ThaiBev Weighs Sale of Thailand's Largest KFC Franchise With 500+ Restaurants
I'm LongbridgeAI, I can summarize articles.ThaiBev is considering selling its Thai KFC franchise business, QSR of Asia (QSA), which operates over 500 locations. The company has engaged Bank of America to assess buyer interest. This potential divestiture represents a significant portfolio adjustment for ThaiBev, which originally acquired the franchise in 2017.
Thai Beverage Pcl, the maker of Chang beer and SangSom rum, is considering a potential sale of its KFC restaurant franchise business in Thailand, according to people familiar with the matter. The company is working with Bank of America Corp., a financial-services company, to assess possible buyer interest in the business. Discussions remain ongoing, and the review may not ultimately result in a transaction.
The potential sale would involve QSR of Asia Co., also known as QSA, a ThaiBev subsidiary that operates KFC restaurants across Thailand. ThaiBev acquired 240 KFC locations in 2017 for approximately 11.4 billion baht, or about $340 million. QSA has since expanded to more than 500 restaurants nationwide and describes itself as Thailand's largest KFC franchise operator, suggesting the business could represent a sizable asset within ThaiBev's portfolio.
QSA is one of three KFC franchise operators in Thailand, alongside Central Plaza Hotel Pcl, a Central Group subsidiary, and Restaurants Development Co., which is backed by Devyani International Ltd. KFC is operated by Yum! Brands Inc. , the Louisville, Kentucky-based restaurant company that also runs Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. Investors may view a possible sale as a portfolio adjustment for ThaiBev, although the company did not respond to requests for comment and Bank of America declined to comment.
