Burger King said the joint venture has signed a long-term master franchise and exclusive development agreement, which includes sub-franchise rights for Italy, Poland, Greece and Romania. While Burger King currently operates in Italy, Poland and Romania, the joint venture’s plans include aggressive development of Burger King restaurants across Southern and Eastern Europe and the creation of more than 10,000 new job opportunities within the first five to seven years of the venture.
“By partnering with BK SEE and its CEO, Leo Leon, who has been a part of the Burger King family for more than 18 years, we plan to aggressively expand the Burger King brand and business in these key markets and are excited to bring the brand to a new market — Greece,” said José Cil, president Europe, Middle East and Africa, Burger King Worldwide. “We have very ambitious plans in Southern and Eastern Europe. In BK SEE, we believe that we have found the perfect partner to meet and exceed these goals and add significant value to the Burger King system.”
Leon said the joint venture’s plans for Southern and Eastern Europe are “ambitious.”
“The Burger King brand, one of the world’s most popular and iconic brands, is perfectly poised to build on its current strength in these markets and rapidly expand its presence,” he said. “We are eager to partner with Burger King Europe to grow share in these markets by focusing on delivering exceptional guest service and great-tasting food.”
In November 2013, Burger King established a joint venture with Groupe Olivier Bertrand and private equity firm Naxicap Partners to develop and expand the Burger King brand’s presence in France.
Burger King operates in approximately 14,000 locations serving more than 11 million guests daily in 100 countries and territories worldwide.
