the subjected country. Germany
being a close relative to Canada means there won’t be any political hurdle for Tim Horton’s to
cross in order to expand its coffee shop there. One hurdle for Tim Horton’s would be Germany's
regulations and bureaucratic procedures can be a difficult for companies wishing to enter the
market and require close attention by U.S. exporters. The taxation policies and procedures may
well be required deep attention before entering and establishing Tim Horton’s operations in
Germany. Germany’s government is divided into three main levels. Federal, state and local. Tim
Horton’s would have to consult with the local government of Germany to take a step towards
establishing its operations here. As of now Germany openly seeks overseas companies to operate
within its dimensions given the tax and trade barriers are not crossed. Belonging to European
Union it would not be difficult for Tim Horton’s to establish its first outlet in Germany. The right
step for Tim Horton’s to enter in Germany is to refer to local government, have a clear picture of
their policies and procedures, conduct a survey and then choose the best location that
economically and politically fits the company. It is a clear and open-end opportunity for the
company to hit a market where there is massive potential as the political situation of Germany
benefits the company and suits the home country i.e., Canada as well.
2. Economic environment
Economic factors are important metrics that determine the economic situation of the
country. These factors have the potential to make a company profitable when the factors are
favorable or likely to incur a loss when they are unfavorable (Perera, 2017). For fast-food
restaurant chains like Tim Hortons, factors like inflation rate, the gross domestic product, the
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current stage of the economic cycle, unemployment rate, and performance of the financial
system which includes a variety of government regulation and centralized economic planning
combined with private freedom (Racy, Vartanian, Vendruscolo, 2019). Moreover, the fast-food
restaurant chain in Germany is highly fragmented owing to large and small players dominating
the market. A CAGR of 2.33% is expected in the German foodservice industry during the period
2020-2025 (“Germany food service market”). With this, the inflation rate of any country affects
the way a company price their products. This will also affect the purchasing power of a
consumer. As of 2021, the Inflation rate in Germany is 2.2% which is lower than the global
Another economic factor important for this analysis is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
and GDP growth rate. The rate of GDP growth will determine how fast the economy will grow in
the future. The GDP of Germany in 2021 is 4.3 trillion dollars, whereas the GDP growth rate is
3.6% and is expected to be 3.4% in 2022. Also, a high unemployment rate in a country indicates
the supply of more jobs than demand and it directly affects the labor costs of the company.
Germany has an unemployment rate of 4.4% as of 2021 which is close to the ideal
The performance of the financial market is another important factor that impacts how
well a company can raise capital at a fair price, considering demand and supply. As of August
2021, the Frankfurt stock exchange’s index DAX is steadily on a rising trend (“Germany stock
market index”). Moreover, the fluctuation of currency is also important- more fluctuations
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discourage international investors. Germany’s currency Euro is one of the most stable currencies
Thus, factors like inflation rate, unemployment rate, GDP and GDP growth rate, the
performance of the financial market, and stability of currency are favorable in Germany for Tim
Hortons to consider as a new market. Although the fast-food restaurant business in Germany has
a high level of competition from local as well as global competitors that can affect its long-term
profitability.
Analysis of Import/Export
markets, trade analysis plays an important role. Germany is the largest export market in the EU
for Canada. Canadian exports to Germany were worth $6.37 billion and imports were $17.27
the EU and Canada has a bilateral trade agreement with the EU called CETA (Canada-EU
Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement). This agreement covers virtually all aspects
With CETA, 98% of EU tariff lines are now duty-free for Canadian goods. Moreover,
Canada and the EU are working to keep the custom procedure simple, effective, and predictable.
This will reduce the processing times at the ports and will make it easier to transport goods
between countries Hence, Canada and Germany experience a positive trade relationship with the
help of CETA.
overview”).
Foremost Cities for the worldwide business in Germany are: Hamburg, Munich, Cologne,
Climate/weather: Temperate, cooler, and rainier than much of the US. Population (March 31,
2021, estimate): 83,121,363. Population growth rate (% once a year, 2010 est.): -0.053%. Urban
population (2008): 74%. Traditional groups for German is 91.5%, Turkish is 2.4%, other is 6.1%
(been up largely of Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish); Danish minority
within the north, Sorbian (Slavic) minority within the east. Protestant stands at 34%; Roman
Catholic is at around 34%, and Muslim is only 3.7%; unaffiliated or more covers 28.3%.
Language: German. Education: Year’s compulsory-10; attendance is 100%; literacy rate is 99%.
Health: infant death rate (2010)-3.99/1,000; anticipation (2010)-women 82.42 years, men 76.26
Germans place a high importance on building, privacy, and dependability. The German
people adopt the values of prudence, industry and conscientiousness and there's great importance
on ensuring that things are planned and are on time. Consistent with Passport to Trade 2.0, a web
business decorum guide by the University of Salford in Manchester in England, "Germans are
most relaxed once they go to organize and classify their world into manageable units. Time,
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therefore, is well handled carefully, and schedules and scheduled and agendas must be
respected."
