Tag: Beijing Tourism Group

  • New contenders for McDonald’s China and Hong Kong

    New contenders for McDonald’s China and Hong Kong

    Private equity firms Carlyle Group and TPG Capital have teamed up with two different Chinese state companies to bid for the McDonald’s China and Hong Kong franchise licences.

    The deal is said to be worth between US$2 billion and US$3 billion, reports the Straits Times.
    McDonald’s has previously said it is looking for long-term partners rather than private equity firms, which typically cash out after a few years.

    Carlyle is working with Chinese state conglomerate Citic Group and TPG has joined with Beijing Capital Agribusiness Group to place binding bids ahead of this month’s deadline. Beijing Capital Agribusiness is McDonald’s current China partner.

    Reuters says the US fast-food giant, hit by food-supply scandals in China, has hired Morgan Stanley to run the sale of about 2800 restaurants in China, Hong Kong and South Korea.

    The two private equity-backed groups are bidding only for China and Hong Kong outlets, going up against Beijing Tourism Group, China Cinda Asset Management and private Chinese technology and real-estate firm Sanpower Group.

    China and Hong Kong account for more than 85 per cent of the 2800 outlets on the block.
    Meanwhile, South Korea’s Maeil Dairy Industry Co says it is considering bidding for McDonald’s Korean outlets, which are expected to fetch about $268 million. Interest has already been shown by CJ Corp and NHN Entertainment Corp.

    Changing to a less capital-intensive franchise model, McDonald’s is offering a 20-year franchise to buyers, with a 10-year extension option.

  • Bidding disappoints McDonald’s Corporation

    Bidding disappoints McDonald’s Corporation

    McDonald’s Corporation says it is struggling to attract the calibre of bidders it envisioned when it put its China and Hong Kong franchise up for tender.

    The restaurant group is offering a 20-year master franchisees for its markets in China, Hong Kong and South Korea. Bidding has gone into its second round and predictions are the deal could be worth US$2 billion to $3 billion.

    Conditions include McDonald’s keeping management intact for two years, with a limitation on taking the franchise public. Other restrictions have reportedly discouraged many private-equity firms from participating in the bidding.

    Global buyout firms such as Bain Capital, Carlyle Group and TPG Capital have put up their hands with the aim of teaming up with some of the Chinese strategic bidders.

    Bidders asked to submit for the second round of the tender include dairy company Beijing Sanyuan Foods, Beijing Tourism Group, ChemChina, state-owned China Cinda Asset Management and Sanpower.

    McDonald’s share price has surged more than 23 per cent since CEO Steve Easterbrook launched a turnaround effort. The plan for Asia comprises one or more local partners taking over the China and Hong Kong franchise of 2800 stores for 20 years while paying royalties to the corporation.

    However, many investors are anxious following the food scandal that hit McDonald’s sales in 2014, reports BFN.

    Meanwhile, McDonald’s last year announced plans to sell its business in Taiwan plus a substantial ownership stake in Japan, but as yet investors have yet to be secured. “We are making solid progress as we look for long-term strategic partners with local relevance who have complementary skills and expertise,” says a company spokesperson.

  • Bidding starts for McDonald’s China business

    Bidding starts for McDonald’s China business

    Beijing Tourism Group, ChemChina and Sanpower are among bidders for McDonald’s China restaurants and the 20-year master franchise covering China and Hong Kong.

    The deal is said to be worth about US$3 billion, and bids close on Monday.

    Restrictions on the franchise agreement have discouraged such buyers as private equity firms, but others have entered the auction, reports CNBC.

    McDonald’s China partner Beijing Capital Agribusiness Group has been reported to be among companies preparing first-round bids ahead of the deadline, but an official has said the company is not participating in the bidding.

    Illinois-based McDonald’s has hired Morgan Stanley to run the sale of about 2800 restaurants in China, Hong Kong and South Korea. The South Korea sale is being run separately.

    McDonald’s announced in March that it was reorganising in Asia by bringing in partners to own restaurants within the franchise business. Competitor Yum Brands, which has the KFC and Pizza Hut chains, is also restructuring in China.

    Domestic rivals are becoming more competitive, and the two international fast-food giants have had food-safety scares.

    “Given the difficulties Western chains have had recently with public perception, local players have become a serious competitive threat,” says Euromonitor International foodservice analyst Elizabeth Friend.

    Meanwhile, McDonald’s will draw up a shortlist of bidders for the next round in the coming weeks.

    McDonald’s China and Hong Kong business posted about $200 million in earnings in its latest financial year.