The FAS has approved the application of Smart Service Ltd LLC for the acquisition of the Russian business of KFC. As a result of the transaction, the acquirer will receive 70 restaurants in ownership and become a franchisor for 1,058 partner restaurants. This is stated in the message of the FAS.
According to the agency, the deal will not lead to a restriction of competition in the market of catering services. It will save jobs for employees and ensure the further activities of the organization within the country.
Recall, Yum! On October 24, 2022, Brands signed a contract for the purchase and sale of 70 of its own KFC restaurants with Izhevsk franchisee - Smart Service Ltd. The buyer will have an obligation to gradually rebrand all restaurants of the KFC chain, including establishments operating under the franchise. Earlier, Yam Restaurants Rush LLC registered the rights to the Rostic's brand. A new buyer has acquired the rights to this brand and the chain will start changing signs to Rostic's at the beginning of next year.
In March 2022, Yum! Brands has suspended the operation of its own KFC restaurants in Russia and investments in the Russian market. In July, the American corporation announced that it had found a buyer for a business in Russia, but then did not disclose it.
We also remind that Rostiks has been operating in Russia since 1993 separately from KFC In 2011, the network was completely bought out and renamed KFC.
LLC "Smart Service LTD" belongs to Konstantin Kotov and Andrey Oskolkov — owners of GC "Food Service", which manages 41 KFC establishments under the franchise. Businessmen are also developing eight Rosintera restaurants under the franchise (IL Patio, Planet Sushi and others brands).
