Yum! Brands Sells Long John Silver's and A&W All-American Restaurant

Published on Monday, September 26, 2011

Written by The Editors

Key franchisee leaders to assume ownership of these quick-service restaurant chains.

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) has reached agreements to sell Long John Silver's, Inc. and A&W Restaurants, Inc. to two separate buyers led by key franchisee leaders. Both sales are subject to customary closing conditions and are expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year, according to a company press release.

A&W will be acquired by A Great American Brand LLC, led by a franchisee leader with substantial interests in international A&W restaurants and the National A&W Franchisees Association representing U.S. A&W restaurant operators. Long John Silver's will be acquired by LJS Partners LLC, led by a consortium of franchisee leaders and other investors.

"We are pleased to announce that we have identified strategic buyers who are passionate about these two great restaurant brands and committed to their growth potential," "As we continue to sharpen our long-term growth focus on international expansion and improving our U.S. brand positions in KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, Long John Silver's and A&W no longer fit our long-term growth strategy," said David C. Novak, Yum! Brands, Inc. chairman and chief executive officer in a company press release.