TORONTO - Restaurant Brands International Inc. (TSX: NYSE:QSR) (NYSE: QSR) (TSX: QSP), a global quick-service restaurant company, has announced the acquisition of Popeyes China and a co-investment in Tims China, signaling a strategic move to amplify its presence in the Chinese market. RBI's total investment in these transactions is capped at $45 million.
The company has acquired Popeyes China from TH International Limited, known as Tims China (NASDAQ: THCH), for an enterprise value of $15 million on a cash-free debt-free basis. Since Popeyes China's launch in August 2023, the brand has established 14 restaurants in Shanghai. RBI plans to escalate the chain's expansion by investing in local teams and restaurant development, with the intention to eventually partner with local entities to establish a master franchisee model.
Simultaneously, RBI and Cartesian Capital have agreed to a capital infusion into Tims China through three-year convertible notes totaling up to $50 million. RBI will contribute up to $30 million of this investment, including $20 million at the closing of the deal. This investment will grant RBI the right to appoint two directors to the Tims China Board and potentially increase its equity ownership to up to 18% on a converted basis.
Rafael Odorizzi, President of Asia Pacific at RBI, expressed optimism about the growth potential in China for both the Popeyes and Tim Hortons brands. He emphasized the importance of the Chinese market for the company's long-term strategy and the opportunity to enhance Popeyes China's development in a significant chicken QSR market. The investment in Tims China is expected to intensify the brand's focus on quality restaurant development and its offerings to Chinese consumers.
These initiatives follow the recent appointment of Patrick Siewert as Senior Advisor for Asia-Pacific, underlining RBI's commitment to expansion in the region. RBI, with over $40 billion in annual system-wide sales, operates more than 30,000 restaurants worldwide across its four brands - TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES®, and FIREHOUSE SUBS®.
The press release includes forward-looking statements regarding the expected growth and success of the brands in China, which are subject to market risks and uncertainties. RBI's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulators provide further details on these risks. The information is based on a press release statement from Restaurant Brands International Inc.
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