With a population density of 1,000 people per square mile, Puerto Ricans long for convenience. And convenience is exactly what the Prime Time Group, Inc. (www.primetimestores.com) is positioned to deliver, with its recent purchase of 14 Puerto Rico-7 stores, and more importantly as the exclusive licensee for 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout Puerto Rico.

In essence, talent, track record, and timing are coming together with strong market demand, and the Prime Time Group has ambitious plans to make the most of that convergence.

“The Puerto Rican convenience store market is virtually untapped,” said Johnny Ray Arnold, chairman and CEO of Prime Time Group. “We are now positioned to leverage 7-Eleven’s successful franchise formula with Puerto Rico’s dynamic economy in order to aggressively grow to 300 stores throughout Puerto Rico.”

Arnold’s projections, which include growing revenues from an existing $18 million to over $300 million, are based in part upon studies conducted by 7-Eleven that found parallels between demographics in Puerto Rico and the Dallas Metro area, where 7-Eleven has experienced extraordinary success. “The potential for growth in the convenience store sector is extraordinary,” said Arnold.

With over 25 years of experience in the convenience store industry, during which he controlled 160 stores in six U.S. states, Arnold is well positioned to bring 7-Eleven to Puerto Rico’s emerging market. Prime Time Group has divested itself from all its U.S. holdings in order to devote its resources to 7-Eleven expansion opportunities in the U.S. commonwealth.

Prime Time Group, Inc. has developed a marketing strategy designed to build 7-Eleven’s brand recognition and is building a central distribution center to cut costs and improve profit margins. “Our goals are clear cut,” said Arnold. “We are focused on opening new stores while maintaining the history of success, quality, and customer satisfaction that are the cornerstones of 7-Eleven.”

7-Eleven convenience stores outside of the continental U.S. have a proven track record of success. In 1989, for example, the Charoen Pokphand Group of Thailand became a 7-Eleven licensee and has grown to over 2,700 stores that generate $985 million in annual sales.

With 29,500 stores worldwide, over 10 billion transactions every year, and per store revenues that are 30 percent higher than the industry average, the Dallas-based 7-Eleven is the recognized leader in the highly profitable convenience store industry. The company has 23,600 licensee-owned and operated stores in the U.S., its territories, and 15 foreign countries, with a new 7-Eleven franchise opening approximately every four and a half hours.