Prime Highlights:
- Burger King’s parent company, Restaurant Brands International (RBI), has partnered with Chinese investment firm CPE to grow its business in China.
- The partnership aims to expand Burger King’s footprint and strengthen its position in one of the world’s largest fast-food markets.
Key Facts:
- CPE will own about 83% of Burger King China, while RBI will hold the remaining 17% and a board seat.
- CPE plans to invest $350 million in marketing, new menu items, digital upgrades, and opening more restaurants, with the goal of tripling Burger King’s locations in China by 2035.
Background:
Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Burger King, has teamed up with Chinese investment firm CPE to run and expand Burger King in China. The goal is to grow the brand in one of the world’s biggest fast-food markets.
Under the deal, CPE will own about 83% of Burger King China, while RBI will keep the remaining 17% and a seat on the board. The agreement is expected to be completed in early 2026, depending on regulatory approval.
CPE plans to invest $350 million in the joint venture to boost Burger King’s growth. The money will go toward marketing, new menu items, digital upgrades, and opening more restaurants. The ambitious plan aims to more than triple the chain’s footprint in the country, from around 1,250 restaurants today to over 4,000 locations by 2035.
Earlier this year, Restaurant Brands acquired its stake in Burger King China from previous partners, Turkey-based TFI and U.S. private equity firm Cartesian Capital, for roughly $158 million in cash. At that time, RBI signaled its intent to seek a strong local partner to drive the next phase of growth, which has now materialized through this partnership with CPE.
RBI Chief Executive Officer Josh Kobza expressed confidence in the collaboration, calling CPE “a well-capitalized, proven operator with exceptional leadership and extensive consumer and restaurant experience.” He added that the partnership will help “fuel the next chapter of Burger King China’s growth.”
China’s massive consumer base and growing appetite for global brands continue to attract international restaurant companies despite recent economic challenges. The move comes a week after Starbucks announced a similar partnership with local firm Boyu Capital to grow its business in China.
With this deal, Burger King aims for steady long-term growth in China, as part of RBI’s plan to expand globally and compete strongly in the fast-growing Asian food market.
