Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the owner of Burger King, has shortlisted Chinese private equity firms CPE and HSG as potential acquirers of a controlling stake in the fast food chain’s China business, according to a report by Bloomberg citing people familiar with the matter.
The process is part of a broader push by the group to bring in a local strategic partner to help unlock growth in China.
A buyer could be announced as soon as this month, potentially when RBI announces its earnings, but the sources caution that a deal may not materialise from the discussions.
Other firms are adopting a similar approach, with Starbucks also considering bringing in a local partner for its China business.