Germans are stoic people that strive for perfectionism and precision altogether aspects of
their lives. In beginning, their attitude could seem distant, but there's a keen sense of the public
and social conscience and a wish to belong. Everything is meticulously organized out and agreed
upon, with changes happening after an arrangement is formed, reliable with the German
4. Technological environment
German industry is extremely diversified and, in many sectors, it's a worldwide leader. The
most significant branch of the financial activity in Germany, with conventionally a really high
share of total economic construction, is industry. Total 49,000 German manufacturing enterprises
employ nearly 6.4 million of recruitment. Simultaneously they create revenue of fairly 1.3
Germany is the globe's third biggest vehicle maker, with fairly 70 % of vehicles made here
intended for export. Machinery and plant building, through which most German industrial
a globe leader within the business. Additionally, among Germany’s most advanced sectors with
above average growth rates are those of technologies for the utilization of renewable energies
Germany’s greatest strength is its automobile industry. In the years to return, many
developing tools, from optical interaction networks to nanotech materials, will find their way
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into cars. German carmakers are counting on computer-based assistance systems that might
make driving safer and easier. In more-advanced systems, vehicles could use wireless
communications to tell one another in real time about oil puddles, traffic jams, or accidents.
are counting on the longer-term vision of cell cars that consume hydrogen. In the late 1990s,
after enormous antinuclear demonstrations, the govt. alliance of Social Republicans and Greens
opted to close Germany’s nuclear power plants by 2020. The country committed itself instead to
Focus on further ahead, German scientists do world-class basic science in fields beginning
from raw material science to biomedicine. German neuroscientists have made significant impacts
Many countries are concerned that a foreign-owned company may import many
components or services from its home country, which has negative implications for the host
investments is relatively liberal. One of the hallmarks of its economic development is its open
investment system. (cotta, huebner, & von, n.d.) Balance of payments benefits in Germany are
quite good in compare of other countries like in Canada for foreign investment and hence, Tim
Horton’s can use such benefits for tax breaks and grants in Germany.
The current account keeps track of commodities and services exported and imported. If
FDI is used to replace imports of goods or services, the outcome can be a boost to the host
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country's current account and balance of payments. Thus, Tim Hortons can sustain in long run in
Germany due to its balance of payments system under FDI rules of Germany.
Some reports claim the Tim Horton’s real estate strategy and choice of prime locations
throughout Canada is a critical factor which has contributed to the organization’s success. It
wisely chooses the best locations which are most convenient to its consumers. Land and
buildings serve as a revenue stream and asset on the corporate balance sheet. (Weatherby, 2016)
So, in Germany also they have to consider this factor to get good level on balance of payments
Moreover, there are two probable negative implications of FDI on a host country's
balance-of-payments position. First, the subsequent outflow of earnings from the overseas
subsidiary to its parent business must be weighed against the initial capital infusion that comes
Germany has responded by limiting the amount of earnings that can be repatriated to the home
country of a foreign subsidiary. A second issue develops when a foreign subsidiary such as Tim
Horton’s imports a significant portion of its inputs from outside the country, resulting in a debit
on the host country's current account. Likewise, all instruments and physical devices which Tim
Horton will require in Germany should be obtained within the Europe instead of importing it
When a currency depreciates, the value of that currency falls in relation to other
currencies. In this scenario, the identical product, Tim Horton's coffee, will be available in both
nations, but sales are different. As a result of the prospective sales of branded coffee in the
Germany, the exchange rate of Canadian dollars to the euro is expected to fall. As a result of the
expansion, the exchange rate of the euro to the Canadian dollar will rise.
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HOFSTEDE’S ANALYSIS
Power distance, one aspect of cultural dimensions which are proposed by Hofstede,
define as how a culture observe and tolerate inequity and power relationships between people. In
case of cultures with higher PDI, power is viewed as distributed unevenly, according to a ranking
system. It is believed that Tim Horton possesses a low PDI which means that everyone
Firstly, this company favors an organizational hierarchy which is flatter. This means in
contrast to traditional models it is based on fewer layers. This trait could be translated into much
performance. Secondly this company said to benefit from more decentralized decision-making
process. These companies assign decision-making authority throughout the organization. This
process could lead to formation of closely integrated groups and also enhance the spirit and self-
company considered having low PDI, we could expect delegation without restraint. This could
Moreover, there is lower demand for direct supervision as workers are trusted and motivated to
independence. Within these cultures, people tend to consider themselves isolated from others and
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individual achievements whereas in collective organizations, the vital part is a common objective
requiring people to work as groups. It is stated that Tim Hortons experiences a balance between
individualism and collectivism. This company value privacy of workers in work environment
and their routine life. It is interestingly evident that individual attainments are celebrated in this
company with the potential to enhance the inspiration of workers. At the same time branches of
Tim Hortons could be viewed as groups which are a good example of collectivism and each
and 35 in Germany. This shows that there is not significant difference between these countries.
However, the lower PDI in Germany showed a more decentralized decision making and
therefore a more equal power distribution. Other companies trying to expand their branches in
Germany must consider this trait and apply a flatter organizational hierarchy.
