TORONTO - Tim Hortons is continuing its international expansion with plans to open its first full-service coffee shops in Great Britain.

The company partnered with an investor to establish a master franchise joint venture company that will open the stores in England, Scotland and Wales.

The company did not say when it would open its stores in the region or how many stores it planned to open.

In late July, Tim Hortons announced a similar agreement in the Philippines, which is the brand's first stop in Southeast Asia. 

It did not specify how many stores it plans to open in Great Britain or when, but a spokesperson said in an email that it seeks to be a leader in the market.

Daniel Schwartz, CEO of Restaurant Brands International (QSR.TO), said in a statement that the area is an attractive market with a strong and growing coffee culture.

RBI, the parent company of Tim Hortons and Burger King, is looking to grow Tim Hortons globally.

Tim Hortons also has outlets in the United States and the Middle East.

As of June 30, Tim Hortons had over 4.464 system wide restaurants that serve items such as paninis, sandwiches, baked goods and soups, besides coffee and doughnuts. 

With files from Reuters