Tag: Warren Buffett

  • Dairy Queen signs to expand into South Korea

    Dairy Queen signs to expand into South Korea

    US fast-food restaurant company International Dairy Queen (IDQ) has signed a multi-unit development agreement to expand into Korea.

    It plans to open 50 DQ Grill & Chill locations within the next five years in conjunction with privately held M2G USA Investment, which has a diversified business portfolio including restaurants, hotels, public storage, household appliance manufacturing, shoes and global real estate. M2G USA Investment is also a partner for Taco Bell restaurants in Korea and the US.
    IDQ president/CEO John Gainor says the brand is continuing to expand into new markets internationally. In Korea its outlets will serve a full range of food options, including its signature GrillBurgers, chicken-strip baskets, chicken sandwiches, salads and sandwiches.

    Korea’s DQ Grill & Chill restaurants will also feature the full menu of DQ treats, including the signature Blizzard Treats, MooLatte frozen coffee-flavoured beverages, soft-serve cones, sundaes and cakes.
    The DQ system has more than 6700 locations, more than 2200 of them outside the US. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, led by investor Warren Buffett.

  • Warren Buffett buys German retailer

    Warren Buffett buys German retailer

    US serial investor Warren Buffett has bought niche German motorcycle and accessories retailer Detlev Louis Motorradvertriebs.

    Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway will pay €400 million for the Hamburg-based retailer which trades under the Louis brand. It employs 1500 staff in Germany and Austria and has annual sales of about €270 million from more than 70 stores, a catalogue business and online.

    The vendor is Ute Louis, the widow of the company’s founder Detlev Louis.

    Buffett, 84, is believed to have a passion for motorcycles – in 2009 he bought US$300 million of debt to rescue Harley-Davidson, but he is renowned for his keen investment eye and would not be acquiring the German business for sentimental value.

    To date, the billionaire’s focus has largely been on US businesses, but he is increasingly eying European opportunities.