McDonald’s Corporation has signed a share sale and purchase agreement and agreed on the Master Franchise Agreement with Guy Hands. Mr. Hands will become the Development Licensee (DL) for the Nordic markets.
The Nordic countries consist of approximately 435 restaurants, of which more than 95% are franchised, and is the clear number one QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) operator in the region. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.
Under the DL structure, McDonald’s plans to transfer its ownership interest in McDonald’s Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden and grant a license to the DL to develop and operate the McDonald’s restaurants in these markets. The DL partner will provide the capital necessary to support and grow the business.
The deal is expected to further advance progress already being made in the Nordics to modernize restaurants, enhance digital consumer engagement and offer customers more personalized service. Each of these markets plans to accelerate its Experience of the Future concepts to better meet the needs of its local customers. For example, Denmark will do so through extensive modernization of both its restaurants and operations, giving customers more flexibility and choice. And Sweden recently launched a mobile app to further enhance the Customer Experience Journey, simplifying the user experience both online and in-restaurant, and providing tailored promotions to its subscribers, with more evolution to come.
http://news.mcdonalds.com/Corporate/news-stories/McDonald-s-Corporation-Forms-Strategic-Partnership