(similar to USA) and 67 for Germany. Although the scores are lower for Germany but The
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German society is considered as individualist country. There you can expect small families with
an emphasis on interactions between first-degree relatives rather than other relatives. Workers
are much more self-reliant. In Germany people concentrate on personal achievements and
individual rights. Autonomy and self-sufficiency are vital parts in individualistic countries.
Therefore, any company wants to make a branch in these countries must pay attention to
personal rights and privacy and the reward system must be directed towards self-competencies
Tim Hortons has a low MAS score, indicating that job roles in the business commonly
Egoism: Tim Hortons supports a culture that is less egoistic. This has benefited the company
since it has enabled talented women to rise to the top– without affecting the firm's team
dynamics. Women in the company are honored for their accomplishments in the same way that
men are.
accomplished by means of collaboration and negotiation. The firm does not promote or facilitate
Gender role differentiation: Within the work duties, activities and career paths based on sex
distinction, Tim Hortons does not encourage discrimination and stereotyping. Most Tim Hortons
duties must be distributed fairly and promote equal opportunities in the workplace for both sexes.
Companies with a high uncertainty avoidance seem to use a more regulating attitude and
low scores on the uncertainty avoidance reflect a more relaxed open and pleasant culture. Once
more, Tim Hortons is a hybrid of the two, with a preference for lower uncertainty avoidance
ratings.
Opened to change: Tim Hortons fosters an open-to-change whin their company. Using
teamwork, the firm collaborates in change management initiatives to enhance its operations and
cultures.
Sense of urgency: Tim Hortons places a greater emphasis on merit-based performance and
rewards personnel who do not break under stress. In addition, the organization feels less urgent
Risk-taking: Tim Hortons might be regarded reasonably as a company that takes risks. The
firm's willingness to take risk emphasizes the importance of exploring and capitalizing on
Flexibility: Tim Hortons' tactics and different departments operations are dynamic in order to
suit the demands and expectations of the company's aims as well as country-specific necessities.
and quality of life in society are the dominating values. On this figure, Canada has a score of 52,
while Germany has a score of 66, indicating that it is a fairly “Masculine” society. The
importance of success is highly appreciated. They like to "live in order to work" and obtain a
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great deal of self-esteem from their jobs. Managers are supposed to be strong and determined.
society cope with the reality that the future can never
entrepreneurial spirit, creative goods, and a desire to start something new or unusual. Germany is
one of the countries that wish to avoid uncertainty (65); the score is on the high end, indicating a
modest tendency for Uncertainty Avoidance. Details are also crucial to ensure a well-considered
subject or project. By depending heavily on data, Germans overcompensate for their increased
uncertainty.
5. Long-Term Orientation
Tim Hortons places a high value on employee education and merit. The organization not
only hires the greatest and most educated candidates for its many roles and jobs, but it also
ensures that employees are constantly learning through job assignments, engagement, and
training. The Tim Hortons is equally conscious about its responsibilities. The company's CSR
efforts are ongoing and meticulously planned and implemented to reflect the company's mission
and attitude.
Germany's high score of 83 suggests that the country is pragmatic. People in pragmatic
civilizations believe that truth is highly dependent on situation, context, and time. They
So, considering above analysis, Tim Horton’s system can sustain in long run for its Germany
expansion until company is also adapting the nature of country also for its pragmatic level.
However, changes in conditions will not make too much impact on such food industry where
The most suitable market entry strategy for Tim Hortons in Germany is franchising.
Franchising is well-used North American business process for rapid market expansion in new
markets. Franchising works best with firms in the businesses like food outlets that have a
repeatable business model and can be transferred into other markets. To consider franchise
model, the only thing required is to have a strong brand recognition that can be used
internationally.
2.33% is expected in German food service industry, hence any other strategy like Greenfield
Franchising helps expand a business beyond its limits and explore its visions beyond the
horizon. This is a great step in growth of a company not only economically but also politically.
The relationships between countries grow stronger when big businesses open their franchises in
different countries. This helps boost the GDP of home as well as the subject country and it most
importantly expands upon the already built business, touching lives of diverse people on
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international level. International recognition then plays a part through positive word of mouth
and helps business to take steps whereby they are able to survey additional countries to expand
themselves.
were positively related to the quantity of international franchisors in a given country. The
relationship with power distance and uncertainty avoidance are relatively insignificant. Studies
suggest that higher levels of individualism and sex role differentiation considered being
attractive for international franchisors. (Alon, Ni, Wang 2010) .In a study done by Micuchova
and colleagues in 2012 it is shown that the brand position of a franchising fast food system
tends to be higher in countries with low Power Distance and high Masculinity. Interestingly
these factors in Hofstede model are in the favor of franchising system for Tim Hortons in
Germany
Based on the technological and social and cultural aspect of the country Franchising
strategy will be the suitable for Tim Horton as well, as the technological aspect of the country is
very high. German is most advanced sectors include technology for renewable for the utilization
of renewable energy and that can be a great benefit for Tim Hortons to start with high
technological and cultural point of view. German culture of professionalism will also be
.
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