Burger King Worldwide has entered into a joint venture with Alsea S.A.B. de C.V., its largest Mexican franchisee, with the goal of expanding the brand in Mexico.
Per the agreement, Alsea will acquire 97 company-owned Burger King locations in the country and will receive exclusive development rights in Mexico during the next 20 years.
The joint venture will bring Alsea’s total number of Burger King restaurants to 203. According to a statement by Burger King, there are 409 Burger King locations in Mexico operated by 10 franchisees.
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Alsea is the largest restaurant operator of global quick-service and casual-dining brands in Mexico, the company’s website said. The company’s portfolio includes Burger King, Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, and Chili’s Grill & Bar.
"Over the past 20 years, the Burger King brand has become the largest fast-food hamburger restaurant company in Mexico,” said Jose Thomas, president of Latin America and Caribbean, Burger King Worldwide, in a statement. “With this new joint venture, we will significantly increase our presence in the country and introduce more consumers to our signature flame-grilled menu items.”
During the past two years, Burger King formed similar joint ventures with franchisees in Russia, Brazil, South Africa and China. The partnerships are intended to increase Burger King’s market share around the world, the company said in a statement.
Miami-based Burger King operates and franchises more than 12,600 locations worldwide.
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